“For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”  And this is the word which was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24).

This passage from Isaiah forty is used several times throughout Scripture.  It speaks of what the Lord is doing.  In this world, there are important people and there are peons.  In eternity, there are only children of God.  We are to leave behind the one and go to the other.  The Lord has spoken, yet we struggle in the world’s messages rather than seeking to live in the word of the Lord.  Walk in the narrow way and live as a child of God.

Lord, the world is filled with encouragement to serve the self.  Help me to move beyond this to the place where I may live for You in service to others.  Continue to lead me in Your mercy Lord in order that I would not fall prey to this world’s sinful deceit.  Guide me in the upward way to live according to Your goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, when You came to earth, You came lowly and humbly.  When You left, You left with nothing, not even the clothes that were on Your back.  Yet, You have accomplished salvation for us all.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You have established of being a child of the Heavenly Father.  Guide me today to accomplish what You would have me say and do.  Amen.

“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:22-23).

Obedience to the truth should be the reaction of all who believe.  The offer is given by God.  The call is issued through Christ and you either obey or continue in disobedience.  What will it be?  Come then in obedience and learn to love God and others as the He loves you.  You have been given the power to become children of God and in Him you have life.

Lord, I live in a perishing world filled with perishable things.  Help me to keep my focus upon the things that are forever.  You have called me from the perishable to the imperishable.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You is all hope and a future.  This world may be fleeting, but Your word is forever.  You have purified my soul, continue to purify my heart.

Lord Jesus, in You is all hope.  No matter what the world says, help my ears to hear the truth You speak.  Then move me from unbelief to belief through Your word.  Teach me how to love.  Guide me in doing what is right in the Father’s sight.  Through all things, may I be found walking faithfully in and through Your grace and by Your mercy.  Lead me this day, my Lord, Savior, and God.  Amen.

“For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:20).

The Lord did this for you.  In these last days, it was done so that you might have the opportunity to be in His love forever.  If Christ has been raised from the dead, then you too will be raised from the dead.  This is our faith and hope. No longer live as the world does, as those who scoff at these things.  Live as one who lives in the reality that because Christ lives, you too live in the newness of life that He gives in grace and mercy.

Lord, You have given me the gift of faith.  You have shown me that these things are true.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of life so that I may now and forever walk in Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me according to all that You have said in order that I may walk in the life You set before me.  Let me neither waver, nor stumble, but humbly and firmly follow You in and through all things.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You alone is all hope and a future.  You are the author and finisher of my faith.  Guide me in Your goodness to look to You for all things and for Your leadership.  Help me this day to see these things more clearly and live according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

[K]nowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Think for a moment.  What does this world offer?  Silver and gold?  Don’t worry, be happy?  Collect stuff (or memories) and then die?  It is all so fleeting.  Whether it is ten or one hundred years, without redemption it means nothing.  What does the Lord offer?  Eternal life is the hope of salvation.  Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Know that in Him this is what will happen.

Lord, I do covet the things of this world.  I do want what I do not have.  Guide me, dear Lord, to live into the life You offer.  Help me through the things that are right and good.  Do not let me be distracted from the grace and mercy which guide me so that I may come into Your everlasting presence and purpose.  Lead me according to Your perfect will that I may live out the salvation You have given me.

Dear Jesus, You did not go to the cross so that I could continue living in the wickedness of this age and not worry about the state of my soul.  Help me, dear Lord, to see through the fog of this age knowing that in You alone is all hope and an eternal future.  In Your goodness, help me to be lifted up with You by walking the path You have laid before me to become what You are making of me in conformity to Your image.  Amen.

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth” (1 Peter 1:17)

Let us get one thing clear, the Father is not someone who is just letting you off the hook.  If that were true, then why the death of Jesus?  We are to abide in the life that is offered in and through Christ.  We will either live it or else we won’t.  So yes, we will be judged according to whether we were walking in Christ or not.  But it is Christ who makes this possible.  Through Him alone are we able do anything that pleases the Father.

Do address God as Father and live in His house.  Then follow the rules of the house and respect the Father.  Know that in Him is life and that life is your light.  Listen to His Spirit and do what is asked.  It is no different than any house except that this one is perfect.  That is why Scripture says be perfect even as the Father is perfect.  Do you not know that this completion is the goal of your salvation?

Lord Jesus, through You all things have already been accomplished, but I am still walking the path of faith.  Guide me, dear Lord, so that I may humbly walk according to Your will.  Dear Jesus, through Your shed blood I am forgiven and enabled to walk this path of light and life.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may now and always humbly listen and obey.  Teach me to pray constantly and be in communion with You so as to fulfill Your perfect will.  Amen.

“[B]ut like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;  because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” ( 1 Peter 1:15)

First, let us get straight the word holy.  It is not some superior attitude that we see in a holier-than-thou demeanor.  To be holy is simply to be set apart.  God is holy.  He is set apart in heaven because this wicked world has departed from Him.  When you are called to be holy, it is to step into the life you have been given through faith.  So, walk in the faith you have been given through Christ.

You know how I am living in this world’s ways.  You know where I do not seek Your will, but my own.  You know where I need help.  Lord, You have sent me all the help I need in and through Christ who strengthens me.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and help me when my steps falter.  I want to be set apart for you.  Help me to be set apart for the eternal way promised in the Gospel.

Lord Jesus, lead the way of my life so that I would humbly walk with You, my Lord and Savior, and be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Help me now and always to know that in You is all hope.  In You is all possibility.  In You is the way of life.  Guide me this day to be set apart for the eternal purpose that You have planted in my heart through grace.  Guide me always, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14)

As obedient children.  The promise of the Gospel is that we are given the power to become children of God.  Because we are born into a new family, do not live as one who is still conforming to the world.  Live as one seeking to be conformed to the life you will have in eternity.  Come and see that in Christ you have the only true hope and future worth living for.

