THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle B (March 28, 2021)
written by Cathy Ammlung | February 22, 2021
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH,
Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle B (March 28, 2021)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ! By your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed the whole world. Hosanna in the highest!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You were acclaimed Son of David and Son of God by the pilgrims in Jerusalem. Fill your Church with faithfulness, boldness, and compassion. Through its witness, cause many to sing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You were met by people crying “Hosanna,” – Lord, save! Grant your salvation to your followers who are persecuted for naming you as Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
You accepted the praises of the crowds who worshipped in Jerusalem. Fill this congregation with such love for you that we eagerly worship you, humbly do your will, and lovingly serve our neighbor in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You were greeted with sweet Hosannas by little children. We pray for our little ones, and for children throughout the world, that their mouths might be made perfect in praising your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. Fill the leaders of the nations with a hunger for peace, a thirst for justice, and a love for the people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to do your will and to long for the day when you return in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse. Fill all places of violence with your peace. Protect and bless those who stand in harm’s way. Bring them safely home to their loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You were greeted with joy as you entered the Holy City. Fill with joy the hearts of all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially: {List}. Turn their sorrow into joy; their suffering into health; and their cries for help into shouts of praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You open the gates of the New Jerusalem for all who die trusting in you. Thank you for receiving them into that glorious city. Bring peace and hope to all who grieve. Fill us with imperishable hope, so that we gladly follow where you lead us – until you lead us safely home.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Accept our prayers, dear Jesus, and lay them at your Father’s throne. Let all that pleases him be done, to your glory and the good of your people. Amen.
Devotion for Monday, February 22, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24).
We are created anew to live in the righteousness and holiness Christ gives in truth. Christ is truth and in Him we have life. Live this new life in Christ so that You may be made whole and become as He is. Do not conform yourself to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ. In Him is all life and in Him is the hope of the ages. This is the promise: through Christ, you will live with Him forever.
Lord, help me live into the new life which is mine by grace. Let me not live this life just for myself, for that is a lie and impossible. Bring me beyond myself so that I would hold fast to the truth of the ages; in You Christ, is my hope and life. Lord, You know all that is needed. Guide me in the way I need to go and keep me from wavering. In You is the hope and promise I need. In You is life.
Lord Jesus, You know all that I need. You know what is before me. Guide me Lord and keep me on the path You know I need to follow. In and through all things, keep me from wandering so that I may be diligent in the tasks You would have me accomplish. Lord, You know all that is needed. Let me trust in You alone and above all things. In You alone is the hope for us all. Amen.
Devotion for Sunday, February 21, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22-23)
Listen carefully to this admonition, for it is a brief summation of walking the Christian life in this age. You lay aside the old self so that you might be renewed in your mind. This then, is the struggle that we find in ourselves: we want what the flesh wants and do not want to walk in the newness of life which denies the lusts of deceit. Live in Christ and not in the fleeting desires of the flesh!
Lord, when I hear it this way, it is so simple. I know the struggle, for I am in that struggle daily. Guide me, O Lord, to see the deceit as it comes and help me to not give in. Guide me to humbly walk with You, my Lord and God, and to live in newness of life. Help me now and always to become what You would have me be and live the new life You have given me through grace.
Lord Jesus, You have come to set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Daily I struggle not to earn life – for that is a gift You alone can give – but to keep it from being taken back down into the pit. Let me see these things clearly so that I may walk in the newness of life which is mine through You. Help me to humbly accept the path that is before me and walk as You would have me walk. Amen.
Devotion for Saturday, February 20, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:20-21)
We do not come to Christ, nor live the Christ-life through the hedonism of this age. It is not about how we feel, but about the One who has given His life for us in order that we may have eternal life in Him. Do not turn the gift into a curse by mocking it or making of it something that it is not. Be led by Jesus and come into His grace and mercy. Jesus is the truth and in Him is all life.
Lord, let me see clearly the truth of Jesus and the life He gives. Let me hear clearly Your Word on these matters so that I would never be led astray by the lies of this age. Guide me in all truth. Your Word is truth. Lead me into the life You offer so that I may now and always be guided by You. May I live into the new life You give through grace and be transformed by You, the author of all life.
Lord Jesus, You have come to infuse in me Your life. Through You I have life and being. Guide me, O Lord, so that I may now and always abide in You and You in me. Keep me from the wiles of the wicked one and help me stay on the narrow path which You have set before me. Through You, Lord, I do have hope and a future. Keep me for the future You have given me through grace. Amen.
Devotion for Friday, February 19, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“And they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness” (Ephesians 4:19).
