“Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him – a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:10-11).

If it helps, think of these things in this way: begin the journey of behaving the way the Lord says to behave by pretending that you actually believe.  It will not be long before you actually love the one you did not love, or do what you would never have done before.  This, in part, is putting off the old Adam and putting on Christ.  In these things, you begin by giving it your best and then the Lord does the real heavy lifting.

Lord, I often want a miracle where what I do not feel like doing is instantly replaced with a desire to do it.  You have made it such that I must first try before You step in to do what needs to be done.  Lead me to be willing to step into faith and give it my best shot knowing that You are the only One who can bring things to pass.  You have set me free along with all who turn to You regardless of what we were before.

Christ Jesus, You give me hope because in You all things are possible.  Lead me this day to step beyond myself and into the life You have given me through grace.  Guide me so that it is You and no one else who is leading me. Grant that the desire of my heart becomes what You have intended for my heart to desire.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth in order that I may humbly walk with You always.  Amen.

“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices” (Colossians 3:9)

Deceit, slight variations of the truth and other things that are commonly done in this world should be put away.  Do not ask another how they are doing unless you really would like to know what is going on in their life.  Loving others means treating them as you would want to be treated.  Be guided by what is always right and fitting and never repay evil with evil; but repay evil with good.

Lord, show me those places where I am not honest and truthful.  Teach me to be honest and truthful, but also, always discrete.  You know what is needed, so lead me along the path of learning these things so that I may become more and more like Jesus.  Keep me from the practices of evil and teach me the way of Christ.  Show me the difference in order that I may do this every day.

Lord Jesus, You are the way.  Teach me today the way of rightly living in this world.  Guide me according to Your goodness to be sensitive to all things such that I am guarded by truth in the living of my life.  Guarded, but never afraid.  For the sake of the Gospel, guide me into Gospel living so that I may always humbly abide in the salvation You have given me and do what is pleasing in the Father’s sight. Amen.

“But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

The old Adam (Eve) rages in the inner person but the new person justified by grace through faith lives in  the Spirit of Christ and works for the peace that surpasses all understanding.  But keep in mind, this is done not to gain, for you have already been given life, but to prepare to share that life in eternity with Christ.  Therefore, in putting these hurtful things aside, do so in the fullness of love and never in a self-motivated act of the will.  But do put them aside.

Lord, You know where I struggle.  There are those who do not have this struggle, but they have their own struggles.  No matter the struggle I have with the flesh, guide me, Lord, so that I would walk humbly with You and do what is pleasing in Your sight.  Lead me, O Lord, and I will be led.  Teach me Lord and help me to learn.  In all things, guide me to spend eternity with You by living according to Your will.

Lord Jesus, You are the example of the godly life.  Day by day and step by step, You showed Your disciples the way of living life in a way that is pleasing to the Father.  Help me to put aside those things that are not good, right and salutary.  Help me to do what is right regardless of how I feel.  In and through all things, continue to work in me Your good will that I may be ready to be with You forever.  Amen.

“For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them” (Colossians 3:6-7).

No matter what people think, or how angry they get, the wrath of God has already been poured out.  As many as believe, to them He gives life.  As many as do not believe, to them wrath will be received.  It is not that God desires this, for we know that the Lord desires that none would perish, but it is as it must be.  Do not walk as a child of wrath, but as a child of the light.

Lord, I do know the difference.  I do know what is right and wrong.  You have written these things upon my heart.  Lead me away from the things that are wrong in order that I may live the good life.  Not the pleasure-loving life this world calls good, but a life that is filled with the fruit of the Spirit and is in accordance with Your will.  Lead me now and forever so that I may walk humbly with You.

Come Holy Spirit and in Your goodness grant that my ears would be open to Your word and my eyes to Your directing.  Help me to see clearly the difference between the way of grace and the way of wrath. Help me not give into the temptations of the flesh, but live according to the goodness and mercy which is mine through Christ my Savior.  Lead me, O Lord, and I shall be saved.  Amen.

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

This is not a law that, if you fail to keep you will lose salvation, but a reality of where you are heading. You will fail.  Are you going to live for yourself, or are you going to live into the life of faith which the Lord has given you?  We each have lived idolatry.  Jesus died for our sins and we are to die to them too.  We do this to be resurrected into the new life which is ours through Christ.  Come then into the new life and live.

