“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).

No one can tame the tongue.  Listen, our faith is not based upon self-control.  You just can’t do it.  But at just the right time, the One who can has come along so that You can follow Him as He cures the ills endemic in us all and heals our sinfulness by replacing it with godliness.  We need the Savior to do the saving.  Do not fall into the trap of the Pharisees, relying on works for salvation; instead live in the grace which is yours in Christ.

Lord, I am saved by grace through faith.  Lead me to understand that I indeed need saving.  Guide me into Your goodness to know that in You alone there is all hope and a future.  Lead me away from trying to do things on my own and rest in the knowledge that my help comes from the Lord.  You have given us powerful things like the tongue and we cannot handle them on our own.  But with the help of the Lord we can and will handle them rightly.  Lead me, Lord!

Lord Jesus, You came to fulfill the law.  Guide me according to Your goodness – Yours not mine – so that I would follow Your example and be led by You.  Help me through this day.  That is enough.  Help me to be one who sees You work on and in me such that the impossible is done because You are the One doing it.  Lead me into a righteous lifestyle so that I may be transformed by You for the Father’s purpose.  Amen.

“For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race” (James 3:7).

What has more power?  The tongue or a strong man?  It is the tongue, the ability to communicate, which makes a key difference between man and beast — such a small thing that makes such a big difference.  Christ has come to make all things new.  What will be the new thing that will set apart the new man in Christ?  We shall see, but it is probably something we would not expect.

Lord, You know how deliberately confusing some in this world are.  They look you in the eye and lie.  Animals do not lie to you.  This difference can also be used for good.  Turn my tongue away from the fire of this rebellious age and toward You and the Good Word You give by grace.  You know what I need.  Lead me to go where I need to go so that I may have Your word on my lips always.

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made flesh.  You have come in order that all those who come through You would live into the new life which comes by grace.  Guide me today to speak the word You would have me speak.  Turn my heart so that it is sensitive to You and others.  Lead me to live out those fruits of the Spirit which You grant so that I may be guided into living in a godly way.  Amen.

Prayers, July 31: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 13)

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26 (Vanity of vanities, all is vanity…)

                RCL/ELW: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 (Eliminates what God gives to righteous, sinners; all is still vanity!)

Psalm 100 (Praise the Lord, enter his courts with thanksgiving. He is good; his mercy endures forever.)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 49:1-12 (I shall speak wisdom; none can ransom their life. Wealthy, poor, wise, fool all die)

Colossians 3:1-11(You have died; your life is hidden in Christ and will be revealed in his glory. Therefore put away all evil deeds; be clothed in Christ; all will be like him!)

Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool)

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

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, you bless greatly, us even when we think we have very little! You give us life and breath. Each new day gives us a chance to repent, forgive, and share Jesus’ love with another person. Help us to thank you for these things, to enjoy them rightly; and to share them generously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with Christ. Put away from it all evil desires, words, and deeds. Fill it with your Spirit, so it abounds in every good gift, overflows with Jesus’ life, and leads many to faith in him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with wisdom and humility. Remind us that everything is done for you, not for ourselves, and that we must one day render an accounting of our stewardship of your blessings. Make us faithful, generous, and holy. Use us to draw many people into your fatherly embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your persecuted Church in your care, and bless their faithful witness. Help us to provide for our suffering sisters and brothers from the storehouses of our spiritual and material abundance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your blessing upon our nation – and for all nations. Guide our leaders with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might. Remind them that they must give to you an account of how they have used the power and authority entrusted to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, lead us on the hard path of discipleship. Teach us virtues that are often unpopular: responsibility, accountability, and self-sacrifice, grounded in faith toward you and fervent love for one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the suffering and sorrow of your people, especially: {List}. Anoint them with the oil of gladness. Heal wounds to body, mind, and soul. Grant that, with those who love them, they may enter your gates with thanksgiving, and go into your courts with praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, keep our beloved dead close to your heart.  Comfort all whose grief runs deep. By the power of your Spirit, turn our hearts from the folly of sin. Keep us focused on Jesus and his love for us. Make us channels of his forgiveness and grace, because so many people need them. By your mercy, bring us into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall praise and adore you 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 of the Church July 24, 2022

St. James the Elder (Transferred)

1 Kings 19:9-18: (Elijah meets God at Horeb)

Psalm 7:1-11: David’s prayer against his persecutors)

Acts 11:27-12:3a: (Severe famine in Judea; James’ death at hand of Herod)

Mark 10:35-45: (James and John want special favors; are they able to drink Jesus’ cup, be baptized with his baptism?)

