“Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power” (Ephesians 3:7).

A minister is not the expert, only one who gives away what has been given to him.  In other words, the minister is one who ministers to those who receive.  In that sense, we have all been called to be minister to others in Jesus name.  We are to love our neighbor as Jesus loves them.  We are to care for others as we have been cared for.  Come then in the hope of Jesus and share as it has been shared with you.

Lord, teach me these things for which You have called me and for which You died, in order to give me the grace I need to be able to do them.  Remove the obstacles that get in the way and lift me up to do the ministry You have prepared for me.  Help me to live this out in and through You.  Help me to see things simply and live them out graciously.  Through all things, help me to become whom You are making me to be.

Lord Jesus, You know all of the things that were accomplished for our sake through the cross.  Help me now accomplish what You have planned for me through my life.  Lead me so that I may be whom You are making me to be.  Guide me so that I may do what You have planned for me to do.  Through all things, show me in Your goodness how to live out the Gospel that You have given, once, for all.  Amen.

“Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:5-6)

Humans like to think they’re special.  We are all the same.  Each of us has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.  For each one of us, Christ went to the cross so that we might have a new life and have it abundantly.  Christ died once for all.  The promise of Jesus is to reach all people.  For all people is the offer made.  That includes you and those who will of hear His promise through you.

Lord, You knew the plans You made before the foundation of the world.  You know the issues that are with each one of us and the difficulty we have in trusting You above all other things.  Lead me, Lord, to see that the “for all” means exactly that.  Help me to be led by You so that I may share with others what You have given me and make this available to all with whom I share the Good News of Christ.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that as many as would turn to You would have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of salvation You have made possible so that I would know the truth and share the truth You have revealed.  Guide me Lord now and forever so that I may always abide in You and freely share with everyone whom I meet the great news of Your salvation.  Amen.

“That by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.  By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:3-4)

What we have been given is not some cleverly devised story, but the truth that has been given through revelation.  By the revelation of God, His mysteries are revealed.  Through the Word, His mysteries are revealed.  Come then into the mystery of God which has been revealed to You, and dwell with Him now and forever.  You have been redeemed by His provision and called for His purpose.

Lord, lead me where I need to go.  Lead through my rebellion and protestations so that I may be guided in Your goodness to see that in You is all hope and the glory of eternity.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may now and always look to You, the hope of all people, in the mystery of the revelation You have made before all people, in order see the salvation You have made possible for all.

Lord Jesus, through You alone is all hope and glory.  You have come so that all who believe might have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may now and always walk humbly with You, my Lord and Master.  Teach me this day what You would have me know.  Walk me ever deeper in the mystery of the faith.  Lead me this day, my Savior, and share through me the truth of the gift of grace You have given for all, that others might believe and be saved.  Amen.

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you” (Ephesians 3:1-2)

We have been created for relationship and we live this out within community.  The difficulty of the sin of the old Adam is that we are often looking at things through the jaded eyes of just the self.  Paul was sent for the sake of the others.  You too have those whom the Lord desires that you would serve.  Will you move beyond yourself and live into the life the Lord gives you in His grace and mercy?

Lord, You have given me all I need to live in the salvation You have made possible through grace.  Guide me now to live in the purpose for which I have been created.  Lead me to see that in You alone is all hope and the eternal future You promise.  Let me begin now, living in and with You so that I may learn how to live in community and truly love my neighbor the way You love them.

Lord Jesus, there are so many things You have given us through the grace which is ours.  Help me this day to live faithfully into the truth of the salvation You have purchased for me.  Guide me to reflect on You and Your love for those around me.  Help me see that in You is all hope and glory.  Help me to share with those around me the witness of You in my life.  Guide me, Lord, in the truth of Your love.  Amen.

“In whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22).

Those who believe are being knitted together as the body of Christ.  In the mystery of the church, all the saints are a part of the body.  Each has their own part and purpose, and the Lord of all has chosen those who will be connected by His grace with Him forever.  Come and live into the invitation You have been given so that by grace and in faith You may know the riches of His provision.

Lord, teach me these things so that I may have a confidence in faith that You alone give, that through the faith You give, I am in Your salvation.  Guide me by Your grace to love my neighbor and You above all things.  Guide me to learn each day what You would have me know.  Teach me to rejoice in the privilege of abiding in You.  Now and forever, keep my eyes focused upon You.

