“But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge” (1 Timothy 5:11-12).

The church has sometimes taken this as the basis for some of its monastic orders.  It is a fine thing to want to serve the Lord alone, but we can serve the Lord in and through family, friends and society.  The principle to focus upon here is the pledge.  The Lord takes seriously the vows we make and the words of promise we utter.  Did not our Lord say, “Let your yes be yes, and your no, no?”  May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord.

If you look at these things in a proper way, we see that the world wants to go for all the advantage it can gain.  The Lord desires that we be like Christ.  We have been called through our baptism into the glorious company of the saints in light.  We are called to live into the promise the Lord (Who cannot lie) has given us knowing full well that we cannot do so without Him.  Through faith it is reckoned unto us as righteousness and that is by grace.

Lord Jesus, I absolutely need You, but also, I need to do what I can.  Help me to step up to the plate and do my duty when I can, where I can, and as I can.  You are the example and You have led the way.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You know I need to go to learn how to be more like You.  Lead me in the direction I need to go so that, no matter what happens in this world, I may be guided by Your grace to do what is good and right.  Amen.

“[H]aving a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work” (1 Timothy 5:10).

Those who are not in need ask for handouts.  That’s our modern culture.  Many have their hands out.  If you do not give it, they curse you.  That’s the wickedness that has always been around.  We are not expected to do all things for all people.  Jesus didn’t, we shouldn’t try.  But we are expected to come into the goodness of Christ and the way is practicing charity and good deeds  when a need truly exists .  Help out when and where the Holy Spirit leads.

Lord, this is so simple to see, but so difficult to do in this world.  We are so enamored with what others think, say and do, that we do not look at the utter simplicity of whether another is behaving like Your follower.  The world can call it what it will, but it is that simple.  Help me to see the simplicity of things and to live according to Your Word and in the Father’s will.

Lord Jesus, You have established the way.  Yes, we are assuredly saved by what You have done for us, but You have called us to live a new life of humble obedience as Your disciples.  Teach me that I am no better than a beggar.  When I shirk what You have asked me to do, bring me to repentance.  Teach me to be faithful to the calling You have given me, going where You send me, and doing what You give me to do.  Amen.

“A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man” (1 Timothy 5:9)

We live under grace.  What is important is to have firm boundaries in place.  There are principles that must govern every time and place.  It is not to be so hard-pressed that you absolutely will not help someone who does not fulfill every nuance of what is said, but that you also do not stop doing what you are able to do.  The church should help those who need to be helped and not help those who can either help themselves or should be helped by their family.

Lord, our contemporary culture gives handouts to everyone and the church is expected to tell everyone that everything is good and right.  We are called evil if we draw a line.  Help me through all this nonsense to live prudently and by the lines You have drawn.  Guide me to see that only in You is there wholeness.  Help me to also be chaste and moral so that I may do what is pleasing to You.

Lord Jesus, there is nothing new here that You have not seen before in this world.  You know this sinful world and You have experienced the incessant cacophony of wickedness that calls us in many directions.  Lord, teach me to do what is right and to help those whom You would have me help.  Guide me into all goodness and lead me according to the way You have established for all.  Amen.   

“Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:7-8).

Some of these things which Paul is speaking of seem so much like common sense that most folk wonder why he needs to says them.  Look around and you see irresponsibility.  Too many say, “Why do it if there is someone else who will do it?”  But this ought not be so with you.  Do not live irresponsibly, but live doing what the Lord gives you to do.  Know that in Him is goodness and life.

Lord, I do see so many things and I am tempted to live as those who skirt prudence and decency.  You have called me to a better life of preparing to be eternally with You.  Guide me away from the temptations which are common to all.  Lead me into seeing life differently and applying my strength and efforts toward doing what is right.  You know what needs to happen and I thank You for Your help in making it happen.

Thank You Lord Jesus for taking on the responsibility to do all that is needed so that those who believe would be freed to take up their cross and follow You.  Lead me now and always, Lord, in order that I would humbly abide in the truth of all that You have done.  Help me be responsible so that I may be above reproach and a witness of the good You desire for us all.  In You is all hope and an eternal future.  Amen.

“But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives” (1 Timothy 5:6).

If we live for the body, the body is dead already.  Pleasures are fleeting and last for a moment.  But they are merely a reflection of the true pleasure which is in the Lord alone and who is forever.  Why settle for temporary when you can have what you were created for?  Do not look to the world, for they do the same things over and over again.  Look to the Lord who has spoken the Word of Truth.

Lord, temptation is right before me.  You know that I often chose the body over truth.  You know that I cannot resist the little indulgences.  Guide me, O Lord, to look to You in order to receive the greater portion.  Lead me into all truth so that I may now and always live in the reality You have created rather than the indulgences of fleeting moments.  In You is all hope.  Help me dwell with You and in You.

Lord Jesus, hope made flesh, guide me out of the momentary thinking that traps me and lead me into the forever truth You have revealed.  Let me not live amongst the dead as another dead person, but as one who is alive in You.  Guide me this day to move beyond little pleasures that would distract me so that I might live the fulness of life that You give me.  Amen.

“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5).

Listen to what is being said.  This is an example of, “If one will not work, neither shall they eat.”  On the other hand, if one cannot work, the church has an obligation to help such person.  This is so simple and so ignored in our culture.  We hear, “Everybody deserves,” which promotes people being lazy.  This is an instruction of prudence and we are all asked to find the line in our own lives between lazy and unable.

Lord, You know where I am unable and where I am being lazy.  Help me to fully understand where the line is so that I may be compassionate as You would have me be, but not enable the lazy, perhaps even to their detriment.  Guide me, Lord, to know the difference and what to do.  I need You to do for me what You alone can do, but I know You will teach me what I should do.