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

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, your servants Elijah and James knew the cost of obedience to your will. Thank you for their witness. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Like them, keep us faithful, true, and bold, always glorifying your holy Name and building up the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify the testimony of your Church, so that it never wavers in the face of persecution. Keep it persistent in prayer and gracious in service. Let it never depart from the faith once delivered to the saints. Make it beautiful with holiness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the persecuted Church; for all who face martyrdom at the hands of those who despise the Name of Jesus; and for missionaries who bravely preach the Gospel to an unheeding world. Keep them steadfast in faith, fervent in hope, and constant in love for you and for all whom you long to save.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw the people of this congregation into a life of prayer with you. Help us to ask for your mercy; to seek your guidance; and to knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends, and neighbors into a closer walk with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in paths of righteousness. Help us to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Give health and safety to all people; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion, and other evils. Transform them, and conform them to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal all our hearts, so that we reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant strength, comfort, and hope to everyone who needs your healing and loving presence, especially: {List}. Thank you for all who care for them in their time of need. Bless them with patience and kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care all who died clinging to the promises which have their Yes in Christ. Comfort those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore, and bless 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, July 24, 2022: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 12)

Genesis 18:17-33 (Abraham pleads with God: don’t destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous people are found)

            ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:20-32 (Eliminates God debating whether to tell Abraham what he is about to do, and a concluding verse)

Psalm 138 (God is holy; his love endures; he regards the lowly, sends the haughty far away)

Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) (Live rooted in Christ; in Baptism, you are dead to trespasses, alive to Him. Don’t get fussed about non-essentials; cling to Christ, the Head!)

Luke 11:1-13 (Lord, teach us to pray; Lord’s Prayer; ask-seek-knock)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw the people of this congregation into a life of prayer with you. Help us to ask for your mercy; to seek your guidance; and to knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends, and neighbors into a closer walk with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver your persecuted servants from evil.  Help them to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use ways to introduce unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in paths of righteousness. Help us to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Give health and safety to all people; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion, and other evils. Transform them, and conform them to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal all our hearts, so that we reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut. We especially remember before you: {List}. Graciously answer them from the wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care all who died clinging to the promises which have their Yes in Christ. Comfort those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless 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, July 17: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 11)

Genesis 18:1-14 (Abraham and Sarah entertain 3 divine visitors; they’re promised a son)

                ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:1-10 (Eliminates Sarah laughing)

Psalm 27: (1-6), 7-14 (The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?  I’ll seek his face.)  

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 15 (Those who are blameless dwell with God)

Colossians 1:21-29 (The mysteries of God now revealed, including to the Gentiles; for His sake, Paul suffers, teaches, prays, warns, works to present Colossians as mature believers)

                ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:15-28 (Adds description of Christ, “firstborn of creation”)

Luke 10:38-42 (Mary and Martha entertain 1 divine visitor!)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, thank you for the gift of hospitality. You let us entertain angels unaware! Give us generous hearts, so we may refresh and gladden the hearts of others. Fill us with your Spirit, so that by faith, we may gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven, given to us in your well-beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up your Church in mature faith, patient suffering, generous service, and gracious hospitality. Use it to reveal the mysteries of your love, so that many people seek your face, and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Let all we say and do to lead our neighbors to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your servant Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as do many Christians in this day. Make them desire to glorify you. Help them encourage one another to be witnesses to their Savior, who prayed even on behalf of his persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for all the people and nations on earth. Let your holy presence dwell with us. Grant that we may know your will, and seek your peace. Teach us to sit at your feet; to love your Law; to display your mercy; and to share your blessings with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strength and shield of all who stand in harm’s way to protect life and liberty. Give them courage and competence. Heal wounds of body, soul, and mind. Restore them to their loved ones. And help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their duties have ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {List}. Strengthen their bodies, refresh their hearts, take away their fears, and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness and competence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our departed loved ones who now receive that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn. Help us to nourish all who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Welcome us, and all whom you have redeemed, into your spacious House. There, let us no more be strangers, servants, or guests, but your dear children, who see you face to face 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.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle C (July 10, 2022)

Leviticus 18:17-19; 19:9-18 (you shall not be sexually impure, nor lie, cheat, or show partiality; you SHALL reprove your neighbor; love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord your God)

          ELW/RCL: Deuteronomy 30:9-14 (God will prosper those who obey his commands. His word is very near you)

Psalm 41 (Love the poor; Lord, defend me from my enemies)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in truth, remember me in mercy)

Colossians 1:1-14 (You are bearing the Gospel’s fruit; lead lives worthy of Christ; clothed in his power, you shall endure, be joyful & give thanks)

