“For we wanted to come to you – I, Paul, more than once – and yet Satan hindered us.  For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation?  Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:18-20).

Where is your hope and in what do you rejoice.  Yes, you have been given the promised redemption in grace, but do you not rejoice at the work of the Lord in your midst?  Are you a part of what He is doing, or, like the world, do you focus upon yourself?  Be freed of the world’s way of seeing things and come join in the salvation that is present amongst the saints of the Lord.

Lord, grant that I may have a larger view of things.  Open my eyes to see what You are doing and then give me the inclination to join You.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may now and always look to You and look away from the world for my inspiration.  Through You and in You is all hope.  Let me glory in the work You are doing through those I see around me who are doing what is pleasing to You.

Come, Holy Spirit, and minister to me so that I may be open to the reality of Your work here and around the world.  Help me to join with the angels in rejoicing every time one sinner repents and joins in our midst.  Guide me to have an outward-looking heart, loving all people, and learning to love as You love.  Guide me this day in order that I may see and rejoice in all that is happening around me in and through Christ my Savior.  Amen.

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while – in person, not in spirit – were all the more eager with great desire to see your face” (1 Thessalonians 2:17).

The communion of saints is a real thing that exists between all who believe and from every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation.  The Lord is knitting together His bride, the church.  Yes, every time we meet at the Lord’s table, we join with all who are a part of the body, but what Paul is saying is that although a photograph is nice, being there in person is much, much better.

Lord, Sometimes I over-spiritualize these things and do not see them for what they are.  Guide me, O Lord, that I may see in all of Your Word the truth that You are amidst a new creation through all of those who are united with You by the way of the cross.  Lead me to follow more clearly the way You have set before me.  Grow in me that which You intend and help me to learn to rejoice with all of Your saints.

Lord Jesus, You have paved the way for all who come in faith through grace to be a part of the communion of saints.  Help me see that I am connected across time and space to those who are a part of Your body.  Lead me so that I would remain connected and rejoice with the union of all of Your saints wherever and whenever that may happen.  In You is all hope and the promise of eternity.  Amen.

“The Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out.  They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost” (1 Thessalonians 2:15-16).

Who are the Jews?  They are not a group who follow a certain ancient religion.  In this case, they go by many names, but they are the ones who want you to fit into their ideal.  They do not leave anything alone, but are constantly meddling.  Do not be a bigot, but neither tolerate the ones who are driving towards the gates of hell.  Look to the Lord and be saved.  Know the Lord and know goodness.

Lord, keep me close to You so that I would not be swayed by those who would lead me astray.  Let me not be caught up by those who demand conformity to their ideals.  Help me to remain free in You in order that I may walk with You now and forever.  The wrath of death because of sin has already been poured out.  Keep me from that wrath knowing that You have paid the price so that I may be set free from sin.

Lord Jesus, in You alone is all hope.  You came to set free as many as would believe that You have come to redeem us from sin’s recompense.  Lead me along with all who faithfully look to You that together we may be guided in Your Spirit in all goodness.  Help me to live into this life You have given me, being conformed to Your image as You make of me a child of the Heavenly Father.  Amen.

“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews” (1 Thessalonians 2:14)

Being an imitator is, in many ways, how things are done.  We imitate others and call it being fashionable.  We imitate others and call it being contemporary.  In this case, they imitated the church and received the same persecution.  Do we not begin our years of growing by imitating what we see in adults?  Come then and join in imitating Christ that you may be conformed to Him.

Lord, this is not a foreign concept.  I do it all the time.  Help me to see that I indeed need do this.  Guide me so that I may learn to put You on and become more like You each day.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I need to be led.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may learn to follow.  In all things, help me to conform to what is right and good.  Keep me from being conformed to those things which are neither profitable, nor good.