Lord Jesus, You said that the way of salvation is narrow.  This is a part of that narrow road.  It is easy to fall off on either side.  Guide me Lord to know which is what.  Send Your Spirit to help me with understanding so that I may know when to ask for healing and when to rebuke.  Teach me to be like You in all things in order that I may grow into the child of the Father You are making me to be.  Help me continue with Your grace, which I always need.  Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4, February 6, 2022

Isaiah 6: 1-13: (Isaiah’s vision of God and commissioning as a prophet of judgment)

Psalm 138: (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: (Spiritual gifts; interpretation is greater than tongues)

            RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: (Proof and witnesses of the Resurrection)

Luke 5:1-11: (Jesus calls his first disciples; “Depart from me for I am a sinful man!”)

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for seeking and sending us, even though, like Peter, we are sinners! Thank you for providing every spiritual gift, so we can follow Jesus and proclaim the Gospel to other sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not let your dear Son depart from your Church, though it is sinful and broken. Bless, purify, forgive, and transform it. Teach it to fish for all those who do not know Jesus, and draw them to his Cross. Teach all who gather at that Cross to love Jesus with all their heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless every missionary and evangelist who boldly speaks your Word to those who have never heard or heeded it. Protect and strengthen all who are persecuted for sharing and living the Gospel. Soften the hearts of unbelievers, so they turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son called Peter, James, and John to follow him. Now he calls this congregation to do likewise. Equip us with faithfulness, boldness, humility, and compassion. Keep us focused on your Word. Use our words and work to bring many to faith in Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give right judgment to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, to educators and scientists, military and emergency personnel, to medical and social workers, and to all who exercise authority and responsibility for their communities. Teach them to seek your will, and give them strength to do it. Help all of us to give generously of time and treasures when our neighbor’s need is great.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessing upon those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {LIST}. Free them from bondage to sorrow, sin, and suffering. Raise them to health and wholeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort all who grieve. Help us to be so patient and kind to one another that we all pass safely through the afflictions of this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, January 30, 2022

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19: (God calls Jeremiah to speak his Word)

            RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 1:4-10: (Omits “Gird up your loins, tell them everything I speak against them; I make you like a fortified city”)

Psalm 71:1-11: (O God, be my rock of refuge; deliver me from my enemies; rescue me from the cruel and wicked)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 71:1-6: (Eliminates obeisance of the King’s enemies)

1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13: (In praise of charity; faith, hope and love abide, the greatest is love)

Luke 4:31-44: (Jesus casts out demon in temple; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; tells assorted demons to take a hike and shut up about him)

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

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, sometimes your holy Word seem stern and offensive. But in Jesus, you assure us that every Word which proceeds from your mouth is good. In him, your never-failing love is fleshed out for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can thank you for every Word you speak to us. Help us to model, however imperfectly, your perfect love for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In your Church, you have appointed prophets, martyrs, pastors, bishops, teachers, and ordinary saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. We pray that your Church speaks your word boldly, acts fearlessly, and mirrors your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your suffering Church. Rescue your servants from the hand of the wicked and the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their refuge. Fill their mouth with your praise, and drive out the demons of hatred and unbelief from their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let this congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness; and to be lacking only in resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let everyone know we are Christians by Jesus’ love, which touches them through us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of the nations, especially our own. Let them heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach them to love justice and hate cruelty. Make them rejoice in truth and reject wrong. Help them wield authority, knowing that they are accountable to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear the cries of those afflicted by poverty, injustice, or violence. Give us strength to help them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With authority and power, Jesus drove out demons, healed the sick, and forgave and raised up people held in bondage to sin, evil, and death.  In his name, we pray for all who suffer from any kind of affliction, including: {List}. Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care for them; and grant them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help us to be gentle, patient, and kind to one another, so we can endure whatever afflicts us in this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by your dear Son, into your Kingdom. There let our faith become sight, our hope become joy, and your love become our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

“Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 5:3-4).

Listen carefully to this.  Should we care for one another?  Yes we should, but not when there are those in the family who can and should be doing so.  Now look at our culture and what do you see?  It calls for others to do what this passage says the family should do.  Some do, to be sure, but by and large, we are not to rely on the great “we” but take responsibility for our own when it is needed.

Lord, You know where this does or does not apply to me.  Guide me Lord to be responsible where You would have me be responsible, but also to ignore those who would say I need to be responsible when I am not.  Neither guilt nor false obligation should drive my heart, but trust in You, and what You ask me alone to do should be the motivation for what I do.  Guide me in this way, Lord.

Lord Jesus, You did not heal everyone, nor do what so many expected.  You did what the Father told You to do.  In that example, teach me what I should do and then help me to do it.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of true life.  By Your example, help me to be bold, but humble, compassionate, but just, caring, and considerate of all needs.  You are growing Your image in all who believe.  Help me to grow to become like You.  Amen.

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2).

Our world is filled with hate and continuous demeaning of others.  We want the story we want to be told.  Stand in the truth and begin by treating others with respect and dignity.  And then confront those who need to be confronted.  But also, be willing to be confronted if you are the one who needs it.  As we are willing to give, so also, be willing to receive.  Do all this with pure motive.

Lord, in one sense, these things are easy to do, yet all around me I see that they are not done.  Insofar as it is up to me, let me put these principles into effect.  Lead me to see that You have given grace upon grace, and that should lead me to do the same.  As I want to be respected, help me to respect others.  We each are deserving of respect as those who are loved by You.

Lord Jesus, though chastised for doing so, You did not treat anyone differently.  Whether tax collector, prostitute, or Pharisee, You dealt with each impartially.  In that example, guide me according to Your grace.  Lead me this day to put into practice this example of treating all whom I meet as ones whom You love enough to die for.  But let me also learn to do so in truth.  Amen.