Lord Jesus, in You is the hope for all of the ages.  You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly.  You have come to show the way and to lead the way of true life.  Let me be a part of Your congregation and a part of the building up of Your church.  Guide me in the goodness of the Father’s mercy to rejoice in each day that You give, knowing that all hope and an eternal future belong to those who believe in You.  Amen.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone” (Ephesians 2:19-20″

It may not seem like much of a difference, but moving from being of this world to joining with Christ is as far apart as one can go in this age.  No longer are you alienated from God, for you have been reconciled by grace.  Come then and in that grace, live into the life for which You have been called.  Know that in the Lord is all hope and an eternal future for which you are being prepared.

Lord, bring my attention to the important things.  Turn my eye of my heart from the ways of this world and focus them upon You.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You is all hope.  Let me not think that I am alienated from You, but know that by Your grace, reconciliation has already been accomplished.  Guide me Lord in the grace You give in order that I may live into the new life You have promised and for which I am being prepared.

Lord Jesus, You have already done all that is needed and You have united me with You.  Let me not fall back into the way of this world, but boldly move forward in the hope and life that You have given me.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth and let me always humbly walk abiding in You as You abide in me.  You are the foundation of all life and of the eternal life which is mine by grace.  May I always rejoice in this gift.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 28, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Father, thank you for Peter and all the apostles, saints, and martyrs who boldly confessed Jesus as Lord and God. Thank you for pastors and seminary professors, mentors and spiritual guides, who help us do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Inspire your Church to boldly and faithfully acclaim Jesus to the world as your only Son, and as its only Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son did not shrink from suffering and death. Grant grace to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, so that they glory in his Cross, and rejoice in his resurrection.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Teach the people of this congregation to follow Jesus in humble service and cross-bearing. Let our worship, words and lives, glorify you and build up the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give courage and joy to our college students and to all seminarians. Keep their faith strong and true. Help them dedicate their energy, creativity and talents to caring for other people and glorifying your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through your covenant with Abraham and Sarah, you blessed all nations. Grant to all people the blessings of peace, freedom, and righteousness, which apart from you cannot flourish. Direct and guide our nation, that our words and deeds may please and glorify you, the Lord of the whole earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with favor on all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence; protect them in times of danger; strengthen their loved ones; and when their task is done, bring them home swiftly and safely.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs and prayers of all who cry out to you for help, especially: {List}. Grant to them the joy of your saving help; bless all who care for them; and restore them to health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we thank you for fulfilling your promises to those who have died and are at rest in you. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Keep us calm and fearless, ever trusting your love which shines from Jesus’ Cross and lights our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Bring us, and those of every nation whom you have redeemed, to the final fulfillment of your blessing, won for us by Abraham’s glorious offspring, your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 21, 2021)

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the examples of Abraham and of your dear Son. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Thank you for the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, who kindles our faith and strengthens us in whatever trials and temptations we endure.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and strengthen your persecuted people. Shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word. Keep them steadfast in faith and gentle in spirit. Help us, in our far smaller times of trial, to go and do likewise.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and defend our youth. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity, dangerous pleasures, and anything that draws them away from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal our sin-shadowed world. Let us not be seduced by promises or agendas that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach our earthly rulers that neither they nor their people can live on the bread of this world alone; they need the living Word that proceeds from you, the Lord of all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders, and all medical and military personnel. Turn their eyes to you, their strength and their redeemer. Keep them faithful and honorable in all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, fear, or pleasure, fix our eyes on Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 17, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for being full of mercy, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you for Jesus, the remedy for our sin and brokenness. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who stirs up faith, hope, and love in our hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your persecuted servants. Cleanse them from bitterness or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse us from apathy, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and deceit. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who protect our health, safety, and freedom. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to do your will in this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by any kind of evil. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy our beloved dead. We who are ashes and dust beseech you to be merciful to us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18).

There is only One who is the Mediator and that is Christ.  He has come so that all who believe would come through Him and be reconciled to the Father.  In Him is the way, truth, and life.  Whether we are far or near, the Lord has come for as many as will follow Him.  The question for each of us to wrestle with is whether or not we are among the ones who will follow Him.  Will you?  Will you not be far off, but near, and be reconciled with the Lord in His salvation?

It is so simple to say this, but the reality of living this is the struggle of faith.  I want it to be true, but like Thomas, I have my moments of doubt.  I want to follow, but like Peter, I want to be in charge.  I have seen many things, but like Phillip, I want to see one more thing before I give up and follow.  Lord, help my unbelief so that I would no longer linger, but come to You and walk humbly with You always.

Lord Jesus, all that You have done would take many books to speak about, as John said.  Help me live the life You are giving me now by grace, through faith.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see that in You there is true hope.  You know me, Lord, and You know what I need.  Grant that I would submit to You as my Lord and Savior and live in the access You have given me by grace through faith to this new life.  Amen.