Lord Jesus, You must lead the way.  Guide me, Lord, in order that I may follow wherever You lead.  Help me through the obstacles that will come in my way.  In and through all things, may I be found wholly in You, living into the life to which You have called me through grace and given by faith.  Regardless of what will come, continue always being my help and stay throughout each day. Amen.

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) – Christ the King Sunday

September 12 – November 21, 2021

 

NOTE: LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)

WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)

ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)

LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon Book)

 

 

There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.

 

Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.

 

Because some of the prayers of confession, as well as offertory and post-communion prayers, provided on certain resource pages lack theological heft or linguistic elegance, I have added some seasonal prayers that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.

 

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution

 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Gospel Acclamation (Spoken)

Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia. Your Word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto

you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

OR

 

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we humbly offer to you the gifts of our treasures, talents, and time. Use them to you glory, and for the benefit of all your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Great Thanksgiving and Proper Preface

 

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Eucharistic Prayer

 

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, with praise and thanksgiving. Recalling our Savior’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we pray that you would sanctify these gifts by your Holy Spirit, to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

 

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

OR

 

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. By means of this holy bread and cup, we proclaim his death and resurrection, until he comes again. Gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Son Jesus Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: Post-Communion Prayer

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

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September 12: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19

 

Isaiah 50:4-10 (Suffering Servant’s humiliation and vindication)

            RCL/ELW: Isaiah 50:4-9a (eliminates punishment of Suffering Servant’s accusers, and also the verse about obeying God while walking in darkness)

 Psalm 116:1-9 (You deliver soul from death, eyes from tears, feet from stumbling)

 James 3:1-12 (Taming the tongue)

 Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus heals the boy with epilepsy)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession, Jesus’ rebuke, following him involves self-denial)

 

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Opening hymn: Look, O Look, (Look Ye Saints) the Sight is Glorious LBW #156, LSB #495

Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

OR In All Our Grief: ELW #615

OR, if using ELW lectionary, Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said: LBW #398, ELW #667

 Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

 Communion Hymn #2: Oh, for 1000 Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

 Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

OR Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

 

 

September 19: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20

 

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (Jeremiah’s life threatened, like lamb led to slaughter)

 Psalm 54 (Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate my by your might)

 James 3:13-4:10 (Earthly versus heavenly wisdom and friendship)

            RCL/ELW: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (Eliminates “Adulterers! Friendship with world isenmity with God,” and exhortation to lament sin, humble self that God may exalt)

 Mark 9:30-37 (Passion prediction; argument over who is greatest)

 

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Opening hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 Hymn of the Day: Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: ELW #183, LSB #661

          OR Lamb of God (Your Only Son): ELW #336, LSB #550

 Communion Hymn #1: Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

 Communion Hymn #2: Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless (Holy): LBW #111, ELW #357; LSB # 434

 Closing Hymn: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

 

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September 26: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21

 

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 (Israel kvetches to Moses. Moses kvetches to God. God appoints 70 to help him deal with aforementioned kvetching)

Psalm 104:27-35 (You give food in due season; your Spirit gives them breath) 

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 19:7-14: (God’s perfect law keeps one from sin; let words of mouth, meditation of heart be acceptable in his sight)

 James 5:1-20 (Warning to rich oppressors; patience in suffering; prayers, anointing, and confession; bringing one back from sin a great thing) 

            RCL/ELW: James 5:13-20 (omits first 2 things)

 Mark 9:38-50 (Who is not against me is for me; cup of cold water; solemn warning about temptations to sin)

 

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Opening hymn: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

OR Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Whose Love in (through) Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

         OR Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

 Communion Hymn #1:  Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

Communion Hymn #2: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, ELW #402, LSB #769

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him: LBW #540, ELW #823

 

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October 3: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22

 

Genesis 2:18-25 (It is not good for the man to be alone; creation of woman)

 Psalm 128 (The happy home of the faithful) 

RCL/ELW: Psalm 8 (What is man, that you are mindful of him?)

