“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).

Not obtain, but attain.  What is the difference?  We shall all be raised in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last day.  But not all shall be raised with Christ in a resurrection like His.  Those who have loved the Lord will receive in themselves the resurrection like Christ and the others will be raised for condemnation.   The Lord is at work.  Is He at work in you?

Lord, help me to pay attention to the little things so that I may be guided by Your Word and walk according to Your will.  Lead me, O Lord, in order that I may attain the resurrection You have prepared for me in Christ.  Help me not waver as many in this world do, but to walk boldly in the truth of Your presence and purpose.  Help me Lord through the difficulties of this age so that I may always stand firm in the faith You give.

Lord Jesus, You are the way and there is no other way beside You.  You have been glorified through Your death and resurrection and have invited us to join You.  Help me today to be raised up for good works so that I may do what is pleasing in the Father’s eyes.  Help me now and always to humbly walk behind You and in Your example.  Grant all that I need for this day is to do Your will.  Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 8 (June 27, 2021)

Lamentations 3:22-33 (God’s steadfast love & compassion never cease)

Psalm 30 (I cried to you for help; you healed me; what profit if I go into the Pit?)

2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15 (Be generous in giving to needs of the saints)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (Omits example of Macedonians)

Mark 5:21-43 (A girl restored to life; a woman with flow of blood healed)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the compassion and healing you give us in Jesus! Thank you for your grace, mercy, and steadfast love! Give us the wit and wisdom to share these wonderful gifts with others, especially those who need them the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have compassion on your Church. Heal it from false teaching, unkind acts, and unfaithful witness. Raise it up from sloth and sin. Provide for its needs so it may generously share your grace with others. Make it lovely in righteousness, to draw many people to the Beautiful Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to your persecuted Church, so that they may never despair of your goodness but rather give thanks to you forever for your great mercy. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with gentleness, generosity, and compassion. Help us reflect Jesus’ goodness to everyone we meet. Let our church becomes a haven of grace to everyone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

At last, it’s summer! At last, we’re less afraid to travel and enjoy your beautiful world in the company of those we love. Thank you, Lord! Keep us safe, make us joyful, and grant us peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is so much hatred, violence, injustice, and selfishness in our world, dear Lord. Heal the fever of unrighteous lust for power and retribution. Bestow wisdom, prudence, and goodness on all earthly rulers, especially in our own land. Inflame them only with the earnest desire to love justice, seek mercy, and walk humbly before you, their Lord and King.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe all who wear the sackcloth of suffering with the clean linen of your salvation and joy. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they constantly turn to you for help. Grant to all who love and care for them, such tenderness and skill that suffering and loneliness are eased, and hope and faith are strengthened among us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no profit if we go down to the pit; nor shall dust praise your faithfulness. So we praise you for your Son’s triumph over sin and death. We bless you for the eternal life you bestow for his sake. Give us the full measure of your Spirit. Help us to trust you when we are surrounded by our ancient enemies. Equip us to encourage one another along our common pilgrimage. Make us cling to Jesus until he unbars the gates of your Kingdom, and you welcome us home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4th Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 7, Father’s Day (June 20, 2021)

Job 38:1-11 (God answers Job from whirlwind)

Psalm 124 (If the Lord had not been our own side, the flood would have taken us)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 (God delivered those in peril on sea; praise him!)

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (Now is the acceptable time: accept God’s grace! Paul’s suffering)

Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus stills the storm)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Eternal Father, you are indeed strong to save! Give us faith to cling to your dear Son in every danger that threatens to undo us. We bless and adore you for your strong, saving love!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Still the storms of division, heresy, and ambition among your people. Make your Church an ark of safety against floodwaters of sin and suffering. Make it a rock against which faithless words and evil deeds are dashed. Let many find a refuge there, and turn to you, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Job, your persecuted servants long to know their suffering has meaning, their faithfulness is precious, and their Redeemer lives. Deliver them from evil. Reveal your mighty arm and never-failing love. And cause their tormentors to repent and believe in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Speak your word of peace among the people of this congregation. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, and persistent in prayer. Make us tireless in loving service to all are overwhelmed by waves of suffering, sorrow, or shame.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In you, all good and faithful fatherhood finds its source, guide, and fulfillment. Bless all fathers, and all who act with a father’s love. Fill them with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Grant that in their care, all children find protection, guidance, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state, and community. Teach them to prize integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son chided his disciples for their little faith, yet he saved them from the storm. He sent them into a storm-tossed world, to share the Gospel of salvation and life in him. Bless everyone, even those of little faith, who strive to share the Lord Jesus with another shipwrecked soul! Lead them to safe harbor in your embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are overwhelmed by waves of suffering and sorrow; who have been shipwrecked by abuse, abandonment, or injustice; who have been cast adrift in pathless seas of confusion, delusion, or doubt; and who cry out, fearing that you neither hear or care that they are perishing. Extend your mighty hand and outstretched arm and deliver them. This day we name: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for delivering all who died trusting in you. Give us ears to hear Jesus’ words, “Peace; be still” when all we hear are the wind and waves of turmoil and fear. By his merits, bring us into your Kingdom, where with you and with all whom you have redeemed, we may dwell in joyful and blessed peace forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