The deeds of the sinful flesh are evident. In this world there is the propensity of living for yourself. Many walk this road. This is the reality: God has created you for a purpose beyond yourself. This is the road set before you. Will you walk the road less traveled? Do not be greedy for the life of this world. Life is already yours. Walk humbly with your Maker and in Him live true life.
Lord, what is before me is easy to see. There are many around me who eat, drink, and make merry. Guide me, O Lord, to live this life which You have given me and help me to not be carried away by this world. Help me Lord so that I may not wander from the road You have set before me. Teach me, Lord, and I will learn. O God, may I not live with what the world offers, but in You, find the length, breadth and depth of true life.
Lord Jesus, You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly. Guide me this day, O Lord, to see the new life You have placed before me. May I know its worth and value and be led by You to live the new life. In and through all things, renew my mind and guide my feet so that I may always remain in the light of Your countenance and be guided by Your Spirit through all things. Amen.
Devotion for Thursday, February 18, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18)
Are you tired of political wrangling? You should be. Are you tired of the advertising, yelling at you and the world to “Buy, buy, buy?” Good. Do not be led by the world, but by the renewing of your mind. The world is insane because they keep trying different things, which are really the same things, thinking they will bring happiness. Only the Lord can satisfy what the Lord put into our hearts to satisfy the desires which are in them. Seek first the Lord and then all other things will take their place.
Lord, this world would keep us in ignorance, but You have come that we may walk in the light of truth. Open my eyes to see what is true and to see what is false. Let me not be carried away by the pressures of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind in the truth of the grace You have delivered, once for all. Keep the light in my mind, heart, and soul alive now and always.
Lord Jesus, You are the light shining in the darkness and as many as see the light receive the power to become children of God. I have seen the light. Keep me from ever turning from the light. Keep me in You now and always so that I would humbly abide in You and You in me. Guide me in Your goodness to live into this life which You have given me so that I would grow in Your likeness. Amen.
Devotion for Wednesday, February 17, 2021
written by Jeffray Greene | February 22, 2021
“[Christ] from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
We were created for Christ’s sake, just as He also died for the sake of all of us. In Him is life and those who come through Him and in Him are given a new life. Come then and be led by the One who knows You; He is the One through whom you have your being. Live into the new life He gives through faith and be redeemed, restored, and made new by His wonderful grace.
Lord, too often I treat my faith as an add-on to my life. You are the core, the center, and the purpose. Let me not be carried away by the things of this world such that I do not see, nor understand that in You alone is all hope. Guide me to live into the new life You give and grow in Your likeness. Let me not make you one of many things, but love You above all things, as I know is right and fitting.
Lord Jesus, You demonstrated Your love for us in that while we were yet sinners, You died for the ungodly. Help me now and always Lord, to see through the fog of this age so that I might live for You in the hope of salvation. Guide me today, Lord, to do those things which back up what I know needs to be done and then add to it those things which I do not yet know which need to be done. Lead me, Lord, in the way of salvation. Amen.
Not OK and a New Low
written by Dennis Nelson | February 22, 2021
“I DID NOT HEAR ANYONE NEAR ME PRAYING THAT VERSION OF THE PRAYER”
I remember after the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which provided for the possibility of the ordination of persons who are in (PALMS) publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same sex relationships. There were several people who had already been ordained as Lutheran pastors, but outside of approved ELCA procedures. The question was raised, How do these people now come onto the ELCA roster?
It was felt that they should not be ordained, since they had already been ordained – though not through established and approved ELCA procedures. Instead there was a service of welcome. Several ELCA bishops participated in that service, including the bishop of the synod in which I was rostered at the time.
As part of the service – at the time when we would normally pray the Lord’s Prayer – there were seven different prayers offered (you could take your pick!), including a prayer to the goddess Sophia. This prayer was provided by Ebenezer HerChurch, a radically feminist ELCA congregation in San Francisco.
I had read that the ELCA Conference of Bishops had had a discussion of the service as part of their next meeting. At a subsequent gathering at which my bishop was present, I asked him about the discussion. I asked him how did the bishops feel and what did the bishops have to say about the service – including the prayer to the goddess Sophia. His response was the same minimize-the-whole-thing kind of response that I have received countless times from ELCA bishops ever since. He said, “I did not hear anyone near me praying that version of the prayer.”
I would like to thank the friend of Lutheran CORE who has written a side-by-side, phrase-by-phrase comparison of every phrase in the Lord’s Prayer as used by Ebenezer HerChurch with the version of the Lord’s Prayer as translated by the English Language Liturgical Consultation. Here is a link to that comparison.