Hebrews 2:1-18 (Pay attention to the message; if we ignore it, how can we escape penalty; Jesus tested in all things as we are, not ashamed to call us brothers; is our merciful high priest) 

            RCL/ELW: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 (Excellence of God’s Son; omits section from above on penalty for drifting from message of salvation)

 Mark 10:2-16 (Teaching on divorce; let the children come to me)

 

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Opening hymn: O Blest, the House: LBW #512, LSB #862

(If tune is unfamiliar, use tune for LBW #51, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”) 

         OR Blest Be the Tie that Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

Hymn of the Day: When Love is Found: WOV #749

OR Our Father, By Whose Name: LBW #357, ELW #640

         OR O Father, All Creating LSB #858 (You might get the license if you don’t have LSB; it’s good for today’s texts AND for weddings! And the tune is Aurelia, The Church’s One Foundation)

Communion Hymn #1: O Christ, You Walked the Road:  LSB #424

OR Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549

 Closing Hymn: O Christ, the Same: WOV #778, (ELW #760)

 

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October 10: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23

 

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 (seek good, not evil, that you may live)

 Psalm 90:12-17 (Teach us to have wise heart; prosper our handiwork)

 Hebrews 3:12-19 (Do not have evil, unbelieving heart; exhort against sin) 

            RCL/ELW: Hebrews 4:12-16

 Mark 10:17-22 (Rich man told to sell all, give to poor, and follow Jesus) 

            RCL/ELW: Mark 10:17-31 (adds disciples perplexity over leaving riches, wondering how they’ll be rewarded for following Jesus)

 

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Opening hymn: Blest are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685;  Take My Life and Let It Be: LSB #783, 784

 Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458, ELW #775, LSB #743

OR Will You Come and Follow Me: ELW #798

 Communion Hymn #1: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV #783, LSB #712

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #773, LSB #809

Communion Hymn #2: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

 

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 October 17: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24

 

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (Pointlessness of amassing wealth) 

            RCL/ELW: Isaiah 53:4-12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)

 Psalm 119:9-16 (How can young remain pure? Follow God’s commandments) 

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 91:9-16 (God promises deliverance to those whom he loves)

 Hebrews 4:1-16 (Do not harden your hearts against God, lest you not enter his promised rest. God’s word sharper than 2-edged sword; we may confidently approach High Priest who has been tempted but did not sin) 

            RCL/ELW: Hebrews 5:1-10 (Great high priest, deals gently with us because he himself has suffered)

 Mark 10:23-31 (Hard for rich to enter Kingdom; followers promised much – with persecution) 

            RCL/ELW: Mark 10:35-45 (James and John want special honors; true greatness is in suffering and serving as Jesus does)

 

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Opening hymn: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

OR O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate: ELW #722

 Hymn of the Day: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

 Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee but Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 Communion Hymn #2: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

 Closing Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

          OR Send Me, Lord (Jesus): ELW #809, WOV #773

 

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October 24: 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25

 

Jeremiah 31: 7-9 (God saves, consoles, and leads back the remnant of his people)

 Psalm 126 (Israel’s fortunes restored; those who sowed in weeping bring in the sheaves with joy)

 Hebrews 7:23-28 (Our perfect, great High Priest is the blameless eternal Son of God)

 Mark 10:46-52 (Blind Bartimaeus is healed and follows Jesus on the way)

 

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Opening hymn: Father Most Holy, Merciful, and Tender: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

OR Let the Whole Creation Cry: LBW #242, ELW #876

Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526

Communion Hymn #1: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

Communion Hymn #2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

Closing Hymn: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing: LBW #562, ELW #841, LSB #964

 

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October 31: Reformation Sunday

 

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God’s new covenant will be written on the heart)

 Psalm 46 (The God of Jacob is our stronghold!)

