“Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him” (Revelation 9:1).

There is a hell and those going there are not going to have a party.  When any goodness is removed, only the wickedness of this age will remain.  Alone, without God, and left only to yourself it will be madness.  Hell is madness.  The Lord offers salvation to us from the madness of this world, but there are those who will reject Him.  Moderns may scoff and laugh at the idea of hell, but do not join them.

Lord, I know You love us so much that You died for us.  I also know that heaven is perfect and those who will not repent and be reformed would destroy heavenly peace, so they must be put some other place.  So many in this age say You are not fair for judging; but are they not judging You?  Lord, I do not want to go down to the pit.  Rescue me and help me walk the path I need to walk.

Lord Jesus, Savior of all who turn to You, guard my heart and teach me wisdom.  There are so many that say so many things and I often do not know how to respond.  I have watched friends and family abandon You.  Keep me on the path of faith and help me to not grow weary or faint.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You alone is all hope and an eternal future.  Lead me to dwell in the shadow of Your wings forever.  Amen.

“Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound! (Revelation 8:13)”

Judgement does fall upon us.  Things do happen.  What is the purpose?  The true purpose of judgement in this life is for reform.  The Lord wants us to repent.  That was the first public act of Jesus’ ministry, a baptism of repentance.  Woe to those who will not repent.  The time is short and the final judgement will come.  Hell is probably much worse than any of us can imagine.  Woe to the unrepentant.

I know there are those, Lord, who will not repent and they will pay the price, but why do I also have to pay a price for what the wicked do?  But do I not also send ripples out that affect others when I sin?  But it is not the same Lord!  Or is it?  You have promised it will all work out.  Help me to learn how to trust You no matter how bad things get.  Lead me in the way of repentance.

Lord Jesus, I do need saving and when I hear words like these which cause me to blame others, I know I need salvation all the more.  You have and are saving me.  Guide me away from the pride that wants to know how all this works to the place where I humbly follow You.  Lead me in Your goodness, Lord, and help me to know that in You all goodness resides.  Teach me Your righteousness.  Amen.

“The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way” (Revelation 8:12).

And darkness fell over the land.  How often have we had periods of darkness?  They have happened many times before.  In those times people thought it was the end.  There are seasons for everything and that includes times of darkness.  Will you look to the Lord in good times and bad times?  Will you trust Him no matter what?  This is the true question of Scripture.   The answer?  Trust the Lord always, for He is good and abounding in steadfast love.

Lord, I am so conditional.  This weak body needs constant nourishment.  This weak mind is easily distracted.  This weak faith needs Your spiritual food to keep it going.  Help me, Lord, to live the way You would have me live.  Guide me in Your goodness to look to You in season and out of season.  In all things, lead me to trust that You alone are God and that You alone are always good.

Gracious Savior, I need saving in times of darkness.  I need saving when times are really going well and I do not think I need You.  I need You to walk with me today and guide me in Your goodness and mercy to be conformed to You.  You know what I need.  Lead my spirit to look to You whether it is light or dark.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go and keep me upon the right path.  Amen. 

“The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter” (Revelation 8:11).

In the Ukranian language, the word for ‘wormwood’ is Chernobyl.  Is this a prophetic reference to radiation?  But as you see, that gets us off track.  The waters were no longer any good.  That is the point.  Throughout history, because of poor and ill-informed stewardship, mankind has polluted the drinking water.  Spiritually, the devil has led too many astray from the living water with pollution.

Lord, You have called for purity.  We pollute.  You have given us life and the means and way to live.  We ignore You.  I am in the situation I am in, but You have given me grace to come out of this world’s way of doing things and live according to Your goodness.  Lead me to learn how to live as You would have me live.  Let me not pollute thoughts, words, or deeds, but learn to live in the grace You give me.

Lord Jesus, I need Your saving hand.  Without You, I would drink from the polluted waters of this age.  Without Your grace, the poison of wickedness would consume me.  Lead me in the salvation You have prepared so that I may follow You and walk in Your counsel.  In Your goodness, cleanse my thoughts, words, and deeds so that I may live life as You intend that it be lived.  Amen.

“The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters” (Revelation 8:10).

We have polluted many waters.  In some places, we have also cleaned up pollution.  Is the Lord telling us of our own misdeeds and the judgements that come, or of some calamity that yet awaits us?  I suppose we shall see.  But what can we learn today?  We were charged with being stewards in the Garden of Eden.  How well do you treat God’s creation?  Are you respectful and caring?