“And may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:9)

The law kills.  The law is meant to kill.  You cannot uphold the law, so do not go down the false trail of thinking that what you do gains merit.  Die to self.  Die with Christ that you may resurrected with Him.  Come into the new life that is in Christ alone.  Know that in Christ alone is the only hope for any throughout this age and forever.  Live in the righteousness that God alone gives.

Lord, I get caught up in the meritorious mechanization of this age.  “Do this and all will be well.”  But I fail and I know I fail.  Help me turn to You and be saved as I need to be saved.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth so that I may now and forever be guided by You.  You give the righteousness that is true righteousness and without You there cannot be any hope.  With You is all hope.

Lord Jesus, You give those who follow You Your righteousness.  Help me to not veer away from the righteousness You give, but to walk always in the way of life that You have given me by grace.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth shrouded in Your righteousness that I may live into the eternal life You have won for me through the cross.  Guide me this day and every day, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8)

What are your priorities?  Is the only-begotten Son of God Lord of your life?  Many play the game, but few live understanding that this world is fleeting and temporary.  This is why Jesus told us that it does no good to gain the whole world if you are going to lose your soul.  The Lord is often telling us to look inwardly, asking us where our priorities are.  So, would you be willing to say all is rubbish that you may know Christ?

Lord, where I do not have this attitude, change it.  Where my priorities are not where they should be, change them.  Through all things guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I may have the right priorities and live into the life You have given me through grace.  Guide me today and every day into the life You have given me to live in order that I may be guided by You now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You are the way, truth, and life.  There is no life apart from You.  Guide me today in the way of everlasting life so that I may live into the priority of having no other God before Holy Trinity.  Lord, You know what stands in the way.  Remove these things.  You know what I need in order to be encouraged.  Bring these things into my life.  You are Lord of all.  Let me understand that You are my Lord.  Amen.

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

The First Commandment tells us to fear, trust, and love the Lord above all things.  Are you doing this?  Or, at least, is this the desire of your heart?  What is it that is more important than obeying the Lord?  You know the answer: nothing.  Why then do you cling to those things which get in the way of your relationship with the Lord?  Why not live into the hope and promise which is yours in Jesus?

Lord, take my heart.  Do not just guide it, but take it and move it where it needs to go.  Let nothing get in the way of all that needs to happen in me.  In You alone is all hope and the only future worth living.  You have given me life.  Help me, Lord so that I may live into the life You have given me.  Lead me now and always in this upward call to follow You above all things.

Lord Jesus, You know where I am and those false things to which I cling.  Remove them from me so that, like Paul, I can say that there is nothing I would not give up to be with You.  Today, help me do those things which are right in the Father’s sight.  Lead me in the narrow way You have set before me so that I would count no cost but Your cost for my salvation.  In You alone do I have hope, Lord!  Amen.

“Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).

What good does it do to gain all the credentials which we gain in this world?  What do they accomplish?  Is God impressed?  Is that even what the Lord wants?  How we strive in vain when we do not understand the elemental things.  The Lord is calling us to come with Him so that we may become like Jesus.  Come and become, that is what we are to do.  No one is qualified, but all are welcome. And God helps us in our weakness.

What then shall we say to these things?  Are we to let them go because they are of no importance?  No, we are to live the life given us, but never with an attitude of the pride that has fueled the rebellion against the Lord.  We are whom we are but not whom we are to become.  Do what the Lord gives you to do and be content with the life He has given You.  He who created you knows all that is needed.

