“I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts” (Ephesians 6:22).

The Lord sends those who will instruct you and comfort you in His ways.  Do you listen to them?  So often, we are busy and distracted and do not listen to what the Lord would have us hear.  Repent of your closed ears and be willing to listen as the Lord speaks to you each day.  Be willing to receive what the Lord gives you, knowing that in Him is all hope and eternity.  Listen to the words of everlasting life.

Lord, I live in a world that is filled with noise.  So many have opinions about this, that, and the other thing.  Guide me, Lord, to live into the faith You have given me.  Help me see that only in You is there true hope.  Open my ears to hear and my eyes to see so that I would understand more fully this gift of new life You have given and the promise of eternal life that You have made.  Help me listen to You today!

Lord Jesus, You have the words of everlasting life.  To whom else can we go?  Yet I am distracted all day long and do not listen as You speak.  Kill the old Adam and raise the new person You spoke into being so that I may put into practice those things which lead into the life You give through faith.  Let me receive and give comfort in and through You and the way of grace You give.  Amen.

“But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you” (Ephesians 6:21).

We share with one another as we are able.  The Lord has shared what we need to know.  We have not yet received everything, but this we know: He who created us has also made possible our redemption.  The redeemed are seeking truth.  You have the words of eternal life.  Let us come then and be encouraged by those whom the Lord sends.  Listen and learn.  Know that in the Lord You will become whom He is making you to be.  He who created you has great plans to prosper you and keep you from evil.

Lord, You must be Lord and I must submit.  I am often struggling with this because although I know You are Lord, I always seem to want to inject my opinion in almost every matter.  Help me to learn how to sit back and listen.  Help me learn how to take directions.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of true life so that I may walk according to Your guidance and not according to my self-directed way of living.

Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me and prepare me to go out.  Let me not be concerned with myself; but help me to lose myself in You.  Through all things, strengthen me in this faith that You have given me and continue to conform me to the image of Christ.  Lead me, O Lord, and teach me to follow.  You have already given me all that I need.  Help me see and put these things together so that I may become complete as You are complete.  Amen.

“And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).

We all need encouragement.  Do not look to another as your model of the godly life, but to Christ who is the author and finisher of your faith.  Do not be guided by those who might conform you to this world, but to the One who will conform you to Himself so that you might be presented without spot or blemish to the Father as one who has overcome through the grace you have been given.

Lord, the mystery is great, yet I see it every day.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth so that I may now and always be guided by you. Help me this day to see more clearly, to love and follow you more nearly, as You lead me in the way I need to go.  Help me to look beyond myself and be an encouragement to others as You have encouraged me.  Lead me Lord where You will.

Lord Jesus, You came not to be served, but to serve.  You are Lord, but You do not lord it over others.  By Your example, help me to be an encouragement to others so that I may be bold in this faith You have given me, knowing that only in You is there hope and a future.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life and I will follow You all the days of this life into life eternal.  Give me boldness to always speak truth with kindness.  Amen.

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18)

Jesus taught us to pray without ceasing.  Pray in the spirit and know that the Holy Spirit walks with You.  Do not lean on your own understanding, but upon the Word which has been spoken to you and dwells within you.  Be guided every day by the simple truth that you are battling against the wiles of the wicked one.  Know that he has already been overcome by your Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lord, I hear these things and know them, but I do not practice them as I ought.  Grant that I would become a person who continuously prays and leans upon You for all understanding.  Guide me ever deeper into the faith through Your Spirit.  Keep me connected with Your saints so that I may be encouraged in the daily battle which is ours in this age of rebellion and sin.  Keep me close to You.

Thank You Jesus for paying the price I cannot afford to accomplish the tasks I could never do apart from You.  Lead me ever deeper into the mystery of the salvation You have given me so that I may grow to be like You.  Help me now and always to look to You, listen to the Holy Spirit, and be constantly focused upon the Father’s will.  Lead me today, Jesus, in the truth You have revealed.  Amen.

4^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 25, 2021)

Acts 4:1-12 (Upon healing the lame man, Peter says: “there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”)

           ELW: Acts 4:5-12

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd)

1 John 3:16-24 (Believe in the name of Jesus, and love one another)

John 10:11-18 (The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. There will be one  flock, one shepherd)

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 THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd! Lovely pictures show you leading and carrying spotless sheep through grassy meadows, not a speck of dirt on you. But we know real life is messy, dirty, and stony. Thank you for bearing us – and bearing with us – through all of that. Thank you for leading us safely to your Father’s house.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Good Shepherd, defend the Church from peril. Provide for its needs. Lead it in paths of righteousness and holiness. Through its ministry, lead many to hear your voice and follow you. Bless pastors and bishops, and make them faithful sheepdogs for your flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Faithful Shepherd, defend and strengthen your people when they are set upon by wolves and persecutors. Make them so lovely with faith that their enemies repent of their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Dear Shepherd of this congregation, lead us with your Word. Prepare our table with your Body and Blood. Teach us to do your will with glad and faithful hearts. Use us to lead many into your safe keeping.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Wise Shepherd, raise up under-shepherds to teach and guide your people. Call those with a zeal for truth and knowledge into the classrooms of seminaries, colleges, and church-related schools. Call those with a heart for tending your flock into parish and campus ministry. Call those who are bold to witness to the faith into evangelization and mission among those who have not yet heard or heeded your voice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Gate of your sheep, protect all people from false shepherds, especially rulers who care nothing for their welfare. Bring peace in places of violence; rich pasture in places of poverty; and true righteousness in places of injustice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Rod and Staff of your people, bless those who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Guard, guide, and strengthen them. Prosper all their works that make for peace, health, and justice. Bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Light and Path through death’s dark valley, be the strong guide and sure comfort of all who walk therein, especially: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life. Keep them steadfast in faith. Strengthen and bless all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing safely home all those who listened to your voice in this earthly life. Keep us close to your side. Lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed, and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