Lord, I think of the extremists and say, “I am not one of them.”  You have called me to be a steward of all that is entrusted to me.  Help me to find temperance and be balanced in how I live the life You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that only in You can I do these things.  Let me not fall under the judgement of poor stewardship.  Lead me to learn how to be faithful.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior and I need to be saved.  But I also need to learn what it means to become a  sanctified child of the Heavenly Father.  In Your grace, teach me the responsibility that is mine and help me to be a good steward.  Keep me from thinking I have grown enough.  As far as I am able, teach me to be a good steward of all that You have entrusted to me.  Lead me to live an obedient life by Your example.  Thank You for hearing my petition.  Amen.

“The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Revelation 8:8-9).

What kind of calamity will come upon the earth?  Are we not already doing things that jeopardize our well-being?  Look at your lifestyle.  Are you living in a way that is good stewardship?  Why is this important?  It teaches you to respect God’s creation. This is His world and what you have is on loan from Him.  Do you treat things poorly, or do you act as if it were  really all your property?

Lord, I want to think I am a mixture of things good and bad, but sometimes I am one way rather than the way I ought to be.  You know.  Guide me, Lord, so that I live according to Your goodness by Your mercy.  Help me to treat Your things well and to not awaken only after calamity.  Guide me Lord in the way You know I need to go so that I have an attitude befitting Your kingdom.  No matter what happens, help me to look to You.

Lord, I suspect that at the end of my life I will undergo calamity.  My body will fail and I will face a time and place where the end is near.  What will my attitude be?  Will I look forward to joining with You, or will I be afraid.  Guide me, Lord, so that I trust You even amidst times of calamity. Lead me to know that only in You is there hope and a future.  Keep me looking to You always.  Amen.

July 2, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8); Independence Day Weekend

Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)

Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)

                (ELW, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, God’s covenant with David)

Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)

                (ELW, Romans 6:12-23, Delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, but whoever gives cup of water in His name will receive reward)

                (ELW, Matthew 10:40-42, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)

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

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you pay us the compliment of revealing difficult truths to us. You expect us to see the world honestly, and to value your truth above even earthly peace. You speak to us of sin and death, cross bearing and persecution, suffering and service. Give us a double measure of your Spirit as we seek to be disciples of Jesus, because, dear Lord, we’re going to need it!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the Church courage to speak your truth, even when that seems to bring not peace but a sword. Keep it faithful to the testimony of apostles and martyrs, saints, and doctors of your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout all time and space. Grant that it should prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ; and that it should count as its greatest honor the bearing of his Cross in this sin-shadowed world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Preserve the lives of your persecuted servants from those who despise your Law. When they must bear a bitter cross, keep them faithful, firmly fixed on the joy set before them. Give us courage to defend and assist them. Give us grace to faithfully serve the Lord for whom they are willing to die.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Give us fresh ways to reach, speak with, and walk alongside people who don’t know your love. We ask a special blessing upon all Vacation Bible School programs this summer. Give them dedicated volunteers and lots of happy children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even in the lazy days of summer, you call us to be Jesus’ apprentices in the art of healing souls, teaching minds, and softening hearts to receive your great gifts. Bless and guide everyone learning to be disciples of Jesus, walking with him as he seeks the hurting and lost.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Our nation is facing challenges, divisions, and discontent. Remind us of the great gifts you have bestowed upon us. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we always seek your will and strive to do it. Bless us with peace, and with freedom from every evil  and falsehood. Teach us all to live together as your children, and to work together for the prospering of all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep safe those in the military, and all on the front lines of chaos, danger, and disease. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Give them clear heads, capable hands, and upright spirits. Bring them safely home when their task is done, and heal those who are injured in any way.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of your servants who suffer in body, mind, spirit, or circumstance, and for all who crave your mercy and blessing, including: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness, and hope. Help us to give even a cup of cold water for the sake of our Lord and his love for them. Bless all caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists with compassion, expertise, and cheerful service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Help us care for each other for Jesus’ sake. Help us speak hard truths with humility and love. Give us grace to take up our cross and follow Jesus, knowing that he will lead us through danger, evil, and death, and will bring us home to you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

June 25, 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)

Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)

Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)

                (ELW: Psalm 69:7-18, Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)

Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

                (ELW, Romans 6:1-11, Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)

Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission;

fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)

                (ELW, Matthew 10:24-39, Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value

to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)

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

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus. We may trust him even when he brings not peace but a sword. Thank you for the severe mercy of death and resurrection; Law and Gospel; repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for entrusting your Kingdom and your Word to us, even though we often feel unequal to that trust!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You established your Church as a school for mission to the world. Rekindle that missionary zeal throughout the Church. Let all Christians be eager witnesses to the love of Jesus. Free the Church from worldly preoccupations. Free it to announce and share with the world the Gospel of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Strengthen those who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Keep them from repaying evil with evil. By their gentleness, patience, and faith, turn the hearts of their tormentors to trust only in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fashion this congregation into a missionary outpost; a school for discipleship; a hotbed of generous service; and a temple resounding with your praise. Teach us simple ways of sharing your love with everyone we meet; and give us the strength and will to do them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