Here is a link to the website of Ebenezer HerChurch, a congregation in the Bay Area that is in good standing with the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA.
Reading that comparison, learning more about that congregation, and seeing what the ELCA will allow, how could you possibly say something like the following? “It is OK because it does not affect me.” “It is OK because I did not hear anyone near me praying that version of the prayer.”
* * * * * * *
A NEW LOW
In the July 2018 issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice, we told you about the agenda that the ELCA was relentlessly pushing at the triennial youth gathering. One of the keynote speakers was a transgender activist and her pre-adolescent transgender child. Another one was a highly celebrated ELCA pastor, who led 31,000 young people in a chant rejecting traditional views of human sexuality as a lie.
What kind of workshops on human sexuality do you think were provided for the adults who work with our young people at the annual ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, which was held online and at host sites earlier this month?
I need to warn you, some of this material is very explicit and deeply offensive.
Here are videos that were used to promote three workshops on sexuality that were offered at the ELCA Extravaganza.
If you want or need further evidence of the kind of perspective that the ELCA is pushing and promoting to those who work with youth, here are links to two sections of the website of the presenter at the first workshop.
What can we say? All three presenters are LGBTQ+ affirming. All three presenters leave the LGBTQ+ affirming position as the only option for faithful advocacy, caring about and for LGBTQ+ youth, and providing “safe space” for them. There is no support at all for a traditional position and/or for youth workers who hold and want to teach a traditional position. There is not even a mention of an alternative that would affirm the value of LGBTQ+ persons while also helping and equipping them to live faithfully. There is no concern at all to provide support and a “safe space” for youth workers and youth who hold to traditional views.
The ELCA has reached a new low. Once again, how can the ELCA claim to be inclusive? How can the ELCA claim to want diversity? How can the ELCA claim to have any moral integrity when it so blatantly violates the commitments that were made at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to also honor and give a place to traditional views and those who hold them?
There are three things I would like to talk about in this letter. The first one is something I would highly recommend. The other two are matters of great concern.
VIDEO BOOK REVIEWS AND ONLINE SEMINAR
I hope you have checked out the video book reviews, which have been posted on our You Tube channel. Here is a link to the four that have already been posted.
Our intent is to post a new video review during the first week of every month. Many thanks to the people – so far all Lutheran pastors – who are making the reviews.
The most recent one is a review of the book, Recovering the Way: How Ancient Discoveries Help Us Follow Jesus Today, by the author, LCMC pastor Bob Rognlien. In addition to his other work, Bob leads Footsteps of Jesus and Footsteps of Paul pilgrimages. In the fall of 2016 I had the privilege to join him on a two-week journey to Turkey and Greece to follow in the footsteps of the apostle. With his extensive knowledge of the Bible, history, and archaeology, he makes the Scriptures come alive.
I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel five times. The first time was in 1980 when I was thirty-two years old and I went with a friend. Two young males are able to experience a country in a way that no one else can. We did extensive hitchhiking in the West Bank (something I would neither do nor recommend today). Israel was in the process of giving the Sinai peninsula back to Egypt thirteen years after the Six Day War. The overland route between Tel Aviv and Cairo was opened on June 1. We took it on June 2. Along the way we traveled through the Gaza Strip (again something I would neither do nor recommend today). After re-visiting the land in 1982, in 1990 and 1993 I studied at the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem (now called Jerusalem University College). In 1995 I took a group with a professional tour company.
How much I wish I could go one more time. If I were able to go one more time, I would sign up for one of Bob Rognlien’s Footsteps of Jesus pilgrimages. But at the age of seventy-three I would no longer be able to keep up. I would no longer be able to hike the trails and climb the steps at the various sites.
The next best thing – in addition to reading Recovering the Way – would be to attend one of the weekend, in person seminars that Bob has been offering. But even that is not currently available because of COVID.
So Bob has converted his weekend seminar into an online format. I participated last fall and found it to be outstanding. Bob has scheduled another online Footsteps of Jesus Weekend Experience for Friday-Sunday, March 5-7. I highly recommend it. Bob writes –
“Come and join us on a virtual pilgrimage as we follow the life of Jesus and gain insights into what it means to follow him by exploring the history, archaeology, and culture of the places where he carried out his mission! We will gather online via Zoom and Bob will be using hundreds of photos, illustrations, and maps to illuminate the life of Jesus and what he means for our lives today. There will be lots of opportunities for Q&A and personal reflection as well. Register as soon as possible to take advantage of the Early Bird Discounts: https://fojwkndexp03-05-21.eventbrite.com.”