3^rd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 18, 2021)

Acts 3:11-21 (Peter preaches: “you acted in ignorance; repent, believe in Jesus, be forgiven”)

            ELW: Acts 3:12-19)

Psalm 4 (The Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; in him, we may lie down in safety)

1 John 3:1-7 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we will see  him face to face)

Luke 24:36-49 (Risen Jesus appears to disciples; opens their minds to understand Scriptures)

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 THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, we can scarcely imagine seeing you face to face. It’s even harder to imagine looking at each other, and seeing you – perfectly reflected in everyone’s face! Thank you for that promise. Give us grace, when it’s hard to see you in ourselves and each other, to cling to that promise, and to catch a glimpse of your love shining through.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make you Church in your image. In its words, let unbelievers hear your challenge, forgiveness, and invitation. In its deeds, let them see your love. In its worship, let them see your beauty. In its cross-bearing, let them see your life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted sisters and brothers the grace to speak St. Peter’s words to their tormentors: “You act in ignorance; repent, believe in him; and be forgiven.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation bold to proclaim you as our risen Lord. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect your holiness and love to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to our children your dearest blessings. Teach them to trust you with all their heart, and to find happiness in sharing your love with their friends and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver all people from the powers of sin, evil, and death. Raise up leaders who seek to do your Father’s will. Especially we pray for our elected and appointed leaders, and for the welfare of this country. Establish your people in righteousness, liberty, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with kindness upon all who tend the land and feed the nations with the fruits of their labor. Make them wise and faithful stewards of your bounty. Grant sun and rain in due measure, and preserve your good land from blight, drought, flood, wind, and fire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of all whose needs of body, soul and mind are great. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Change their suffering into patient endurance, and their sorrow into enduring hope.  Transform shame, guilt, and despair into hope-filled repentance, and the power of death into living joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for fulfilling all your promises to those who died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn. Walk with us throughout our life’s journey. Transform us into your blest likeness. On that great day when we see you face to face, let us with perfect clarity see you also in the faces of all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

2^nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 11, 2021)

Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)

Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)

            ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)

1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is our advocate when we confess our sins)

 John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)

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THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you for being so patient with your followers. Thank you for breathing your Spirit and your peace upon us. Thank you for giving us your own work of forgiving the sins of all who are humble enough to seek forgiveness and grace. Give us the faith, hope, and charity to believe, worship, and obey you always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, so that it may never doubt your Resurrection, but always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers, so that their faith in you is unwavering and their witness to you is both gracious and bold.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come with your forgiveness, grace, and peace to the people of this congregation. Make us hunger for your Word and thirst for your goodness. Give us a vision of your love for each of us. Help us to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon skeptics, doubters, and all whose confidence in your grace has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them gently into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands. Transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations, and all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world. Let repentant faith and deeds of mercy bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The other disciples sought out Thomas when he was grieving and in despair. Teach us to be your disciples, seeking out and walking with others even when they despair of your love. Give us grace to be gentle, winsome, patient, yet persistent as we invite them to taste and see your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering to body, mind or soul. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death, and you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence. Grant that all whom you have redeemed may see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)

You have been saved by grace through faith, and you know this because of the Word which has been spoken to you.  When Jesus resisted the temptation of the devil, it was the Word He spoke to counter the lies of the wicked one: “It is written…”.  The Word is a two-edged sword and will never come back void.  Wear your salvation, carry the Word with you wherever you go and know the Lord is with you.

Lord, I hear these things, but I do not do them as I ought.  Lead me, O Lord, not only to be one who hears, but also one who heeds what I hear from You.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may walk humbly in Your presence, knowing the truth and living it.  You have saved me.  You have given me all that I need.  You are the One who empowers me to become Your child.  Help me live this.

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made flesh and through You and about You are all things.  Guide me ever deeper into the truth You have revealed once for all.  Your payment on the cross is the redemption we need in order to become what You are making of us.  Help me to dwell deeply in Your Word, for Your Word is truth.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth so that I would now and always abide in You and You in me.  Amen.

“In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

My faith looks up to Thee, O Savior, who died for me on Calvary.  Lead me in this faith to trust no one else but You and those who speak of Your redeeming love.  Guide me, Lord, such that I would not be wounded by all the false ideas that are around me.  Help me see the light of truth which You have brought into the world.  Lead me, Lord, and I will follow where You lead.

Equip me, Lord, to fight the good fight of faith in this world which has little faith.  Help me to trust in You above all things and to avoid displacing You from that spot in my life which desires to be number one.  Guide me along the right path so that I would see the battle and not fall for the tempters’ constant attacks.  Lead me in the way of truth.  You are truth; lead me into You!

Lord Jesus, You have fought the fight we cannot fight.  You have won the battle we could not win.  You have prepared the way so that all who follow You are equipped to move forward.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I would forever hold fast to the truth of Your love and live in the way You have established.  Help me now and always to see that You alone can lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.