 Romans 3:19-28 (We are justified by faith, apart from works of the law)

 John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

 

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Opening hymn: A Mighty Fortress: LBW #228/229, ELW #503-505, LSB 656/657

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

OR Word of God Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

 Communion Hymn #1: The Church’s One Foundation:  LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

 Communion Hymn #2: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/294, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576

Closing Hymn: Built on a (the) Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

 

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November 7: All Saints’ Sunday

 

Isaiah 25:6-9 (The feast; God wipes away tears, removes shame, destroys death)

 Psalm 24 (Who ascends the holy hill of God, enters temple? Those with clean hands and pure hearts)

 Revelation 21:1-6a (The new heaven and earth, New Jerusalem; death is no more)

 John 11:32-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus)

 

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Opening hymn: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422, LSB #677

 Hymn of the Day: Arise, My Soul, Arise: LBW #516, ELW #827 

          OR At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

 Communion Hymn #1: I Am the Bread of Life: WOV #702, ELW #845

OR Day by Day: WOV #746, ELW #790

           OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595, LSB #588

 Communion Hymn #2: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/874

 Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

            OR Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV #721, ELW #543, LSB #922

 

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November 14: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

 

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

 Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

 Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean. Let us persevere in faith)

 Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers) 

            RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

 

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Opening hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies (LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807 

           OR All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

           OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438

 Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

           OR O God of Youth: LBW #510 (I know, I know. Don’t know the tune. No substitutes available. It’s pretty straightforward, and the words are outstanding. If it just won’t sing, then have folks READ the words aloud together. I’m serious. The words are THAT GOOD!)

 Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Still Lead On: LBW #341, ELW #624; Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

 Communion Hymn #2: Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB#722

 Closing Hymn: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

 

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November 21: Christ the King Sunday

 

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

 Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

 Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

 John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

 

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Opening hymn: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

 Hymn of the Day: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156;

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us: ELW #431 (tune: The Son of God Goes Forth to War)

OR Praise Be to Christ: LSB #538

 Communion Hymn #1: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

 Communion Hymn #2: Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

 Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

            OR Crown Him with Many Crowns LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Listen carefully to these words, for they apply to all of Scripture.  “You received them not as the word of men, but as the word of God.  Ultimately, you will either believe the Lord has spoken to you, or else you will not.  It does make a difference.  Come then in the truth spoken by the Lord to you and always walk in His ways.  Be thankful the Lord has awakened you to the truth of salvation.

Lord, open my ears to hear so that I may live into the life You have promised me through faith.  Guide me, O Lord, in this way of truth in order that I may now and always abide in You and You in me.  Open my heart to receive the fulness of grace and mercy won through Your sacrifice on the cross.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may now and always walk in Your goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, You have paid the price of our redemption so that all who hear Your voice may be grafted into the family You are knitting together in grace.  Guide me this day, O Lord, that I would now and forever look to You as the model of the godly life.  Continue to strengthen me in the gift of faith.  Continue to lead me in the way I need to go.  Continue that I may live forever giving thanks for all You have done.  Amen.

September 26: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21

 Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 (Israel kvetches to Moses. Moses kvetches to God. God appoints 70 to help him deal with aforementioned kvetching)

 Psalm 104:27-35 (You give food in due season; your Spirit gives them breath)

      RCL/ELW: Psalm 19:7-14: (God’s perfect law keeps one from sin; let words of mouth, meditation of heart be acceptable in his sight)

 James 5:1-20 (Warning to rich oppressors; patience in suffering; prayers, anointing, and confession; bringing one back from sin a great thing)

     RCL/ELW: James 5:13-20 (omits first 2 things)

 Mark 9:38-50 (Who is not against me is for me; cup of cold water; solemn warning about temptations to sin)

 

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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

