Prayers, September 4: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 18; Labor Day weekend)

 

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (Before you God sets life and death, blessing and curse; choose life!)

 

Psalm 1 (Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly; his delight is in the law of the Lord)

 

Philemon, whole thing (Paul’s artful persuasion on behalf of a runaway slave)

 

Luke 14:25-35 (Consider the cost of discipleship first!)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 14:25-33 (Eliminates words about unsalty salt)

 

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Gracious Father, teach us what true discipleship is. By your Spirit, give us the faith and steadfastness to bear its cost. Thank you for so clearly setting before us the “way of blessing and curse, of life and death.” Thank you for the grace to choose the life you offer through the death and resurrection of your Son.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the Church around the world. Make it holy and blameless, wise and loving, fearless and compassionate in equal measure. Make it delight in your Law and proclaim your Gospel. Establish its roots in the living waters flowing from Christ its head and its life.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to meditate on your Word day and night. Give us grace to forgive, faithfulness to serve, and joyfulness to worship. Use us to lead many people to those streams of living water in which is found true life in Christ.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for persecuted Christians, for missionaries, for seminary professors and students, and for all pastors and evangelists. Give them wise and humble hearts. Use them to bring the healing and saving Gospel to those whom the world has despised and rejected.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our nation and its leaders; and for the people and leaders of every nation on earth. Help all of us to “walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers;” but instead to delight in your Law; to meditate on your will; and to practice doing it so that we may live before you in peace and righteousness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Your Son dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Be with your people wherever they work. Make leaders of industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will. Give us pride in what we do. Be the strong refuge of those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of employment. Help all who are able to work to find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for everyone who needs your mercy and loving-kindness – especially: {List}. Refresh their hearts; heal whatever is wounded; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them. As we recall Paul’s words to Philemon, we lift before you the plight of all who, even this day, are slaves. Deliver them from bondage, and let us always claim them as kindred for whom Christ has died.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Holy and loving Father, with gratitude and affection we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Through your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our vocation as disciples of the Lord Jesus, so that, not counting the cost, we always bear faithful witness to him. For his sake, bring us into your presence, to be numbered with all those who serve, worship, and adore you in glory everlasting.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

 

 

Prayers, August 28: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 17)

 

Proverbs 25:2-10 (Words about kings; behaving in the King’s presence; keeping confidences)

            ELW/RCL: Proverbs 25:6-7 (Only about comporting self in king’s presence)

 

Psalm 131 (I do not occupy myself with things too great and marvelous)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 112 (The righteous and just are blessed by God)

 

Hebrews 13:1-17 (Words of advice about many things)

            ELW/RCL: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (Eliminates “Don’t be led away by strange teachings,” Jesus’ death “outside the camp”)

 

Luke 14:1-14 (Healing on Sabbath; taking the lowest seat at the banquet table)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 14: 1, 7-14 (Eliminates healing on Sabbath)

 

 

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Gracious Father, thank you for making us like Jesus! Joined to him, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble, without being doormats. Transformed by his Spirit, we can live in faith toward you and in fervent love for others. Thank you! Make us more and more the living image of your Son.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Fill your Church with obedient, humble faith in Christ alone. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that we always speak, act, and live in the presence of Christ our King. Let the way we treat everyone reflect his strong saving love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We are too fascinated by power, prestige, and popularity. Give us the grace to notice, and cherish, the humble and lowly who do your will. More than that, make us like Jesus, who is gentle and lowly of heart.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Those burdened with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears, heal their bodies, minds, and hearts, and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them. Give them refreshment and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for receiving all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live trustfully as your dear children. Lead us into your house, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore you forever.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

 

 

Prayers, August 21, 2013: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 16)

 

Isaiah 66:18-23 (All nations shall worship the Lord and be his priests)

                ELW/RCL: Isaiah 58:9-14 (Do justice, and God will bless you)

 

Psalm 50:1-15 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, the Lord shines forth; he desires the sacrifice of thanksgiving, not of beasts)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 103:1-8 (Bless the Lord, O my soul, for God’s mercy and justice)

 

Hebrews 12: 4-29 (Your suffering is how God disciplines beloved children. Pursue peace and holiness. You’ve come to Christ, whose blood speaks better word than Abel; don’t refuse him!)