The second part of this is that you are not to be ignorant.  Do not ignore the good news you are being told, as many seem to do.  So many hear the Gospel and like the idea of salvation, but do not want to live the life to which we are all called.  Live into the life of Jesus which is yours by grace through faith.  Move out of the old life and into the new life, taste and see that the Lord is always good, kind, merciful, and gracious.

Lord Jesus, You know that without You any of these thoughts would be impossible.  I am tugged by this world to stay in its fleshly desires.  I am afraid in my circumstances, and  I want things that do not matter.  I make commitments for the sake of goodness and then go back on them seconds later.  Help me, dear Lord, to move beyond these things so that I may live into the promise You give me through grace.  Amen.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

Fix your hope.  How we are tossed about to and fro by the winds of this world.  We chase after whatever carrot is dangling in front of us.  We do not see things as they are, only as they are presented.  Do not be drunk on the whims of this world.  We are fed pablum all day long. Fix your hope means fixing your hope on the grace of Jesus Christ and knowing that He will lead you to your eternal home.

Lord, I do flitter around in all kinds of directions believing this and that.  Guide me away from the spirit of this age so that I may see with reason the truth that You have revealed once for all.  Lead me according to Your goodness in order that I may now and always look to You above all things.  Lead me now and forever in the truth so that I may overcome the lies of this age and  cast them out of my heart.  Keep my eyes upon You Lord.

Lord Jesus, You have commanded that we go and share the Good News.  Prepare my heart and mind to understand and know the goodness that You have given me through grace.  Lead me in that goodness in order that I may now and always abide in the truth of the salvation You have given me and live according to the truth.  Teach me to be sober in spirit so that I may fix my hope upon You.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, Christ the King Sunday, Cycle C (November 20, 2022)

Malachi 3:13-18 (God tells his people of their complaints against him; they listen and ponder his words; God will spare the righteous as a father spares his children)

                ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (God gives good Shepherd, righteous Branch for his people)

Psalm 46, again?!? (Kingdoms totter and fall into the sea, but God is our refuge and strength)

Colossians 1:13-20 (Jesus is the perfect image of God; in him all things hang together)

ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:11-20 (Adds prayer for strength, joy, endurance, thanks)

Luke 23:27-43 (From the Via Dolorosa to the Cross; Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom; Father, into your hands I commend my spirit)

ELW/RCL: Luke 23:33-43 (Eliminates Via Dolorosa)

*******

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our King who rules with justice and mercy through his sacrificial death and resurrection. Thank you for his glorious and gentle rule. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit, so we have the faith to acclaim him as King and love him as Savior and Brother.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are pleased to make the Church the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Fill the Church with your Spirit, so that through its words and deeds, many are delivered from the domain of darkness, receive forgiveness and redemption, and are transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation your treasured possession. Form us in the image of Jesus. Use us to proclaim his love and draw others to his Cross, until the whole world adores him as King, Savior, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let their tormentors see Jesus’ love in their actions, hear his forgiveness on their lips, and turn to him in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies, for criminals, evildoers, and hatemongers, and for everyone who is hard to forgive. Teach us to pray with Jesus, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Let him subdue every sinful heart to his will, so that he might truly be all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” School their proud and disobedient wills to your commands. Be a strong bulwark and mighty fortress for the poor, weak, and innocent. Let peace, justice, health, and mercy be established in every land. Teach us all to acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations, and cause his peace to rule undisturbed in every heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make war to cease in all the world. Break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Hasten the day when we need not lift up prayers for those in the military, or for first responders. Until then, equip them with integrity, competence, and courage. Preserve them in safety and heal them when they falter. When they return, use them in new ways to benefit our communities and nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by evil and suffering. This day, we remember before you: {List}. Be their present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, your Son promises Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our beloved dead. Help us to comfort and encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus. Teach us to pray, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” And in your mercy, fulfill those words! Grant that we shall be with him in Paradise! Let us, with all the redeemed, adore and bless him forever, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as Savior, Lord, King, and God.

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.

THE PRAYERS, 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle C (November 13, 2022)

Exodus 3:1-15 (Moses at burning bush; God reveals his name; ‘Let My people go!’)

                ELW/RCL: Malachi 4:1-2 (Day of Lord burns wicked like stubble; Sun of Righteousness dawns for those who fear Name of Lord)

Psalm 148 (All creation enjoined to praise God)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 98 (Sing a new song to God for his love, faithfulness!)

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17 (As to the coming of Christ again, do not be deceived or dismayed; many tribulations must first come)

                ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Don’t be idle as we await Christ’s return)

Luke 20:27-40 (Jesus corrects Sadducees concerning marriage AND resurrection, using story of Moses at the burning bush)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 21:5-19 (Jesus warns: persecution, destruction before his return)

*******

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Most holy God, you promise to come with power, glory, judgment, and healing. Sometimes that disturbs us! We want you to make all things right and new – but before that can happen, you will show us our sins in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. Make us holy, whole, and filled with your eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse and strengthen your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful. Let it tirelessly preach the Gospel and serve the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a place of healing for people who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, witness, and welcome. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for seminarians, and for all whom you call to be a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. Bless them to be a blessing to others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation in which people hold positions of responsibility and power. And grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep all who suffer in your special care – especially: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage one another as we follow Jesus even through the valley of death’s shadow. Bring us, by his merits, into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall adore you in the unity you share eternally with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

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.