“[A]nd he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices” (Revelation 10:2-3).

No matter where you are, the word of the Lord goes forth.  Will you live into the life to which you have been called through your baptism, or will you live doing what you think is right?  This has always been the question that has been set before us by the Lord.  What will you do?  You can live a few years and then forever die to the Lord or live now and always in the Lord’s presence.

Lord, whether you are talking about the end of the age here, or just my life, it really is the same.  I have no choice concerning the events that will unfold around me.  I never have had a real choice.  I react to my circumstances.  Help me to see that I no longer need to do that.  Instead, aid me to react to Your purpose and presence.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to do what is right in Your sight always.

Thank You, Lord, for being persistent.  Thank You for being patient.  You have given me the opportunity to be a part of Your kingdom.  The saints have been praying for two thousand years to be done with this age, but You have waited.  Let me not be driven by the circumstances, but by You and live into the truth of eternity.  Guide me in the way of  ever-lasting life into Your arms of mercy.  Amen.

“I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire” (Revelation 10:1)

How many times will people cry out, “It’s not fair?”  The Lord has given us warning after warning.  He said, “Never again will I destroy you with a flood.”  He did not say that we would not be judged, nor avoid destruction.  We put words into the Lord’s mouth and believe what we want to believe.  Live according to the word of God and not according to what you want to believe.

Lord, I do think in ways that are contrary to what You have spoken.  Guide me to hear with open  ears the truth that You have spoken.  Help me to cling to Your promises and not to the wishful thinking of this age.  The light of Your presence is always with me.  Help me to see it!  Lord, You know the times and seasons and I do not.  Help me to trust You, who knows all things, and not in this wicked world which is bound for destruction.

Lord Jesus, You have given me warning after warning.  Sometimes I do not heed what You say.  Lead me to walk according to Your goodness and mercy knowing that only in You is the grace to continue forward in the upward call You have given me.  Lead me now and always and guide my footsteps to walk with You.  You are the Rock of my salvation and the hope for all that is good.  Amen.

“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).

They did not repent.  What will it take to turn some people away from wickedness?  For some it is not possible.  There are wicked people in the world.  Some will never change.  Will you change?  Will you open yourself to the Lord and become what He would make of you?  Will you come into the faith of the Lord and walk in His ways? Will you turn to Him and not to the things He has made?

Lord God Almighty, I do not always acknowledge all Your ways, but there are times when I do.  I buy things cheaply because someone else has not been paid fairly.  I place trust in buildings and things made of wood, stone, metal, and adorned with brass.  I do these things without thinking.  Open my mind to think so that I may walk in the way that is true and pleasing to You.  Guide me in Your goodness to do all I can to be like Jesus.

My Savior Jesus, I do need saving and it begins with You.  It begins with repentance, as You have said.  Lead me to repent, Lord, and then walk in the way You would have me go.  Guide me in Your goodness to be quick to repent and slow to need grace.  Let me know in my heart that You LORD, my Triune God, are worthy of all praise, thanks  and worship.  The things that are around me will pass away, but You are forever.  Lead me into eternity.  Amen.

“For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm” (Revelation 9:19).

The Lord will touch us in ways we may not imagine.  If we knew all things, but did not have love, what would it avail us?  Many in this age know many things, but they are filled with hatred and anger.  What should we do with these things?  We are to look to the One who made us and know that He will cause what He purposes to come about in due time.  Out of the mouth comes curses and without a thought, the wicked slay.

Lord, there are many things that I do not understand.  I try to figure things out, but I really cannot figure some things out.  Lead me down the road less traveled where I spend more time thinking of You than I do about the wicked in this world.  Lead me to know that in You alone is hope and an eternal future.  Harm will come throughout this age and I know I am not exempt, but keep me in You no matter what happens.

