“And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia” (Revelation 14:20).

How much blood has been spilled in human history?  How sad that humans live in sin and kill one another over nothing.  The Lord’s own blood was spilled so that we could be set free from sin and death.  Come then and live into the new life the Lord gives you through faith and by grace.  Know that in Him there is purpose and meaning and by His shed blood we are healed.  No longer does blood need to be shed.

Lord, I do not understand this world.  I am guilty too, but that does not mean that I understand it.  Lead me away from the insanity of the wickedness of this world so that I may be guided by Your Holy Spirit into the better and higher things You intend.  Lead me according to Your purpose so that I may now and always look to You, the author of my faith, for guidance away from the death and destruction this age of rebellion has wrought upon the world.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save as many as would be saved through Your mercy and grace.  Thank You for what You have done for me.  Thank You for what You have done for all who believe.  You tarry for the sake of those who have not yet been awakened, yet my heart cries out, “Come quickly Lord Jesus.”  In Your hands I commend all things, but I also desire that this age of rebellion be over.  Save all who will be saved, Jesus, and bring us home to be with You forever.  Amen.

“So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19).

Is the wrath of God something you fear?  Why, you faithful ones?  Will not God remove from you all that is sinful?  Will not God press into you that which is good and worthy of eternity with Him?  Yes, we are on trial all day long.  Yes, there is a judgement for us all.  It is not a happy, sappy, Jesus loves me so I can sit back and do nothing .  This is hard work and the only work that will last.  Love the Lord and learn what this means.

Lord, I really do want to think of myself as exempt from all the difficulties of life.  But You were hung on a cross for my sake.  How easy was that?  It was horrific.  Of course, I need to be pressed to bear fruit.  The goodness needs to be pressed into me and the badness needs to be eradicated.  The old Adam needs to be killed and the new person in the image of Christ needs to be resurrected daily.  Of course, this is the most serious business there is.

Lord Jesus, lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Teach me and still my lips so that I do not tell You what I want, but rather, let You shape me.  Take my prideful heart and strip it down, filling me with love for my neighbor and You.  Resurrect me daily to be faithful to You above all things.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy that I may humbly walk with You, my Lord and God.  Savior, save me, that through all tribulations I may abide with You forever.  Amen.

“Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe” (Revelation 14:18).

Jesus said, “The harvest is ripe.”  He who knows all things looked over the ages and saw that those who saw His light and were hungering and thirsting for God’s reign.  The world has always been ripe for the harvest.  There are those who are ready only for judgement and then there are those who long to meet the Lord even if they do not understand their longing.  Are you longing to be with the Lord?

Lord, the enjoyment I get in this time and place is directly related to the beauty You have poured into creation.  My desire to be done with it is directly proportional to the wickedness that rules in this age.  But I am where I am.  Guide me. Lord. so that I move away from thinking only of myself and think instead in terms of what You are accomplishing for all who believe through the salvation You give to them.

Lord Jesus, You know what is needed and I thank You for planting the seed, germinating it, growing it, and making it bear fruit in me.  May I become larger in Your work, letting Your light shine through me so that others may find the fulfillment of the hunger in their hearts through You.  Thank You for making me a small part of what You are doing in this age.  Guide me always by the Father’s will to do what is right.  Amen.

“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:17).

The winnowing happens.  In death, we all will reach that point of no return.  Has your life been toward or away from the Lord?  The final day is coming and it will be the end of the age of rebellion.  Either way, we each have an appointment where we will be judged.  If living by grace, then there is nothing to fear.  If not, there is everything to fear.  We each have a wake-up call coming.  How then should you live?

Lord, I often think of tomorrow, but my tomorrow is never promised, it is only hoped for.  I only have today.  We each need to see that life is a serious proposition.  I can live just for today or I can live in the hope You give, knowing that You have given a promise that if I live by grace You will hold me in Your arms of mercy.  Lord, befuddled mess that I often am, save me even from myself.

Lord Jesus, You are the way, truth, and life.  In You alone is all hope.  I will stand before You one day and You will judge me.  I am deserving of death, but You have paid the price so that I may stand before You, by Your grace.  Help me to live life in the hope You give and do the work required of all disciples.  Teach me all that I need to know and give me a new heart that is like Yours.  Amen.

“Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped” (Revelation 14:16).

It is almost as if it is no big deal for the Lord to accomplish what He said He will accomplish.  He swings a sickle and the earth is reaped.  Do you not know that the One who created all things is our Savior?  He is patient and merciful, but that does not mean that He is not devoid of power.  All power and authority belong to Him.  You do well to know this and bend the knee before your God and Savior.

