THE PRAYERS, February 19, 2023: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Exodus 24:8-18 (The 70 elders and Moses on the mountain with God)

Psalm 2:6-12 (You are my Son, today have I begotten you; tremble, O nations, before him!)

            RCL: Psalm 2, complete

2 Peter 1:16-21 (We do not follow cleverly devised myths; we are eyewitnesses to God’s glory in Christ as he was transfigured before us)

Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration account)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us! In the transfiguration of Jesus, we see your glory. And we see what everyone joint to Jesus will be like. Thank you for this “double vision.” Thank you for showing us that Jesus truly is all in all. Thank you for his suffering and death, which transfigures our own. Thank you for the vision of his glory, which he lovingly pours upon all who cling to him in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure your Church. Make it a lamp, radiating your beloved Son’s light and life. Make it a place where sinful mortals eat and drink in your presence, and live. Make it a place where cleverly devised myths are confounded by the glorious truth of the Gospel. Make it a place where all may come to be fashioned into the image and likeness of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this congregation: its people and programs; its decisions and vision; its worship, service, and fellowship. Make our every word and action like clear crystal, through which the radiance of Jesus’ love shines unimpeded upon everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the suffering of your persecuted Church.  Unite it to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Give it grace to speak truth and offer forgiveness to its enemies. Transfigure the ministries of seminaries, missionaries, spiritual directors, so all they say and do points to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 Transfigure the sacrifices of those who for our sake stand in harm’s way. Let their actions shine with honor. Grant them healing when they fall, and joy when they return home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this death-shadowed world; its people; and its leaders. Enlighten minds to seek your truth, and purify hearts to delight in doing your will. Turn us from being enemies of you, of one another, and of our own eternal good. Transfigure us into your loyal subjects, sisters and brothers to one another, wise stewards of creation, and lovers of your Beloved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the lives of all who sit in the shadows of suffering and sorrow – especially: {List}. Grant that Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, may rise upon them with healing in his wings. Let sorrow be turned to joy; fear into hope; and despair into faith in your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we bless you because you have transfigured the death of your faithful servants. You have turned their death into life, their sin and pain into holy health, and their limitations into delight in your infinite goodness. We humbly beseech you: transfigure each of us into Jesus’ image. Even now, make him our all in all. Speed the day when we gaze into the faces of your redeemed people, and see Jesus smiling back at us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Year End 2022

Dear Friends –

I have been enjoying doing a weekly Bible study based upon the lectionary readings for the following Sunday.  A couple churches post them on their websites and Facebook pages as part of their adult education ministry, and I know of several people who use them either for their personal devotions or as resources for a small group Bible study that they lead.

This past week I was preparing a study on the Scriptures for Reformation Sunday.  In the third chapter of his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul makes a brilliant argument showing that God is both righteous and the one who justifies the person who has faith in Jesus (verse 26).  Paul says that we are “now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood effective through faith” (verses 24-25).  I read that verse and I thought of the movement that calls itself Progressive Christianity, which rejects the teaching that Christ died for our sins.

According to this movement, Jesus did not die for our sins.  Instead he died because he opposed the oppressive political power structures of his day.  But God raised him from the dead, showing that love wins, and now we need to join in his struggle against all the oppressive political and social power structures of our day. 

I know of a congregation where the new pastor, shortly after coming, took all the Sunday School material and with a black marker crossed off any reference to Jesus’ dying for our sins.  Then he returned the material to the teachers and told them that they were to use the amended curriculum and make no mention of Jesus’ dying for our sins.  All the teachers quit.  Good for them.

According to so-called Progressive Christianity (which I would say is not Christianity), sin, death, and the power of the devil are not three forces that hold us in bondage and we need someone to deliver us from.  And the main mission of the church is not to tell people of the Savior who loves them and who has broken the power of the forces that enslave them.  Rather, according to this view, the main message and mission of the church is to challenge people and rally people to work against all oppressive political and social power structures.

According to this view, Jesus is not a Savior.  Rather he is just an example and someone who wants to rally us to his cause.

I read the Second Reading for Reformation Sunday, and I contrast it with the main message of so-called Progressive Christianity, and I realize how much is at stake.  With what is going on in the Christian church today, everything is at stake.

I am very grateful for all the people who have told me of how they have read and deeply appreciate my analysis of the recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  People have shared that they also are in grief and horror over the way in which –

• The ELCA’s own description of the Highlights and its account of the Summary of Actions from the assembly make no mention of God and Jesus.  There is discussion of greenhouse gases, D. C. statehood, non-disclosure agreements, LGBTQ+ rights, and talk of dismantling racism and white supremacy, but no mention of God and Jesus.

• The Assembly took action to approve a resolution that called for a review of the 2009 human sexuality social statement and reconsideration of the four positions of bound conscience.  What could very likely occur at the next churchwide assembly in 2025 would be a massive breach of trust, as the ELCA breaks its promise to provide a place of respect for traditional views and those who hold them, all while harshly criticizing the U. S. government for breaking its promises to indigenous persons.

• The Assembly also took action to call for a commission for a renewed Lutheran church.  I shudder to think of what this reconstituted Lutheran church will have as a statement of faith and a statement of the mission of the church and the role of rostered leaders.