Lord Jesus, Savior of all who believe, lead me in Your goodness to know that in You alone there is hope.  There are things I do not yet understand.  You have spoken, but it does not always register.  In due time, it will.  Rather than stopping when I am stumped, help me to live into the life You have set before me.  Guide me along the path of being humble and willing to do all that You give me to do.  Amen.

July 30: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12)

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (Israel chosen because of God’s love, not their deserving)

            (ELW, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Solomon asks for wisdom)

Psalm 125 (God stands round his people like the hills surrounding Jerusalem)

            (ELW, Psalm 119:129-136, Your words enlighten the simple; keep my steps steady

 in your precepts)

Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus)

Matthew 13:44-52 (Parable of the pearl of great price)

            (ELW, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Mustard seed, yeast, pearl)

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, thank you for giving to your Chosen People the pearl of your holy Word in the Hebrew Scriptures. Thank you for perfectly enfleshing your Word in the Pearl of great price, your dear son Jesus. Thank you for making us, through him, into your pearl, your hidden treasure, and your beloved people!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church lovely with Jesus’ goodness. May it always treat your Word and Sacraments as precious, living treasures. By the gracious power of your Spirit, draw many to faith in Jesus, so they may never be separated from your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers, who face “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword.” Make them more than conquerors through the Cross of Christ; and soften the hearts of those who torment them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love for us in Christ Jesus. Use our words and deeds to share that love with those around us who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless your people the Jews. You chose them not because they were great but because you loved them. From them you brought forth the pearl of great price, your dear Son Jesus. Keep them in your protective and loving embrace. Bring them and us into the fulness of joy you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Establish your justice among the nations, O Lord; and do not let the scepter of evil hold sway over us. Establish your justice among rulers of countries and captains of industry; among leaders in every field of inquiry and endeavor; and among your people everywhere. Turn our hearts from evildoing and crooked ways; and fix them firmly upon faith toward you and fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for justice, concord, and safety to flourish in this land. We pray for wrongdoers to be held accountable for their deeds, and to repent of them. We pray for wise words, not inflamed rhetoric, from our leaders. We pray for constructive decisions, not rash actions or empty gestures, from those entrusted with authority. We pray for those who risk their lives on behalf of others, that even in difficult circumstances they exhibit integrity and valor. We pray that in all circumstances, your will be done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, injured, dying and bereaved; for the troubled, confused, lonely, or despairing; and for everyone who struggles with the tribulations of this life. Therefore we also pray for our dear ones, including: {List}. Help us to show them that though the world seems against them, you are for them; you love them; you justify them; and you shall indeed make them more than conquerors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most Holy Father, we remember before you beloved dead. Remember your faithfulness and loving-kindness to us, though we are in the thousandth generation of those whom you name as your own. Teach us to treasure your Son, our Pearl of great price. Whatever trials we endure in this life, grant the blessed outcome promised to all who love you. In your great mercy, bring us into your Kingdom. There, with all the redeemed, may we rejoice in your love and delight in 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.

July 23: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11)

Isaiah 44:6-8 (I am the first and last; beside me there is no god.)

Psalm 119:57-64 (I hasten to keep your commandments)

            (ELW, Psalm 86:11-17, Teach me your way; you are gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love)

Romans 8:18-27 (Creation is in travail; we groan, but Spirit searches heart, intercedes for us)

            (ELW, Romans 8:12-25)

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Parable of the wheat and the weeds)