Lord Jesus, You did not come to this world and gather around you credentials.  You came humbly.  You who are the One through whom all things have their being did not demand attention.  You humbly served us all.  Help me to live by Your example so that I may be guided by You now and forever.  Help me to not trust in the accolades of men, but in Your salvation alone.  Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3rd Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 6 (June 13, 2021)

Ezekiel 17:22-24 (God plants cedar sprig on mountain of Israel; all may find shelter)

Psalm 1 (Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s Law day and night)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (Praise God always; righteous flourish like palm trees)

2 Corinthians 5:1-11 (We will be further clothed, in eternal life)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 5:6-13 (Walk by faith, not sight; all must appear before judgment seat;

all done in Christ for others, not self)

Mark 4:26-34 (Parable of growing seed & mustard seed)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Lord, for making your Kingdom begin so humbly in our midst! Thank you for making it a place of welcome and shelter for all, even for nesting birds. Thank you for not overwhelming us with your glory and power. Make our faith and love grow like cedar sprigs and mustard seeds, to your glory and for the good of our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with the beauty, holiness, and righteousness of Christ. Make it a lovely dwelling-place for all people. Grant that its words and deeds may bear the fruit which you desire, and which last unto eternity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the plight of Christians around the world who are persecuted for your Name’s sake. Let their suffering yield a rich harvest of faith, love, and forgiveness. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant this congregation firmly in Christ, our living water. May we abide in his love, share his forgiveness, teach his commandments, and share in his righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our graduates with wisdom and uprightness of heart. Fulfil in them the Psalmist’s words, and make them like trees planted beside streams of living water.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach our earthly rulers to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly; nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Teach them to delight on your Law; to meditate on it day and night; and to establish it as the source of justice, truth, and well-being among all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who defend life, liberty, and justice. Teach them your commandments. Fill their minds with wisdom, their hearts with integrity, and their arms with courage and strength.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to all who suffer the refreshing waters of your compassion and healing. Make them dwell in the safety of your care even in the midst of all that troubles them. Especially we remember before you: {List}.  Help us to speak words of encouragement and offer deeds of kindness to them. Bring us, with them, into the unending joy of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for gathering into the spacious branches of your heavenly Kingdom all the redeemed who have gone before us, especially those we love and miss the most. Grant that we may always find refreshment in your Word, blessing in your Sacraments, guidance in your Spirit, and forgiveness in your Son, so that, with all your people, we may be gathered into the welcoming shelter of your embrace and may abide there in joy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 2^nd Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 5 (June 6, 2021)

Genesis 3:8-15 (The consequences of the Fall)

Psalm 130 (Out of the depths…)

2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (Outer nature wastes away, but prepares for weight of glory)

Mark 3:20-35 (How can Satan cast out Satan; who is my mother, brother, sister?)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for having mercy on us, even when we rebel against you. Thank you for sending us your dear Son, to free us from the devil’s tyranny. Thank you for preparing us to bear the weight of your glory in our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and renew your Church. Strengthen all who are baptized to do your will, speak your word, care for your people, and live as true sisters and brothers of your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cast out the forces of evil which torment and seek to destroy your Church. Gather in your care all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Soften the hearts of their enemies, so that they repent and strive to do your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the people of this congregation day by day. Give us generous and willing hearts as we seek ways of serving you and sharing your love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen bonds of affection, respect, and care in all families. Heal those afflicted by discord, abuse, or grief. Help us to believe that in loving you, our heavenly Father, we also draw closer to one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the elected and appointed leaders in our nation and communities. Despite the brokenness of creation and the suffering inflicted by sin and evil, give your people a foretaste of the freedom, justice, and peace that only you can bestow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Equip those who stand harm’s way on behalf of others with courage, wisdom, and skill. Bless all they do which is in accordance with your will. Shield them when they fall, and give patient hope to their loved ones. Bring them home swiftly and safely when their task is done.

We remember before you all who suffer, especially: {List}. Refresh them with the healing power of your life-giving Spirit. Help us to minister to them with compassion and patience. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we thank you for the lives of our loved ones who have died in your embrace. Grant comfort to all whose grief runs deep. Keep us safely in your Son’s faithful care. Cheer us with your Holy Spirit. Guide our steps and shape our lives in accordance with your will. And give us a joyful reunion with all whom Christ claims as sister and brother, mother, and friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:2-3)

This world has all kinds of ideas that are promoted.  Do this, go there, feel this, and so on.  What we see here, is that the truth boils down to worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth.  He has created you for relationship and it is for this that we should live.  Do not trust the flesh.  Let me repeat, do not trust the flesh.  The flesh will disappoint and betray you.  The Lord will not.

Lord, help me to see that in You is all hope and a glorious future.  My body will fail and end up in the grave.  Guide me Lord by Your goodness so that I may now and always be led by You alone.  You alone know all that is needed.  Therefore, it must be You alone who leads me.  Open my ears to hear the lies that are spoken in this world and then to avoid them.  Open my eyes to see the truth and follow the truth only.

Lord Jesus, You came to save me and I need saving.  I need to be saved from all of the lies around me.  I need to be saved from the tempting of the flesh.  I need to be saved from myself.  Guide me, Lord, so that I would look to You alone as my help.  Guide me in the way of life in order that I would abide in You and You in me.  May I look to You this day and avoid the lies of this world!  Amen.