Dear Father, thank you for being good to us even when we complain, balk, and act like jerks instead of Jesus. Thank you for giving us little things we can do to show our love for you. Thank you for prayer, anointing, and loving exhortation that calls us away from sin and back to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You appointed 70 elders to ease Moses’ burden of leadership. Give your Church Spirit-filled pastors, priests, bishops, deacons, and teachers. Keep them obedient to your Word. Make them radiant with the love of Jesus. By their holy care, keep everyone in their charge safe from sin and from the allure of evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for persecuted Christians throughout the world. Give them patience in suffering and hope in their darkest night. Help us, who have much, to refresh them with our prayers and with whatever gifts we can share, even if it seems as small as a cup of cold water.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant a spirit of charity and patience to this congregation. Remind us, even when it would be easy to complain, of Jesus’ words, “Whoever is not against Me is for Me!” Help us to work together kindly and willingly. Make us eager to share the gifts you have lavished upon us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all who struggle against any temptation to sin. Their battle may be long, hard, and hidden from others. Help us deal gently with everyone we meet. Only you know what burdens they bear and what demons they battle.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Remind our earthly leaders that they have been entrusted with a solemn obligation: to care for their people, especially the poor, hungry, and oppressed. Give them grace to think, speak, and act according to your will, for the common good. Help all of us to treat our neighbors with respect, kindness and justice, so that we may live peaceably with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Shield and strengthen all who go into harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, self-control, and sound judgment, even in chaotic situations. Bring them back to their loved ones safely and soon; and establish your peace among us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Even a cup of cold water given in your name can be blessed refreshment to one who suffers. Grant this and more to all who are in distress – especially: {List}. Restore them to health and hope. Grant a double portion of your Spirit to all who minister to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for your faithful servants whom you have gathered into your Kingdom. Fill those who mourn with “tidings of comfort and joy.” Fill us all with your steadfast love and mercy. Fill us with the sure hope that through the merits of your dear Son, you will welcome us, with all the redeemed, into your Kingdom, where we will rejoice in your 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.

September 19: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20

 

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (Jeremiah’s life threatened, like lamb led to slaughter)

 Psalm 54 (Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate my by your might)

 James 3:13-4:10 (Earthly versus heavenly wisdom and friendship)

            RCL/ELW: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (Eliminates “Adulterers! Friendship with world is enmity with God,” and exhortation to lament sin, humble self that God may exalt)

 Mark 9:30-37 (Passion prediction; argument over who is greatest)

 

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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

 

Most holy Father, thank you for Jesus, our spotless and innocent lamb, slain to take away our sin. Thank you that he willingly suffered betrayal, torture, and death for love of us. Thank you for saving us in the strong name of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Conform your Church to your beloved Son, and not to the world. Make it model his love, forgiveness, and purity to those who scorn or have forgotten such things. Through its words and deeds, lead many to the foot of Jesus’ Cross, there to receive life and salvation.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Help those of us who are comfortable in our Christianity to serve, defend, and provide for your persecuted and suffering Church. Let us never, by scandalous words or selfish deeds, cheapen or debase their faithful witness to their Savior – and ours.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We ask your blessing upon this congregation and all its ministries. Help us to take delight in glorifying your name through self-giving service to one another and to our communities.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Jesus exalts servanthood as an example of his loving obedience to his Father. It’s easy for us to overlook or belittle those who actually are servants in everyday life. Bless them, and adorn their labors with the loveliness of Christ’s labors on our behalf. Help us to notice, honor, and compensate servants, laborers, hired hands, and others who do the work we’d rather not.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Rulers and leaders, celebrities and authorities are used to lording it over others. Give them a teachable spirit and humble heart. Make them eager to use their riches of intellect, authority, and station to serve the people entrusted to their care. Give each of us the grace, wisdom, and kindness to be true friends, neighbors, and servants to those around us.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Raise up pastors and evangelists who boldly preach and tenderly care for people who are starving for your Word. Help us to encourage and provide for them. Bless seminaries as they teach them. Bless spiritual directors and mentors who shape them into your servant leaders.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Thank you for doctors, nurses, therapists, EMT’s, orderlies, and all whose service helps people in deep distress. Give them a double portion of your Spirit. Use their skills and our support and prayers to bring healing and comfort the abused, imprisoned, sick, wounded, lonely, confused, grieving, or dying. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Father, we thank you for all your good and faithful servants, especially those whose deaths we mourn. Keep us steadfast in faith, firm in hope, constant in love, generous in service, and abundant in joy as we continue our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us in this life “with the Cross of Jesus going on before.” Bring us, through his good work, into the blessed Kingdom where we find our eternal life and joy in union with you and with all whom you have redeemed.