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Holy Father, thank you for stating what we ignore or forget: we’re all a weedy field! Thank you for giving us Jesus’ wise words to stand against “cancel culture” that seeks only to uproot and destroy. Thank you for his patient tending, that alone can “cancel” our sins and heal us. Thank you for your promise to gather us, from every race, tribe, and nation, as your treasured, holy, precious, and redeemed people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the first and the last; beside you there is no god. Make your Church faithful and persistent in telling the world that in Jesus, crucified and raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sins unto eternal life, you have revealed to us your very heart.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come to the aid of all who suffer scorn and violence because they name a crucified Jewish carpenter as the one, true, and only God. Grant that they bear faithful witness to that precious truth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We confess that our congregation is sown with weeds as well as wheat. Forgive us. Deal mercifully with us. By the grace of your Spirit, help us to bear one another’s faults with patience and gentleness. Remind us that you alone will make us pure, holy, and good, by conforming us to your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies – especially those who hate us because of our faith in Jesus. We pray for all who deny and despise him. We pray for all who do not know him, or who only know a shriveled, distorted image of him. Soften their hearts; enlighten their minds; and fill them with your Spirit, so they may repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We know there are no perfect rulers or programs – only sinful people in a fallen and death-shadowed world. Therefore, we groan in travail, pleading that you would free us from bondage and futility. We cry out for redemption and righteousness; for healing and wholeness; and for your Sabbath rest, your Shalom. Until then, make us humble, gentle, and wise; and heal the evil we have caused.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your Son’s parable counseled letting weeds and wheat grow together. Yet for the sake of your people, we must stem the spread of deadly weeds: violence, injustice, and hatred. Therefore, we plead on behalf of those in the military, police, security, intelligence, and first response. Give them wisdom, integrity, and honor, so that by their labors, those they serve may have a measure of justice and safety.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Sickness, sorrow, and adversity take root in every life. We cannot uproot them all, yet we know you desire abundant life for your servants. And so, we are bold to pray for everyone who suffers, including: {List}. Heal and encourage them. In your good time, complete in them and in us all, the full and perfect healing that you have promised in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for those who have gone before us and are at rest in you. Teach us to pray confidently for each other, knowing that you have made us your children. Teach us to care for each other, knowing that you will prosper your handiwork in us. Gather us to yourself as your rich and fruitful harvest in Jesus, so that with all your forgiven sinners, we may abide with 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.

July 16: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10)

Isaiah 55:10-13 (God’s Word does not return to him empty)

Psalm 65:1-13 (A song of praise for God’s bounty in nature)

                (ELW, Psalm 65:1-13, Happy are they whom you choose to live in your courts;

thanksgiving for the bounty of creation)

Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit bears witness to our adoption by God, so we cry Abba, Father)

                (ELW, Romans 8:1-11, The mind set on the flesh cannot please God;

but you are in the Spirit, and the life of Christ dwells in you)

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (Parable of the good seed on different soils)

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the simple images of seeds and soil. Thank you for using what we’re familiar with to convey deep truths. Thank you that we don’t need a Ph.D. or a million Twitter followers to bear rich fruit. Let us always give you glory and nourish people hungry for your healing and love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with the Holy Spirit. Make it beautiful with holiness and rich with wisdom. Let your Word take root in it and accomplish your purpose. Draw all people into its courts. Hear their prayers, forgive their sins, and accomplish their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant patience, courage, and faith to those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Do not let their witness to you return to you empty. Uproot the stones and weeds from the hearts of all who hate them, so they, too, bear the fruits of repentance and are saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deal mercifully with this congregation. Make everything we say and do faithful and fruitful. Uproot the deep-rooted weeds and remove the stubborn stones of sin from the fields of our lives. Break down the hard-trodden paths of worldly customs. Make your Word grow richly in us, so that many are fed by it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for favorable weather and fruitful earth; for the fields and orchards, flocks and herds, streams and seas, which nourish us all. Bless farmers and ranchers, fishers and shepherds, gardeners and all whose knowledge and effort helps to protect, preserve, and wisely use the gifts of creation. Help us to be generous stewards of your bounty, sharing with all who are in need.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for this nation, beset by troubles and strife, yet still our beloved country. Reform its laws, purify its speech, instruct its leaders, and soften every heart to see one another as your beloved children, created in your image and redeemed at great cost by your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help us to walk alongside just one other person who struggles with doubt, grief, or despair. Help us speak words that are clear, faithful, truthful, and loving. Help us to enrich their faith in you. Help us, and them, to bear much fruit, to your  glory and for the sake of those still hungering for your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to everyone who is afflicted by sorrow, suffering and sin, including: {List}. Lead them out of their darkness into the brightness of your saving love. Grant peace to their hearts and joy to their loved ones. Give them clear reason to praise your awesome deeds of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for all who have died trusting in you. Lead and guide us, who still walk a road that is stony and desolate, overgrown with the thorns of sin and briers of violence. Refresh us in this wilderness. Give us nourishment for our bodies, hope for our hearts, and your Spirit to abide with us along life’s way. Crown our years with blessing. By the merits of your dear Son, gather us safely to yourself, where with all whom you have redeemed, we may sing with joy 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.

