“Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22).

Most of us will experience times where we do not like our circumstances.  Some have lives that are a bad circumstance.  Those who are well and whole cannot fully understand the lives of those who have needs and are disadvantaged.  But in all circumstances, no matter what they are, live from the inside out knowing that the Lord who sees all things will lead you no matter your circumstances.

Lord, in this insensitive give-me-what-I-want world, help me to be genuine.  Guide me away from thinking that what I do does not matter.  Lead me to treat everyone in every circumstance in the truth that You love them and have commanded that I love them also.  Help me to do this.  Guide me according to all that is good so that I may now and always live into the life You have granted me by Your grace.

Lord Jesus, You are the One through whom all things have their being, but You came as a servant of all.  In Your example, teach me to live knowing that others are equally valued in Your eyes and worthy of any love I may give.  Guide me to love others according to the Father’s purpose.  Through all that comes, guide my heart to be willing, in every circumstance, to love as I have been loved.  Amen.  

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.  Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart” (Colossians 3:20-21).

Again, we see the encouragement to be in a proper relationship with those around us.  Many times it is simply an order of things, but the Lord intends that we relate one to the other.  This is as it should be and we are told of the boundaries and how God intends things to work.  Work then by applying what You know to be the right boundaries in your life amongst those with whom you relate.

Lord, teach me to be obedient to You in all things.  You have shown me how long-suffering You are.  Help me to be the same with those around me so that I would not exasperate them.  Guide me now and always in the way of everlasting life.  Help me to see clearly the way You have set before me.  In and through all things, lead me Lord and help me to do these things which are right.

Lord Jesus, You were obedient even unto death on the cross.  I cannot be You, but I can become like You, doing what You give me to do.  Lead me in these things, Lord, so that I would put them into effect in my life and learn a little more this day of what these things mean.  Through all that You give me to do, guide me in the upward way of salvation in order that I may be conformed to Your image.  Amen.

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them” (Colossians 3:18-19).

Be different.  The world treats others as if the one who is making the decision is the center of all things.  Is it any wonder there is contention in marriage?  If both will be like Christ and think of the other as more important than themself, the relationship will work.  Beyond this, why does Scripture give this admonition so often?  Is it perhaps that there are greater lessons for those who are the bride of Christ?

Lord, teach me all that I need to know.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go and then help me to move in that direction.  In and through all things, place in my heart the right attitude so that I would love others in the way You love them.  Move me away from being self-centered and demanding, and more like You, caring for others, their well-being, and encouraging them in their salvation.

Lord Jesus, You are the groom and we are the bride.  You set the example by dying for us.  In all of the relationships that I am in, help me to have the appropriate boundaries so that I may live according to Your goodness.  Guide me in the power of Your Holy Spirit this day so that I may now and always live into the life to which You have called me, knowing that this is the eternal life for which You are preparing me. Amen.

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.

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

Are you listening to what the Lord is saying?  Not just receiving the words, but are you taking them in and letting the word dwell deeply within you ?  This is what this passage is asking and telling you.  If you actually take these words in, then you are listening.  If you gloss over them, then you are not and that is a problem.  The Lord intends your salvation to be from the inside out and include the whole person.

Lord, I have been guilty of shirking the gifts You have given me.  Guide me, O Lord, so that I may walk humbly in Your presence and receive all that You give.  Help me live into this life You have given by grace and grow in me that grace which is according to the Father’s will.  My ears need to be opened in order that I may receive all that You speak, listening to all that You command.  Help me receive You, Lord.

Lord Jesus, the Word made flesh, You have come to lead the way, grant grace through the price You paid on the cross, and help me model the godly life.  Help me to hear and understand Your words so that they may transform my life according to the plan You had for me from the beginning.  Lead me now and always that I may be guided by Your Word and by Your example now and forever.  May Your grace always overwhelm me.  Amen.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

What is the peace of Christ?  Is it not the reality that you are no longer hostile to the things of God but in His will?  Be at peace with the Lord knowing that in Him all things will be made complete.  The world continues its warfare, but you need not take part in it.  In Him, that is the Lord, there is assurance that all things will work together for good for those who love Him.

Lord, when I wander away from Your presence (knowing such a thing is not possible), guide me into understanding that You are with me always and that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart.  Lead me in the way of peace so that I may now and always abide in Your presence knowing that You are always with me.  Guide me to share Your peace with all whom I meet.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking me away from the hopelessness of this world and giving me Your presence and peace through grace.  In You there is nothing but hope.  Apart from You is hopelessness.  Guide me now and always to walk humbly in the way You have established.  Lead me to abide in the fellowship You have given me in order that I may be strengthened in faith and hope.  Amen.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:14).

Love is not what you feel, but what you do.  Put on the love of Christ and live as a member of His family.  Treat others as Christ would treat them.  Is this not what the Lord desires amongst His faithful?  Come then and live into the life which is offered you by grace and learn how to live that life through what Scripture teaches.  The Lord prayed that we would be one.  Be one with Him and others.

Lord, You prayed that we would be one even as You are One in Trinity.  Lead me to understand more and more each day what this means.  Mature me so that I may be guided by You and not by the things of this world.  In the hope that You give, guide me, Lord, in order that I may learn to love and be loved.  Teach me what it means to be in unity with You and with those around me who are also in You.

Lord Jesus, there are many things You taught Your disciples.  There are also many things that You prayed for us who follow You to do.  Guide me to learn and to fulfill the prayers You prayed so that in the Father’s will, all might be as He desires.  You know how this can be accomplished.  Guide me to conform to your will that I may be one with You as You prayed.  Lead me where I need to go.  Amen.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:12-13).

Listen to this once again, “Put on.”  This speaks of our need to first put these things on.  Of course you do not have it to begin with.  What you do have does need to grow and mature. Put on these things of holiness so that You may be led ever deeper into the faith.  Love others by acting as if you do.  Care for another as if you actually do.  This is the process that Lord has given us to do these things.

Lord, grant that I would have the fortitude to step out in faith and actually put into practice what You are telling me to do.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You alone is the hope I need to accomplish the challenges that You put before me.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life so that I would live the life You give me.  Help me to become like You in order that my journey in faith may be made complete.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me the grace and mercy to accomplish what I can in this faith You have given me.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may now and always live in the way which You have established.  Thank You for the mercy You give me when I do not live this way.  In all things, strengthen me that I may finish the course You have set before me in faith.  Amen.