 

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.

September 12: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19

 

Isaiah 50:4-10 (Suffering Servant’s humiliation and vindication)

            RCL/ELW: Isaiah 50:4-9a (eliminates punishment of Suffering Servant’s accusers, and also the verse about obeying God while walking in darkness)

Psalm 116:1-9 (You deliver soul from death, eyes from tears, feet from stumbling)

 James 3:1-12 (Taming the tongue)

 Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus heals the boy with epilepsy)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession, Jesus’ rebuke, following him involves self-denial)

 

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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 delivering our souls from death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from stumbling. Thank you for your Son, who took on our stumbling, tears, sins, and death, and who gives us his holy and lovely life in return. Thank you for healing us so that we can follow Jesus and share him with the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church always proclaims Christ crucified and raised from the dead. Let it constantly confess Jesus as your only-begotten Son and beloved Servant, who bears and heals the world’s sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Persecuted Christians throughout the world bear their cross in faithful obedience to Jesus. Sustain, protect, bless, and provide for them. Help us, whose crosses are lighter, to bear their burdens however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faith of everyone in this congregation, dear Lord. Conform our worship and works to Christ. Use us to bring his healing, forgiveness, and salvation to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most church programs start now. Bless and prosper all that glorifies you and builds up the Body of Christ. Increase our love of learning, zeal for service, and warmth of spirit. Especially we pray for teachers, discipleship guides, choirs, committees, and all who shine the love of Jesus upon those who do not know him well.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant humility and wisdom to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, the giants of culture and icons of sport, the legislators and judges, the researchers, teachers, philosophers, and others who shape our world. Remind them that all they have is from you, given in trust for the benefit of all people. Give everyone the desire and ability to live justly and kindly with each other, despite our differences.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We reflect on the 20^th anniversary of 9-11, and pray that never again shall hatred and evil ideology cause such harm anywhere on this poor suffering earth. Beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning-hooks. Soften every heart to receive, cherish, and share your pure, holy love for us, for we are all created in your image and offered forgiveness and salvation through the death and resurrection of your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Sometimes as we pray for loved ones in distress, we are like the father who cried out to you, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief!” Keep us steadfast in faith as we pray for all who suffer. Remind us all that Jesus has indeed “borne our sickness and carried our infirmity.” In his name we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, keep in your tender care our beloved dead. Help us to encourage one another in prayer, holy living, faith, and love. Receive us into the glorious company of all the redeemed, who with angels and archangels and all the hosts of heaven, praise and adore you forever – Father, Son, and 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.

“Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

This does not say you must be worthy, it says to walk in a manner as though you were worthy.  We are all walking the path toward being like Christ, but would any dare say they are already there?  The Lord is calling you forward and has empowered you in Christ to accomplish what He intends.  Come then in the exhortations you have received and walk with and in Him always.

Lord, I still have much to learn.  You have sent those who would help me in this life.  Help me to remember all of the good things I have received that I might continue in the life of faith You have given me by grace.  Guide me always to walk according to Your goodness, leading me to the place where I live as Your child.  Whatever it takes, keep me moving in that direction, dear Lord.

Lord Jesus, You knew the price You would have to pay in order to enable each one of us to journey in the direction of becoming like You.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of everlasting life in order that I would now and forever walk according to the precepts You have given all of us.  Lead me to be steadfast, learning how to walk in the way which is worthy of the calling I have received by grace through faith.  Amen.