.

“A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths” (Revelation 9:18).

The wicked will say, “Do you not care that someone will die,” while preparing to kill in mass.  We are all going to die.  Do not forget that.  What will happen when this life is over?  That is the eternal question.  Yes, we care about others, but in the insanity of this age, we forget that life is a gift from God, and He both gives life and He can take it away.  What we do with what He has given is what matters.

Lord, I know the number of people being killed has been escalating over time.  Help me to not become carried away with concern for this age, but to realize that You know that these things will happen and You are telling those who will hear to listen.  It is going to become much worse than we imagine.  Help me to not take the path of trying to figure these things out, but to walk on the humble and simple path that Jesus has placed before me.

Lord Jesus, You did not become enmeshed in the politics of those days when you walked the earth.  Help me to see that there are those who will rejoice in death and destruction.  They, like their father the devil, seek to kill, steal, and destroy.  Lead me to look to You and to be led by the example You gave while upon the earth.  Help me now and always to look to You in every circumstance and know that You, who knows all things, are leading me.  Amen.   

July 9: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9)

Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)

Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)

Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)

Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)

            (ELW, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should always be as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are burdened sin, suffering, and sorrow, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s mission – faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be a light and joyous burden to bear.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give encouragement and respite to your persecuted Church. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them. Teach us to pray for them and to speak and act on their behalf. Give us , and them, grace to pray for their tormentors to repent and believe the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for this congregation. Help us to see others through Jesus’ eyes. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load. Help us to refresh their spirits. Shape all we say and do, so that many find forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Let your Holy Spirit guide us to be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, purify, and guide this nation. Let the words of the song be our prayer on its behalf. “America, America, God mend thine every flaw; confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!” Grant to the people of every nation favorable weather, peaceful times, and respite from the burdens of sickness, poverty, and violence. Teach us all to eagerly seek and share your mercy, guidance, and blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Ease the burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us safe, just, and free. Prosper all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those who are wounded, and comfort and strengthen their loved ones. Help us honor their service and value their skills when their duties are finished.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give rest and healing to everyone weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering, including: {List}. Ease the load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder. Give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for our departed loved ones. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoke us to our Savior, and guide us by his Spirit. Strengthen us to help each other bear the burdens of life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone redeemed by the work of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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.

“And this is how I saw in the vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone” (Revelation 9:17).

Who are they?  Can I figure out the times and seasons?  What about you?  Will you look to the Lord no matter what?  During the times of Napoleon, people got excited asking, “Is this it?”  During the times of Hitler, people asked, “Is this it?”  Why look at the wicked when the Gracious One is present.  Look to the Lord and be guided by His gentle hand no matter what the season looks like.

Lord, You know the times and ages that pass in this age.  Lead me by Your gentle hand to walk according to Your goodness and mercy so that I am not driven by the fears of this age.  Lead me by Your gentle hand to live looking to You and not the events in this age.  Yes, the day will come when an army of two hundred million marches forth, but until then, I am where You have placed me.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, throughout this day to concentrate on the task at hand and guide me in Your goodness to do what is right.  Lead me by Your example so that even if armies press on my door, I am looking to You.  You know what is coming.  You also know what You are making of me.  Guide me in the richness of Your grace and mercy to become what You will make of me.  Lead me this and every day.  Amen.