“Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Revelation 4:5)

A reminder again to see what is said in terms of what you know.  All authority and power belong to God.  After all, He created everything.  Seven is the number of completion.  You are not yet complete, but one day you will be.  The Lord is creating You to be like Christ.  His work, His Spirit, is always moving all who are in Christ ever closer to completion; what we often say in this meaning is the word perfection.

Lord, it is You who is working in me.  Your Spirit moves and that movement causes me to move ever closer to You.  Guide me dear Lord ever closer to the spirit of Christ so that I may grow to be more like Him each day.  You have given me the power to become Your child.  Help me in that goal through Your grace so that I continue to walk the narrow path of salvation You have set before me.

Thank You my Lord and Savior for You have come to lead the way.  This life is filled with many mysteries, so of course I cannot know all things.  But, I can know You.  Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear as You speak the words of truth.  You are the burning light and the working revelation of God.  You are the One who has come and the One who will come again.  Lead me now and forever.  Amen.

April 16, 2023, 2^nd Sunday of Easter

Acts 5:29-42 (Gamaliel counsels caution dealing with apostolic teaching, miracles)

            (ELW: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Peter exhorts crowd to repent, be baptized)

Psalm 148 (Praise God for his universal glory)

            (ELW: Psalm 16, I keep the Lord always before me; I shall not be moved)

1 Peter 1:3-9 (Christ’s resurrection promises new hope, imperishable inheritance)

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – including Thomas)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when news seems too good to be true, we hesitate to lose our hearts to it. We’re afraid we might be losing our minds, too! Like Thomas, we want proof before we commit. Forgive our fears and strengthen our faith. Remind us, again and again, that your Good News is too good not to be true.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon the Church, and fill it with your peace. Test and purify it, so that you are constantly praised and glorified in all it says and does. Use it to bring many to a sure faith in you, the Author of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon Christians who are persecuted for naming you as Lord. Let their faithful endurance glorify you. Soften the hearts of their enemies. Give them the faith of the apostles, who rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer on account of your Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with the imperishable inheritance that you have won for all who trust in you. Increase our love for you and for one another. Let our words be gracious and our deeds be generous. In all things, may our lives be filled with your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Show yourself in mercy, forgiveness, and power to those who doubt or disbelieve the Gospel of truth. Give us a gentle and encouraging spirit, so we can lead them closer to you. Give us simple, faithful words and holy lives. Give us grace so that we do not become stumbling-blocks in their journey from disbelief to saving faith in you, their Lord and their God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your glory is proclaimed in the heavens and throughout the universe. Cause this world, so wounded by sin, suffering and sorrow, to also praise you. Turn every heart, especially of the rulers of the nations, to seek your will. Bestow the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that we might accomplish it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give wings to the words of missionaries, evangelists, and spiritual guides. Bless and direct the teachings of all within our seminaries, colleges, and schools. Help them to speak and to live the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with confidence and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you everyone who has been grieved by various trials to body, mind, heart or spirit, including: {List}. Lead them safely through their suffering. Restore them to life, hope and love. Though they do not see you, give them grace to rejoice in your saving love for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O risen Savior, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. Fill our hearts with hope, joy, and confidence in the precious inheritance you have stored up for all who trust in you. Breathe your Holy Spirit on us, so that we may forgive one another and live together in your peace. Bring us into your presence, where we may gaze upon your glory and goodness, and may forever adore you, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads” (Revelation 4:4).

Twelve tribes, twelve disciples, twenty-four thrones.  The Lord gathers together the number that is right so that He completes what He has purposed.  What does this mean?  You can know for sure that this means that You have been invited to be a part of what He is creating.  He has done it over the whole of human history and has called from among every tribe, tongue, folk and nation, those who will come to Him.

Having wisdom is not about knowing all things, but about pursuing understanding so that it effects how you live.  Many look at this book and seek some sort of special knowledge.  What use is that?  So you know something.  What is of use is the truth and the truth is that in many and various ways, God spoke to us through the prophets, but now in these last days He speaks to us through His Son.  Jesus is His beloved Son, listen to Him.

Lord Jesus, You have made a revelation so that we would no longer be unbelieving, but believing.  Guide me in my belief so that I give thanks for all of the saints who have gone before.  Help me leave a trail to follow for all of the saints who will go after I am done here.  Graciously allow me to be a part of the work of Your church while there is time by being faithful to Your call.  Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Easter Day, the Resurrection of Our Lord, A (April 9, 2023)