Lord, teach me to live life.  I know how to die.  I die each time I live out that which the law forbids and I know that the power of sin is death.  Teach me the power of life so that I may live into the life You have given me through faith.  Help me to learn how to live that life in order that I may always be heading in the direction of this new life and living in the way I shall live forever.  Please guide me.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may now and always live according to Your Spirit and not according to the flesh.  You know the struggles I have and You have overcome them for me.  Grant Your grace so that I may, by grace, accomplish these things according to the Father’s will.  Thank You for the gift of this new life You have made possible.  Amen.

“When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

Saint John says it this way, “What we will be we do not know, but this we know: we shall be like Christ.”  You are a creation in process.  You are being made into a child of the Heavenly Father.  Stay the course and fight the good fight.  Be guided by the Holy Spirit and not by the world.  Know that in the Lord there is all hope and the glory of salvation.  Do not be conformed to this world, but to the Lord.

Lord, You know all of the difficulties I face.  You know what it is like to fight against the trends of this world.  Lead me in holiness so that I may be guided always by You.  Lead me to see through the smoke of this age and stay the course of becoming, this path upon which You have placed me through grace.  You know what lies before me.  Prepare me for the steps I need to take, for the journey ahead of me, and grant that I may not lose heart.

Lord Jesus, You went to the cross so that we may have true life and have it abundantly.  Guide me today and every day in the way of the Gospel in order that I may grow in Your likeness.  Let me receive all that comes knowing that all of these things are preparing me for what the Father has always intended.  Guide me now and always in the way of truth and help me stay consistently on the path You set before me.  Amen.

August 15: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15

OR Mary, Mother of Our Lord

12 Pentecost/Proper 15 Lessons and Prayers

Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Renewal of covenant before entering Promised Land)

            RCL/ELW: Proverbs 9:1-16 (Wisdom sets feast, beckons all to eat)

 Psalm 34:12-22 (Many are the afflictions of the righteous; the Lord rescues them from them all)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:9-14 (fear and seek the Lord, pursue righteousness.

 Ephesians 5:6-21 (Don’t be drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit)

            RCL/ELW: Ephesians 5:15-20 (eliminates being subject to one another)

 John 6:51-69 (My flesh is true food, my blood, true drink; Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life)

THE PRAYERS 

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

A brief silence

Dear Father, feed us with wisdom and righteousness. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Nourish us with the love and life of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the Church with the fine bread and choice wine of Jesus’ own body and blood. Fill it with your heavenly light and life. Let that light cheer many hearts and guide many lives to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, graciousness, and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the members of our church with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence; and grant that we gladly and graciously share this feast with our families, neighbors, friends, and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless parents, foster-parents, and all who care for your little ones. Fill them with the bounty from Wisdom’s table, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Wisdom sets her feast before everyone, move the hearts of earthly rulers to heed her invitation and sit at her table. Feed them all they need to think, speak, and act in accordance with your will. Let all who are entrusted to their care prosper and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the service of those in our military, and all first responders. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence in dangerous situations. Heal those who are wounded, and shelter those who fall in the line of duty. Bring swiftly and safely home those whose work is not yet done; and grant us all your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous and of all who suffer. Hear and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, grief, shame, or despair, including: {List}. Restore their health, hope, and joy in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for our beloved dead, who with St. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Please strengthen our faith in your dear Son, and fill us with your Spirit. Lead us safely through this life into the fullness of your Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we shall rejoice in your great love forever.

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.

*******************************************************

Mary, Mother of Our Lord Lessons and Prayers

Isaiah 61:7-11 (I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, who has clothed me with garment of salvation, robe of righteousness, like a bride)

Psalm 45 (The princess approaches the king, dressed in glorious apparel)

Galatians 4:4-7 (Jesus born of a woman, so we may with him say Abba, Father to God

Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat)

The Prayers

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

A brief silence

Most gracious Father, with Mary we cry out, “My soul magnifies the Lord! My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” Thank you for your dear Son, flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone, born of the Virgin Mary. Thank you for giving us, through him, the privilege of calling you Abba, Father.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Mary bore Jesus to the world in her body. Grant that your Church bears him to the world through its worship, words, witness, and works.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, graciousness, and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the members of our congregation with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Help us gladly and graciously magnify your greatness in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless parents, foster-parents, and all who care for your little ones. Fill them with the same Spirit who overshadowed Mary, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give our earthly leaders prudence and wisdom. Remind them that you cast down the arrogant from their thrones but lift up the lowly. Teach them to fill the hungry with good things that sustain bodies and souls in hope, health, and peace..