There is such a great need for pastors, evangelists, and disciple-makers! We know the world is starving for the living bread of your Word. Help us to nurture faith, help fellow believers to discern God’s call to ministry, and support them in every way possible as they respond to his gracious invitation. And if others say to us, “Perhaps you are the one God is calling,” help us to say, “Here I am, Lord.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the leaders of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, with righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. Help us to live, insofar as it’s up to us, at peace with our neighbors, even when we’re annoyed with them. Help us to care for one naother, even when we’re stressed out and stretched thin. And help us to forgive each other, even when that seems hard.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deliver from evil all who risk their lives in defense of life and liberty. Guide them in pathways of righteousness. Heal them when they are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Return them safely to their families and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring health and gladness to all whose lives are shadowed by pain, suffering or sorrow – including: {List}. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander. Give compassion, gentleness, and patience to all who care for them. Shelter them always with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep us firm in faith and constant in affection. Command your holy angels to shield us from the Evil One’s flaming darts. By the Cross of your beloved Son, lead us safely into your presence. There, with all whom you have redeemed and raised up, grant that we may delight in praising your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

June 18, 3^rd  Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6); Fathers’ Day

Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)

Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all

died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)

                (ELW: Romans 5:1-8)

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)

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

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Jesus calls us to share your love with other ungodly sinners. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be everything you desire.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those wounded by sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead many people to the One who died that they might live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense, aid them by our prayers and material support, and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so we serve you with joyful gratitude. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, by your Name all fatherhood is blessed. Shape all fathers, foster fathers, uncles, grampas, and mentors to reflect your strength, wisdom, and love. Heal fractured relationships between dads and their children. Comfort those who can’t be fathers, have lost a child, or who grieve the absence of a good dad in their lives. Be their dear Father, now and always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your Lordship and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Help them to be honest, fair, competent, and just. We humbly ask that you give us the leadership we need, not that simply that which we desire or deserve.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who protect and serve others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, brave, and wise. Surround them, and their loved ones, with your holy angels. Help us to honor their service. Speed the day when they stand down from duty and enjoy your blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and those whom we name before you now: {List}. Bring to all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Pentecost 2, Proper 5, A

Or St. Barnabas, Apostle – June 11, 2023

Pentecost 2:

Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

St. Barnabas:

Isaiah 42:5-12: (The Lord, who created all, called you in righteousness to be a covenant to the people. Let them all praise God!)

Psalm 112: (Happy are the righteous, who are gracious, merciful, and generous)

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3: (Barnabas sent to Antioch; he was gracious and good; he and Paul commissioned by the Spirit in Antioch church)

Matthew 10:7-16: (Jesus commissions the Twelve: preach, heal, drive out demons, be as sheep among wolves.)

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

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you have created us, blessed us, and forgiven us. You send us to share your forgiveness with fellow sinners. Help us to do that eagerly and well! Give us strength to find our joy and purpose in life by loving you with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shape your Church into the image of Jesus. Make it a place of steadfast love and righteousness. Make it a place of forgiveness, hope, and praise. Make it a place of truth and grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Whether we are Christians in our own community, or we go into other cultures to share the Gospel, there will always be people who stop their ears and refuse the Good News. Strengthen your persecuted people with your Holy Spirit. Give them the fullness of joy that Jesus promised, because he has overcome the world. Help them to share that joy, and the hope that is within them, even with their enemies, so that in Christ, they may be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this congregation in pathways of faithful worship, loving service, and wise words. Let everything we say and do help lead even one other precious soul a step closer to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all students, especially graduates, as they complete another year of school. Thank you for good teachers, aides, and coaches. Give all of us the joy of learning a  new skill and increasing our wisdom and knowledge, whether in the classroom, on the job, or in “the school of hard knocks.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, please give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to everyone in positions of authority in our country, and around the world. Teach them rightly to use the authority and power entrusted to them. And help all of us to be good neighbors, citizens, and stewards of your good creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect and guide all whose work is difficult or dangerous, especially those who protect us from harm. They need your good gifts of courage, competency, and dedication! So do we. Help us to honor their work, and to not make it any harder than it already is through needless fear, foolishness, or malice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son healed everyone who called upon him for aid. We pray, therefore, on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including our dear ones: {List}. Restore them to health, and strengthen their faith in you, the God whose promises have their Yes in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those who have gone before us, who shaped our faith and our lives, whom we loved, and who now rest in your embrace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so our lives may be a blessing to others. Lead us into your house of many rooms, where we may be reunited with your saints of times past, greet those unknown to us, and rejoice with them in your presence forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.