August 29: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17

 

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)

 Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)

 Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

            RCL/ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)

 Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee’s criticism; omits a repetition)

 

 

THE PRAYERS 

 

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for your commandments and ordinances, given to protect us from sin and limit its evil effect. Thank you for their goodness and wisdom. Help us to keep them out of love for you and for our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it a faithful, true, and bold doer of your strong Word. Form it into your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who despise you. Make it wield the weapons of the Spirit not in hatred, but in humble witness to the Prince of Peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the words and work of this congregation. In our ministries, let many hear the Good News, turn to you, and live. Make your love shine through our words and deeds, and shed its healing radiance upon those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

As many children head back to school, bless them with good teachers who instill the love of learning and respect for one another. Help us to be mentors, tutors, cheerleaders, and guides, especially for kids who struggle in school. Lead us all by the light of your wisdom and truth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them wisdom, humility and integrity, so their people confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives for the sake of defending the innocent and restoring justice and freedom. Heal their hurts; support their loved ones; and help this nation to use their skills for peaceable purposes when their tour of duty is ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by sin and suffering. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels. Give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were doers of your Word. Grant that we honorably wear the armor of light which you bestow upon us. Help us rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit, fight the good fight, and lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

August 22: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16

 

Isaiah 29:11-19 (Wisdom of wise shall perish; poor shall obtain joy, exult in the Lord)

            RCL/ELW: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Chose your god; “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”)

 Psalm 14 (Denunciation of fools who say, “There is no God”)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:15-22 (Vindication of righteous, punishment of evildoers)

 Ephesians 5:22-33 (Exhorts wives, husbands; marriage is symbol of Christ and Church)

            RCL/ELW: Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

 Mark 7:1-13 (You abandon commandment of God, hold to human tradition!)

            RCL/ELW: John 6:56-59 (The one who eats me, the living bread, will live forever)

THE PRAYERS 

 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for making us the Bride of Christ – and his soldiers, faithful, true, and bold. Thank you for your living Word and for your Living Bread. Thank you for Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, and enduring faith. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Defend and restore your Church when it suffers for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation. Remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Remind us that as part of your Church on earth, we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind, sharing with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom we cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect, and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Conform the minds of earthly leaders to your commandments. Grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from all of us the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live peaceably with one another, and to share the gifts of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties. Grant success to all they do that serves your will. Reunite them with their loved ones. And speed the day when the arts of war no longer must be learned.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear and generously answer our prayers on behalf of all whose need is great, including: {List}. Fill their hearts with faith, hope, and peace. Let all who care for them act with gentleness, competence, and cheerful patience.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Ease the pain of those who grieve. We still walk by faith and not by sight, so we ask you to sustain us with the Cross of your dear Son and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. In your good time, lead us into the bright courts of heaven, where we and all whom you have redeemed shall forever feast on Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).

What is the focus of your life?  Is it to get ahead?  Is it to have a good time?  The Lord has called you to Himself so that the focus of your life might be your relationship with Him.  Is this what you are living for?  Come then and be redirected in the way of life which is the way of the Lord.  Do not live for the things of this age which are passing away, but for the eternity into which You have been called.

Lord, You know how much I wander in this world.  I am distracted by so many things.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life that You have established so that I may now and forever be guided by You, the author of all life.  Teach me how to really live life, doing all that I do in, through, by, and for You, my Savior.  Let me learn how to rejoice and relish in these things and not worry about what You are accomplishing through me.

Come Holy Spirit and minister to my inner life.  You know where those places are that distract me from the one thing necessary.  Help me to turn my eyes outward so that I would do all I do because You have directed me in this way.  Guide me, Lord, and I will follow.  Teach me and I will learn.  Speak to me and I will listen.  I thank You for giving me grace, salvation, and a new life.  Amen.