Yes, everything is at stake.  I am certain that the majority of the members sitting in the pews in most ELCA churches would be horrified if they knew what actually is going on.

The apostle Paul told his young friend Timothy, “Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable” (2 Timothy 4: 2).  It is your prayers, words of encouragement, friendship, and faithful financial support that enable us to do that.  Thank you for joining with us in doing what the apostle Paul also wrote to Timothy – fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4: 7).

Please find enclosed a form which you can use to designate a year-end gift towards our regular operating expenses as we work to be a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Please also let us know how we can be praying for you.  Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel, especially at this critical time when everything is at stake.    

In Christ,

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

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THE PRAYERS, February 12, 2023: 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you life and death; choose life; obey my commandments)

Psalm 119:1-8 (Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (Paul chides Corinthians for childish quarreling; he, Apollos and others are     ALL Christ’s servants, working together; Church is God’s field and building)

Matthew 5:21-37 (Hard words about anger, lust, and divorce)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Father, you set a high bar before us! You want us to be like Jesus. Thank you for joining us to him through Baptism. Thank you that he has “cleared the bar.” Help us to not dangle lazy arms or drag objecting feet, as he carries us over that bar with him! By your Spirit, grant that what Jesus has done for us is shown in us, to your glory and for the good of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Build the Church into a holy temple, filled with your Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone. Give it faithful pastors, bishops, theologians, teachers, and other leaders.  Help them plant and water the seed of faith, to which you alone give growth. Make the Church set before the world the way of life; and grant that many should choose it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause quarrels, angry words, and hurt feelings to cease in this congregation. Unite us in a common purpose: planting and tending the seed of faith in one another, in our children and grandchildren, and in our friends, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus spoke hard words about anger, adultery and divorce. Help us take them to heart. Bring your forgiveness and healing to those wounded by hurtful words and deeds. Give each of us wisdom and grace to comfort, challenge, and encourage loved ones who strive to remain faithful; who struggle to repent of offenses they have caused; and who agonize over how to forgive those who have betrayed their trust.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in the faith who suffer persecution and death on account of Jesus. Set before us their example of faithful obedience to your Word. Help us to assist and defend them. Turn their tormentors from the paths of death and toward your light and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Set before the rulers of nations the path of life and of death. Give them the desire and strength to choose life for themselves and for the people in their care. Conform each of us to your will, so that we may truly live together as your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of everyone afflicted by suffering, sin, or sorrow, especially: {List}. Deliver them from evil; grant them refreshment, hope and healing; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially those whose loss we grieve most deeply. Give us grace to comfort one another. Make us abound in gentleness, forbearance, self-control, and faithfulness. Help us to choose those good things which please you. Grant us the joy of joining the whole company of the redeemed. And let us praise, adore, and glorify you forever!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, February 5, 2023: 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)

Psalm 112:1-9 (God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit,             contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)

Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law    and prophets)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, your Word is challenge, command, and marching orders for us. How often we stumble, fall short, or go AWOL in fulfilling it! Thank you for Jesus, who fulfilled your Word and who IS your Word. Thank you for planting his grace, mercy, and obedience in our hearts. For his sake, make us like him: salt and light, hope and holiness, so others may turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause your Church to constantly preach Christ, crucified for the forgiveness of sin unto everlasting life. Keep it from being conformed to the desires and whims of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Let everything we say and do glorify you and help our neighbor, especially the poor, lonely, and distressed people in our community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, being a disciple means being a student of Jesus. Give us teachable hearts and minds! Lead your “apprentices” in paths of devotion and holiness. Form them into “journeymen” who walk with those whose path is hard and lonely. Use them to bring hope, encouragement, and Jesus’ love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you our persecuted sisters and brothers. Make them into lamps shining in dark places. Bring them justice and deliverance. Soften the hearts of their enemies so they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause the rulers of all nations, especially our own, to heed the words of the prophet: to do justice tempered with mercy, and to care for the poor. Help every one of us not only to refrain from evil, but actively pursue righteousness, and strive to live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to everyone burdened by sin, sorrow, and suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Shine the light of Christ upon them, and upon all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our beloved dead, especially those who were salt and light in our lives. Keep us in your care throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Kindle your Spirit in us, and help us to encourage one another along life’s way. For the sake of your beloved Son, who gave himself for us, bring us into your eternal Kingdom, where with all whom he had redeemed, we may gaze upon his face and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, January 29, 2022, 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)

Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and           stumbling-block nature of the Cross)

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them, agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, January 22, 2023, 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)

Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1^st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)

Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the      kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our sin-darkened world! Thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block. Therefore, give your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship, service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account Christ. Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of their enemies, and bring them to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

This is a hard prayer, Father: to pray for the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot: Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, justice, and mercy into the minds of our earthly rulers. Make them want to do your will and benefit the people entrusted to their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially we pray for: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of Jesus, lead us, and all whom you redeem, into your bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, January 15, 2023: 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)

Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt

            offerings but a willing heart)

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that the Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)

John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” 