Luke 10:25-37 (Who’s this neighbor I’m supposed to love? Parable of Good Samaritan)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Lord, for giving us the ministry of showing mercy to others. But sometimes we are distracted or self-absorbed. We make excuses for “passing by on the other side.”  Forgive us, dear Father, and kindle your Holy Spirit within our hearts. Make us signs of your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When your Church lies wounded and bleeding, and its leaders pass by on the other side, send your dear Son to be her Good Samaritan. Anoint her with the oil of healing and gladness. Feed her with the medicine of immortality, the Body and Blood of her Savior. And raise her up to be your “Mercy Hospital” for a hurting and hurtful world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the hearts of everyone in this congregation with kindness and mercy. Make us holy and humble, gentle and good, courageous and compassionate, all in equal measure. Make us into your kindly beasts of burden who bear wounded and dying souls to the healing presence of Jesus, their Good Physician.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our persecuted sisters and brothers cry to you for help. Give them strength, hope, and courage in their suffering. Do not let us ignore their plight. Forgive and transform evildoers who have wounded them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give sharp eyes, wise hearts, and generous hands to our elected and appointed leaders, wherever they are given authority and power. Help each of us to notice our neighbor’s distress. Give us all the grace and the willingness to show them mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, protect the farms, businesses, and homes of everyone affected by flood, fire, wind, or drought. Keep safe all who work to repair and strengthen bridges, roads, dams, and levees. Open wide the hands of all your people, to help provide for those whose homes and livelihoods have been washed or shriveled away.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the healing balm of Jesus’ grace and mercy to all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit, especially those we name before you now. Bless all who act as Good Samaritans to them. Let all that is needed for health and hope be provided, and restore them to full fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving your fullest healing to our beloved dead. Bind up the hearts of those still wounded by grief. Help us to show kindness and mercy to everyone we meet throughout our earthly pilgrimage; we do not know the burden of suffering that they bear. Fill us with your life-giving Spirit. And, by your grace, bring us into your house of healing, life, love, and peace, which your Son has prepared for all whom he has redeemed, and where we shall abide with 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.

“And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).

The idea here is not to make you feel so bad, nor be paranoid about talking, but realize that with the power of your ability to communicate, comes great responsibility.  If you let your mouth go free, it will destroy you.  Guard the gift of speech and be a steward of what is spoken.  One word can undo many: spoken in haste, or without regard, the good is replaced with evil, which may set on fire the course of your life.

Lord, help me to take seriously the gift of communication which You have given me.  I can speak and convey good words, but I can also speak badly and do damage.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of life such that I am on guard with what I say.  Help me to know that in You I have hope and there is a future.  In all I say, lead my tongue to speak those things which are pleasing to You and helpful to others.

Lord Jesus, lead me out of the mire of unhelpful words that are all around me that would take my heart away from You.  Guide me in Your goodness to see through and past the hurtful words that get spoken.  Let me not be one of those who speaks these words.  Through all things, lead me by Your grace to become intentional in my speech and uplifting through what I say.  May the truth and grace You give always be on my lips.  Amen.

“See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” (James 3:5)

A match is enough to burn down a forest.  How many fellowships have been destroyed by a careless word here or there?  O, the great destruction that has come because of careless talk.  You do not know who is listening, so always be on your guard with your speech.  Know that the Lord always hears when you talk – whether you want Him to or not.  Knowing such a small thing makes a big difference.

How can we know unless we hear?  How can we hear unless someone speaks?  Know that the world is moved in many directions with such a small thing as the tongue.  You too, in your relationships may influence others, for good or for evil.  Be on your guard less the wicked one trip you up and you feel free to speak things that are better off never having been said.  Words spilled out can never be put to rest.

Lord Jesus, bring me to a place where I am sensitive about my words.  Let me be guarded with my tongue.  Through all things, lead me to know that in You is all hope and a future.  That future includes a place where loose talk will not happen.  And it needs to begin with me.  Lead me Lord so that I would, day by day, be more guarded in the habit of careful speech and live with an attentive attitude toward others.  Amen.

“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things” (James 3:5).

If somehow you could imagine an alien creature trying to figure out the most important part of human anatomy, you might well imagine they would say the tongue, or at least our mouth.  It is the focus of so many things.  And the reaction it causes.  It was the power behind the likes of Hitler.  The tongue — a small organ that can cause so much damage — speaks and the ear listens.

The Lord is giving instructions that are important.  Those of men, not so much: ”You must do this-or-that or you will have no hope.”  Those given by the Lord are what you do when you have hope.  You know that the Lord will walk with you and help you through these things.  He will lead you to curb your tongue and guard your mouth.  He intends to make you perfect (complete your sanctification) – and He will.  When you boast, boast in the greatness of the Lord.

Lord Jesus, we have in the Bible hundreds of  Your sayings.  These have changed the world.  How few words You needed to say to accomplish so much.  Help me learn from You so that I may learn to be guarded with the words I use.  Help me to be very intentional in my speech and learn how to say things in a way that points to You.  Lead my tongue and all the rest of me to follow You, my Lord and Master.  Amen.