                ELW/RCL: Hebrews 12:18-29 (Eliminates exhortation to faithfulness, holy living, God’s discipline of those he loves)

 

Luke 13:22-30 (Jesus says: strive to enter by the narrow gate, or you will see Abraham and the prophets enter the Kingdom, but you will be locked outside)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 13:10-17 (Jesus heals the woman bent over)

 

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what you would have us do, even when it is hard. Give us strength and grace to worship you in the beauty of holiness, and to share your love, justice, and mercy with others. Thank you for establishing for us a kingdom that can never be shaken.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lead the Church you love in the narrow way of peace, holiness, and truth. Make it a trustworthy, open gate to Christ. Lead all who are wounded in soul and body to the salvation he offers them.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Touch the hearts of the people gathered here with your beauty and goodness. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Make of us a kingdom of priests, holy in your sight; and a family of servants, faithfully doing your will.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Join the sufferings of your persecuted Church to those of Christ. Give it a gracious word of testimony, truth, and forgiveness, so that its tormentors may repent and be saved.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bring to fruition Isaiah’s vision that all nations shall serve and worship you. Give leaders the strength and desire to work for for peace, righteousness, and justice for all people – especially the poor and those devastated by human malice or natural disaster. Help all of us to be true neighbors to one another.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

The school year fast approaches, to mingled dread and anticipation. Give students joy in learning and diligence in study. Help their teachers and aides to convey true love of their subject matter. Make them gentle disciplinarians, inspiring mentors, and worthy examples to their students.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant healing, hope and strength to everyone who suffers, especially: {List}. Assure them of your loving presence, and let them enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by Jesus. Give us hope and joy along that way. Help us encourage one another. Bring us into that Kingdom which you have promised to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. There let us know the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love forever.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

 

Prayers, August 14: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 15)

OR Mary, Mother of Our Lord (transferred)

 

Pentecost 10 lessons and hymns:

 

Jeremiah 23:16-29 (Beware of false prophets who prophesy peace and plenty; God will act against wicked; his word is like fire and hammer)

                ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 23:23-29 (Eliminates warning against false prophets)

 

Psalm 119:81-88 (My soul longs for your salvation; I am persecuted but shall remain faithful)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 82 (God calls for justice; psalmist prays God should enact justice)

 

Hebrews 11:17-31 (32-40); 12:1-3 (Old Testament roll call of faith; we are surrounded by great cloud of witnesses; run faith’s race; looking to Christ the pioneer and perfector of our faith)

                        ELW/RCL: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (Eliminates some stories of faithfulness)

 

Luke 12:49-56 (Jesus will cast fire on earth, completing his baptism; interpret signs of times!)

 

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes your word dismays us! We don’t like to hear about divine fire, judgment, and division. Make us brave and steadfast in faith. Give us ears to rightly hear, and hearts to rightly repent. Give us grace to show the fruits of repentant faith, to your glory and for the good of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful witness to your Word. When it must speak of fire, judgment, or sin, let it do so humbly and lovingly, but also honestly and fearlessly. Help it always point to Jesus, the merciful pioneer and perfector of our faith, and the longed-for Salvation of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Renew the faith, increase the zeal, and strengthen the deeds of everyone in this congregation. Cast the purifying fire of your Holy Spirit in our midst, so that all we say and do is in accordance with your Word. Use us to accomplish your will in the lives of our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We are surrounded by a cloud of faithful witnesses, including Christians who are persecuted in this age of “tolerance and diversity.” Strengthen and encourage us by their example. Give them patient and steadfast hearts. And burn away the sin from the hearts of all who hate them, and you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish your peace among all people of this world. No plan or project of ours can heal the seeds of wickedness and violence in our hearts. Thus we plead: heal, purify, guide and direct the people and the leaders of every human endeavor, in accordance with your will and for our common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Until your peace is established, good men and women must risk their lives to protect others. We pray for all of them. Direct their decisions and deeds, so that even places of chaos and violence may begin to know your peace. Bring them safely home, and bless their hearts and lives with that same peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for everyone who is afflicted by the powers of sin, suffering, and sorrow. Especially we remember before you: {List}.  Be their sure hope and strong deliverer. Strengthen their faith in times of trial. Bring them safely into the fellowship of those who love them and into closer communion with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our departed loved ones into your care. Renew to us the promise you make to all the faithful: that “when through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply.” Keep our faith steadfast and firm in your excellent Word, until that day when you bear us in your bosom into your everlasting Kingdom, and make us stand before you with all whom you have upheld by your righteous, omnipotent hand.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. 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)

 

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. 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.