2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to preach like John the Baptist. May it always point to Jesus, and say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Prune away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Let Jesus use the Church to draw new disciples to himself, and to shape them into his likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in this congregation. Help us to use our spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us bold to tell others, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak! Come and see the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands, hearts, and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tomorrow we commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for his witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race, creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who take counsel for the nations. Turn them from the idols of power, prestige, and ideology, and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so it may be a beacon of righteousness, justice, and freedom for all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are afflicted by suffering or sorrow, especially: {List}. Lift them out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their mouths. Restore them to all who love them. Let them proclaim your merciful deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, thank you for those who have died to us, but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain us with that same strong and merciful hand. Help us trust and follow Jesus as he touches the lives of those who need him so much. Sustained in fellowship with Christ and his family, may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world. Then, make us fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, January 8, 2023: The Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)

Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)

Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)

Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit. Bind it to your Son, your Word of truth. Adorn it with your goodness, holiness, and love. Make it fruitful in discipleship. Use it to lead many to the waters of Baptism, there to be made your beloved children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them be discouraged when they suffer on account Christ. Give them such patience and faith that their tormentors turn to you and repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized today, and all who remember and give thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as brothers and sisters of your dear Son, and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness and lovely with his compassion. Let us glorify you in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation. Establish your justice through them throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so their deeds conform to your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when deeds of war need not be done anymore.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by suffering, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness. Lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the mercy you have shown to all who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed through the waters of Baptism, may walk the broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. By your grace, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, January 6, 2023: The Epiphany of Our Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your light has come; nations stream to Israel, bringing gifts)

Psalm 72:1-11 (Prayer for guidance and support for the King)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Ephesians 3:1-12 (The mystery of salvation revealed to Gentiles; Paul has become steward of      God’s mysteries so that through the Church, nations may know God’s wisdom)

Matthew 2:1-12 (The magi adore Jesus, bringing gifts, departing by another way)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Light of the World, your dear Son! Thank you that in him, you reveal your mercy and loving-kindness to all people. Thank you that in him, you reveal yourself as Lord and God of all, until the world ends and Christ is all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ. Raise up faithful pastors and teachers of your Word and holy Sacraments. May the Church’s worship, fellowship, and acts of charity be as frankincense, gold, and myrrh offered to her infant Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place where even sinners, strangers, and Gentiles encounter the living Christ. Shape us into “magi” who eagerly seek, study, and worship Jesus. And send us home “by a different way” – as his disciples and his sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you guarded the magi from Herod’s malice, we pray that you would protect and bless your Church wherever it suffers from the malice of persecutors or the scorn of its despisers.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of scholars and teachers; scientists and philosophers; and especially seminary professors and students. Increase their numbers and their zeal for seeking your truth! Give them grace to adore you, the source of truth and wisdom. And give them generous hearts, to freely share their wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the men and women in the armed forces, and those are police, first responders, and others charged with protecting life and liberty. Grant them such integrity and courage that those whose lives are most in danger may call on them with confidence. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the light of Christ to everyone who dwells in the shadows of suffering, sin or sorrow, especially those we lift before you now, including: {list}. Give competence, compassion, and patience to everyone charged with their care; and grant health and hope according to your merciful wisdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for the lives of all your faithful servants who through word and example have been stewards of your Gospel. Give to us wisdom and devotion, so that we seek your will throughout our earthly life; and give us the strength and the means to do it. And, in your good time, lead us “by another way” to the eternal home and inheritance you have prepared for all who are redeemed by your beloved Son. For there, we will adore your glorious wisdom and delight in your merciful love in the power of your Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Prayers, January 1, 2023: Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus

Numbers 6:22-27 (The Aaronic, priestly benediction)

Psalm 8 (Divine majesty and human dignity)

Galatians 3:23-29 (The law was our disciplinarian; now we are clothed in Christ)

Luke 2:21 (Jesus is named at his circumcision)

Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for taking on our human nature and submitting yourself to your own Law. Thank you for shedding your blood, even as a tiny child, for our sake. Thank you that you do the very thing your name announces: you save your people from their sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify your Church throughout the world with your precious blood. In everything it proclaims and does, may it honorably bear your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify this congregation with your precious blood. Let our worship, fellowship, service, and mission always glorify your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify your persecuted servants with your precious blood. Let their patience in suffering and steadfast faith bear witness to your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify the nations and their leaders with your precious blood. Let justice and mercy abound, and let all peoples live in harmony and good will. In all things, let us praise your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The new calendar year speaks of hope and new beginnings. Purify our days and deeds with your precious blood. Let all our deeds begin, continue, and find their perfect end in you, the Hope of all nations and our heart’s desire. Thus may we forever bless your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify and heal through your precious Blood all who suffer any kind of evil of body or soul. Especially we pray for: {List}. Visit them with “tidings of comfort and joy,” that they may stand in your light to praise your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for redeeming with your precious blood all who died trusting in you. Cheer our hearts with your blessings as we begin this new year and continue our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to encourage and strengthen each other, always looking to your Cross to guide us through the darkest days. Lead us into your bright courts of heaven, and into that endless day in which all whom you have redeemed shall forever adore your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.