* * * * * * *
“I DID NOT HEAR ANYONE NEAR ME PRAYING THAT VERSION OF THE PRAYER”
I remember after the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which provided for the possibility of the ordination of persons who are in (PALMS) publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same sex relationships. There were several people who had already been ordained as Lutheran pastors, but outside of approved ELCA procedures. The question was raised, How do these people now come onto the ELCA roster?
It was felt that they should not be ordained, since they had already been ordained – though not through established and approved ELCA procedures. Instead there was a service of welcome. Several ELCA bishops participated in that service, including the bishop of the synod in which I was rostered at the time.
As part of the service – at the time when we would normally pray the Lord’s Prayer – there were seven different prayers offered (you could take your pick!), including a prayer to the goddess Sophia. This prayer was provided by Ebenezer HerChurch, a radically feminist ELCA congregation in San Francisco.
I had read that the ELCA Conference of Bishops had had a discussion of the service as part of their next meeting. At a subsequent gathering at which my bishop was present, I asked him about the discussion. I asked him how did the bishops feel and what did the bishops have to say about the service – including the prayer to the goddess Sophia. His response was the same minimize-the-whole-thing kind of response that I have received countless times from ELCA bishops ever since. He said, “I did not hear anyone near me praying that version of the prayer.”
I would like to thank the friend of Lutheran CORE who has written a side-by-side, phrase-by-phrase comparison of every phrase in the Lord’s Prayer as used by Ebenezer HerChurch with the version of the Lord’s Prayer as translated by the English Language Liturgical Consultation. Here is a link to that comparison.
Here is a link to the website of Ebenezer HerChurch, a congregation in the Bay Area that is in good standing with the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA.
Reading that comparison, learning more about that congregation, and seeing what the ELCA will allow, how could you possibly say something like the following? “It is OK because it does not affect me.” “It is OK because I did not hear anyone near me praying that version of the prayer.”
* * * * * * *
A NEW LOW
In the July 2018 issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice, we told you about the agenda that the ELCA was relentlessly pushing at the triennial youth gathering. One of the keynote speakers was a transgender activist and her pre-adolescent transgender child. Another one was a highly celebrated ELCA pastor, who led 31,000 young people in a chant rejecting traditional views of human sexuality as a lie.
What kind of workshops on human sexuality do you think were provided for the adults who work with our young people at the annual ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, which was held online and at host sites earlier this month?
I need to warn you, some of this material is very explicit and deeply offensive.
Here are videos that were used to promote three workshops on sexuality that were offered at the ELCA Extravaganza.
If you want or need further evidence of the kind of perspective that the ELCA is pushing and promoting to those who work with youth, here are links to two sections of the website of the presenter at the first workshop.
What can we say? All three presenters are LGBTQ+ affirming. All three presenters leave the LGBTQ+ affirming position as the only option for faithful advocacy, caring about and for LGBTQ+ youth, and providing “safe space” for them. There is no support at all for a traditional position and/or for youth workers who hold and want to teach a traditional position. There is not even a mention of an alternative that would affirm the value of LGBTQ+ persons while also helping and equipping them to live faithfully. There is no concern at all to provide support and a “safe space” for youth workers and youth who hold to traditional views.
The ELCA has reached a new low. Once again, how can the ELCA claim to be inclusive? How can the ELCA claim to want diversity? How can the ELCA claim to have any moral integrity when it so blatantly violates the commitments that were made at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to also honor and give a place to traditional views and those who hold them?
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
Maturity is possible, but many are they who chose the path of flowing with the stream. One must think, reason, and be willing to study in order to live the life Christ gives us. You study those things which help you for what is important to you. You learn based upon what drives you from your heart. Are not the things of the Lord more precious than all other things? He is the One who created all things. Do not be tossed about by created things.
Lord, I am tossed about by the whims of this world. Help me to see through this so that I may live in You and You in me. Guide me according to Your goodness so that I might become a rock settled on You, the Rock of my salvation. Let me know where I need to go and the things I need to do so that I may live into the promise of this life of faith. Help me now and always to abide in You alone.
Lord Jesus, You have breathed in me Your Holy Spirit. Lead me today according to the Father’s will to see through the confusion of this age so that I may be led by Your Spirit to do what is good, right and salutary. Let me no longer trust in anything above You and the Word You have given me. Grow me up in You so that I may bear the light of Your presence in all I say, do, and think. Guide me in the way You know I need to go. Amen.