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous and of all who suffer. Hear and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, grief, shame, or despair, including: {List}. Restore their health, hope, and joy in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for all who died clinging faithfully to Mary’s Son and yours. Please strengthen our faith in your dear Son, and fill us with your Spirit. Lead us safely through this life into the fullness of your Kingdom, where with Mary and all whom you have redeemed, we shall rejoice in your great love forever.

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 8: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14

1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel, to go where God leads him)

            RCL/ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)

Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)        

          RCL/ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)

John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)

            RCL/ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)

THE PRAYERS 

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

A brief silence

O Heavenly Father, let us taste and see how gracious you are! O Jesus, feed us with yourself, now and always! O Holy Spirit, give us eyes of faith to look upon our Savior and be radiant!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, feed your Church with the life of Christ. By the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the Bride of Christ. Raise up pastors, priests, bishops, and theologians to feed your people with your living Word. Let many taste and see your graciousness, and be forever blessed for trusting in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant strength, encouragement, and refreshment to your persecuted Church. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the life and salvation, the living bread and eternal hope of this congregation. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship. Use us to glorify your name and to feed our neighbors with food that satisfies hearts, minds, souls, and bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone learning to be true disciples of Jesus, especially as they encourage others to walk with Him. Give them the bread of faith, hope, and love to strengthen them along the way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up among us rulers who are guided by your Word. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Teach us all that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments. Give us grace and strength to live by them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. Grant the bread of health and salvation to all who dwell in the wilderness of suffering. Strengthen them in their pilgrimage. Surround them with compassion and encouragement. Keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We bless you for our beloved dead who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care.  Give us joy in our sorrows and hope in our struggles. Keep us close to Jesus. Raise us up at the last day, and make us radiant as we look upon our beautiful Savior – our life, our joy, and our crown, now and forever.

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 1: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13

Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says complaint is against God)

          RCL/ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)

Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)

        RCL/ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)

John 6:22-35 (My Father gives true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)

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 giving us the bread we need for body and soul, even when we are estranged from you and from one another. Thank you for Jesus, our Life, our Bread, our source of unity with you and with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Church is the body of Christ. Give it unity with him and unity in him. Let your Holy Spirit fashion the Church into the likeness of Jesus, so that when it speaks and acts, people hear and see their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make us mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Let them know they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. May their faithful witness feed their enemies with the bread of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven. Nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your love. Fill us with your Spirit, so we can share your love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens. Thank you for everyone who feed the hungry and help them feed themselves. Grant that, as bodies are nourished, minds, hearts, and spirits are also fed with the living Bread from Heaven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the deliberations and actions of our earthly rulers. Let your will be done, so your people receive all they need to live in safety. Teach us to feed one another, not only with food that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word; and establish your peace in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You open your hand and fulfil the desire of every living creature. Please open your hand to bestow health, hope, strength, and guidance upon all whose need is great, including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our union with Jesus. Strengthen bonds of affection with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all, with all whom you have redeemed, into the joy and life you share in union with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

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.

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

Set your mind on things above.  How often do we get caught up in the things of this world which do not matter?  Leave them behind and look toward the prize of your salvation.  This does not mean that we are to be checked out in this age, but that we are never to lose sight of where we are going.  Be guided by the Lord and His goodness.  Know that in Him is the way, truth and life.  That which He has promised is sure.

Lord, guide me in the way You know I need to go and let me not take my eye off the goal.  Remind me that this world is a difficult place in which to live and that I will need to fight the good fight of faith.  In and through all things, lead me according to Your goodness to trust that all that needs to happen will happen and that all the difficulties I encounter are a part of Your plan.  Keep my eyes fixed upon You.

Lord Jesus, in You alone do I have hope.  This world is a mess and has been throughout the ages.  Remind me of this so that I do not lose heart.  You have given me Your heart, so let me cling to You as this life is lived in order that I may be guided in Your goodness to do that which is pleasing in Your sight.  Help me now and always, Lord, and remind me as often as I need it that You alone are my hope and stay.  Amen.