Father, thank you for all who died clinging to Mary’s Son and yours. Strengthen our faith in Jesus, and fill us with your Spirit. Lead us into your Kingdom, where with Mary and all the redeemed, we will rejoice and magnify you 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.

Prayers, August 7: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 14)

 

Genesis 15:1-6 (Abram’s faith is reckoned to him as righteousness)

 

Psalm 33:12-22 (Happy is nation whose God is the Lord; he is our strength and shield; he delivers soul from death; trust in him!)

 

Hebrews 11:1-16 (Faith is conviction of things not seen; patriarchs, especially Abraham, saw God’s promises afar off and welcomed them; God not ashamed to be their God.)

                ELW/RCL: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (Eliminates roll call of pre-Abraham faithful)

 

Luke 12:22-34 (35-40) (Part of Sermon on the Plain: consider lilies of the field; do not worry; where your treasure is, there is your heart also; be watchful for Son of Man’s coming)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 12:32-40 (Eliminates lilies, seek first the kingdom)

 

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the beauty of earth, sea, and sky. Thank you for blessings without number, and for your great faithfulness. Increase our faith and gratitude, and give us joy amidst suffering and comfort in sadness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your Church with faith as steadfast as Abraham’s, and as lovely as the lilies of the field. Make it a storehouse for the treasures of heaven. Let it graciously and generously share those treasures with all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless this congregation with deep faith, untroubled hearts, kindly spirits, and loving deeds. Remind us that our treasures are not found in buildings, bank accounts, programs, or progress. Give us eyes to see our treasure in the souls of those whom you have loved, forgiven, and redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless and guide all who are discipleship guides, spiritual directors, and pastoral mentors. Give them grace to lead others along the path of obedience, love, and faithfulness to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send your Spirit abroad in the world, so that people in every land may say, “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; he is our strength and shield.” Help us to find our treasure not in possessions and power, but in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Be the strength and shield of all who risk their life in defense of others. Help them act with wisdom, integrity, and competence. When their work is done, let their homecomings be joyful, their bodies and minds be healed and refreshed, their service be honored, and their skills be used in new ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant healing, hope, and faith to all who are afflicted pain or sorrow. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}.  Let the love, mercy and goodness of bless all who suffer. Give gentle hands and patient hearts to those who care for them; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, we thank you for receiving, as treasures and as your dear children, all who have died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on your mercy and loving-kindness toward us. Help us to encourage and help one another. Remind us of the treasures of eternal life and salvation that you have stored up for us through the merits of your dear Son. Bring us into your Kingdom, where, with all of your treasured people, we may enjoy those treasures and delight in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

 

“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  (James 4:6)

Pride goes before a fall.  The devil fell because of pride.  Sins against the flesh are bad, but they are, like the flesh, temporary.  Sins against others for malicious reasons are at the heart of pride.  I will take it because I can and keep it from you.  Yes, the Lord is opposed to anyone setting themselves up in His position, as well He should be.  Humble yourself and become who you were made to be.

Lord, You know that this world is in a mess because of pride and avarice.  Lead me in the way of salvation so that my pride might be replaced with humility.  Guide me in the goodness of Your mercy to see where I act as though I were the center of things.  Lead me to know You as You know me.  Lead me by Your grace to go where You lead and do as You would have me do.  Remove presumptuous sins from my heart.

Lord Jesus, You who are Lord of lords, told me that You did only what the Father would have You do.  You spoke only the words He gave You to speak.  You are the example to follow and to You I need to be conformed.  Lead me today to hang my pride on the cross in order that the person You are making me to be may breathe new life.  Guide me in the way of salvation to live into this new life You have given me.  Amen.