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our risen Lord Jesus, on behalf of the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the forgiveness, peace, and salvation won for us by your beloved Son. Tune our hearts to sing his praise. Purify our spirits so we may see his beauty forever. Fortify our minds to learn the depths of his love. Open our mouths to proclaim his victory over our ancient enemy. Direct our hands – one to clasp his nail-scarred hand, the other to draw a fellow sinner closer to his loving embrace. Fill us with your Spirit, so that in all things, we bear witness to Jesus’ triumph over sin, death, and the devil.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Look with kindness upon your Church as it worships your risen Son. Give it concord within its house, and peace within the world. Make it radiant in faith, lovely in holiness, and beautiful in charity. By its words and deeds, bring many to know and adore Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill our persecuted sisters and brothers with faith, courage, and joy. Let their faces shine with confidence in the victory of Jesus. Let that light shine on their enemies, so they turn to him in repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon all who hear this Gospel with disbelief, doubt, bitterness, or scorn. Give us wise words and loving hearts, so we share the hope that is in us on account of Jesus’ resurrection. Give them new, or renewed, faith in Christ, for he is their hope and heart’s desire.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bestow your peace upon this sin-stained world. Teach all who wield authority and power, in any field or enterprise, to use those gifts wisely and humbly. And give to all – especially those who are poor, forgotten, grieving, or despairing – a foretaste of the joys you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even in this season of gladness, good men and women must risk their lives to protect others from fear, sickness, injustice, and violence. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Let their words and deeds accomplish your will. Keep them safe; support their loved ones; and speed the day when war shall be no more.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that Jesus’ triumph over sin and death may bless all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Turn mourning into singing, and exchange the sackcloth of sorrow for the mantle of praise and the garment of joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O most kind and loving Father, your Son safely leads your chosen people through the portals of death. Thank you for the lives and the faithful witness of those who have already gone “farther up and farther in” to your glorious Kingdom. Let your Son accompany us along our pilgrimage, to lighten our load and brighten our path. Let your Holy Spirit fill us with confidence and compassion. And let us, with all the redeemed of every time and place, stand before your throne and sing your praise in strains of triumphant gladness for ever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, most holy Father; we entrust our prayers and petitions to you in the strong name and for the dear sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, The Vigil of Easter, April 8, 2023

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, “thanks” is too small a word! We hear the story of salvation, and are humbled by your patience with us. We participate in your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on your life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word, except that your Spirit searches our hearts, and utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your crucified and risen life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Let it shine the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of all who persecute your followers. Raise up your suffering servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, lead their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in robes of faith and innocence. Keep them in faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. May your will be done in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant us your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Good Friday (April 7, 2023)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, April 6, 2023: Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance

            ELW: This is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday

Exodus 24:3-11): Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence

            ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover

Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

            ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood

            ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s words of institution

Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper

Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we adore you.  We bless you for your love and mercy. Thank you for the Medicine of immortality, given at the Last Supper and extended to us. Thank you Jesus’ humble washing away of our sins. Thank you that he calls those who love him his friends. Number us among them, dear Father! Help us to love one another as he has loved us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide our seminary professors and students, all missionaries of the Gospel, and everyone walking the path of discipleship. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect Jesus to everyone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your eternal feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For these things, dear Father, and for whatever else is needful, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, April 2, 2023, Palm/Passion Sunday

John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

            (ELW: Matthew 21:1-11, Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)

Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)

Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)

Matthew 26:1-27:66 (The Passion of Our Lord)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation, especially those seeking baptism. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those enduring illness, poverty, abuse, or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation, especially those overwhelmed by the pandemic. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf, especially medical personnel and those who care for the sick and vulnerable. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who walk through the dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Bring healing, rest, and comfort to them and to all who care for them, especially in these troubled times. Hide them in the shadow of your wings, and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself; and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.

And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance” (Revelation 4:3).

How does one describe utter beauty?  You can try and figure out if something more is being said, but do not lose sight of the first things.  Beautiful and precious stones are descriptive words that are used to describe the One sitting on the throne.  We see the Jesus of Scripture, an ordinary man in appearance, but He is also One in Trinity, beyond all time.  Both are true and it is indescribable.

Lord, I confess that I have lost my awe and wonder.  Help me to regain the awe I had as a child.  Lead me to recognize the limitation of my ability to comprehend and stand in Your presence with awe.  What I see is not always what is real.  Sometimes what I do not see is what is real.  Lead me Lord to hear and see what You would have me hear and see.  Guide me in Your goodness to come to know You better each day.

Lord, all of Scripture is Your revelation of the way things are.  I see only in part.  I know only in part.  You have made a revelation and I understand only in part.  Guide me Lord to live in this reality while still journeying forward in Your goodness and mercy, living by the grace You have provided.  Help me to know that in You alone are all things held together.  Thank You for making me aware.  Amen.

“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne” (Revelation 4:2).

How does the Lord show eternity to someone who is mortal?  From this verse forward, keep in mind that what is being described is almost undescribable.  One of the lessons fo us is to regain the wonder we had as children and realize that there are so many indescribable things in this world.  Rejoice in the Lord and give thanks for His goodness and the things of wonder He has created.

Lord, I do try to figure too many things out.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life so that I regain the wonder I had when I was a child.  With the things of the world, let me be skeptical.  With You, help me to be faithful and full of wonder.  When You show me things I do not comprehend, or tell me things that I do not understand, help me to continue moving forward by faith.  Lead me through all things to be in Your presence now and forever.

Lord, Guide me to see that in You alone are all things held together.  You are God and You know all things.  What is my knowledge but a drop of the vast ocean of Yours.  Keep me in the place of awe and wonder when I approach You in prayer.  Guide me to have a child-like attitude in accordance with what Jesus taught us to have.  You know what is needed.  Thank You for providing all that is needed.  Amen.