You are Lord of all.  I read of You walking with the disciples and think of You as my friend – and You are.  But, then I think too casually of You and forget that You are also God, Creator of all that exists, and before all worlds.  My mind is a muddled mess.  O Lord, lead me in the way of righteousness so that I may walk humbly with You.  Clear my mind so that I have the right attitude.  Keep me in Your ways always.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the salvation You have prepared for those who believe.  You have paid a price I cannot comprehend for ungrateful people of whom I am one.  Lead me, Lord, that I may be adopted into Your family.  Guide me, Lord, that I may learn from You respect and honor.  Help me, Lord, that I know from within my heart that You are King of kings and Lord of lords.  Amen.

“And another angel came out of the temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe” (Revelation 14:15).

Individually and corporately the time is always right.  Will the one determined to continue the rebellion ever change his ways?  Will the one whose heart seeks the Lord be thwarted?  The Lord is patient, allowing time for all who will repent to repent.  There is not enough time in eternity for those who will never repent.  The Lord holds the winnowing fork in His hands.  He will judge, for He knows our hearts.

Lord, I judge all day long.  I judge myself and I judge others.  Guide me in the narrow way of life so that I may be guided by Your goodness alone.  Lead me so that I trust in what You are doing above all things.  Let me not be counted among the wicked, but instead live life with a heart that seeks after You.  You know what is needed.  You know who each of us is.  You know, Lord.

Lord Jesus, I often try to play the part of pretending that I know.  I do not.  You alone are the judge, for You alone know who has a heart bent toward You as opposed to those who have a heart bent away from You.  Keep me close to You, Jesus, and lead me farther upon the path to learn how to love my neighbor as You love them.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You alone know I need to be guided.  May the desire of my heart match what You intend.  Amen.

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand” (Revelation 14;14).

We proclaim the truth each time we speak the creeds that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.  He says the same thing in the Gospels.  He will separate the goats from the sheep, the wheat from the chaff, pulling out the tares that choke the faithful.  All of this is part of the hope we have, believing that one day we will no longer need to contend with the wickedness in us nor in the world around us.

Lord, I do not fully understand how all things work, but I do feel the battle of wickedness in me.  I sometimes fear; but teach my heart to trust so that all ungodly fear would be forever driven from me.  You know what is needed, Lord, and You have provided even before I ask.  Judge me, Lord, stripping away that which will kill me, and add that which brings life.

Lord Jesus, You did not come to brush me off and sed me on my way.  You came to make me into a new and eternal being who will dwell with You in Trinity forever.  Lead me, O Lord, according to Your purpose so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Help me to look to You, the judge of the living and dead, as the author and finisher of my faith.  Amen.

“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them” (Revelation 14:13).

The direction of the heart, that which controls how the heart works, is evident in the deeds of a person.  Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them.”  The wicked may have outward deeds that look good to some, but those who follow Jesus learn to love as He loves.  You are either heading toward the direction of being like Christ, or else you are heading in the opposite direction.

Lord, does it boil down to this?  Is it really that simple?  It is not a matter of my earning salvation by my deeds, for that would put me in a position superior to You.  That’s ridiculous.  Nor is it my choosing one over another.  It is a matter of my corrupt sinful heart being transformed to learn how to love my neighbor as myself.  This is not easy work.  In fact, it will take a miracle to accomplish.

Lord Jesus, You have given us the miracle of salvation by grace through faith.  I may understand only a little bit of how all this works, but I do see Your grace effecting my heart to do good.  Lead me in Your ongoing miracle that my prayer to become more like You, Jesus, would be answered.  Stop at nothing and transform the whole of me to be what You have created me to be.  Amen.

October 29: Reformation Sunday

Revelation 14:6-7 (Angel with eternal Gospel: fear God, give glory, hour of judgment)

                ELW/RCL, Jeremiah 31:31-34 (A new heart, engraved with God’s Word)

Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress is our God!)

Romans 3:19-28 (All have sinned, fallen short of God’s glory; but his righteousness is grasped

by faith, not works)

John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious pearl of great price, the Gospel of salvation. Thank you for the faith and zeal of reformers who sought to find, keep, and share it. Thank you for faithful people throughout history who have preferred nothing whatsoever to Christ Jesus, and him crucified. Keep us in their company. Keep our faith warm and pure through the life-giving fire of your most Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church. Make it your holy habitation. Keep it steadfast in your Word. Strengthen it in the face of temptation. Defend it from evil. Reform and purify it from sin and error. And bestow on it your saving peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the refuge and strength of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Cause the enemies of the Gospel to repent of their sinfulness, that they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously protect and guide the people of this congregation, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Let our lives overflow with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Use us to refresh, nourish, instruct, and invite our neighbors into your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the work of faithful theologians and teachers who establish dialog, clarify doctrine, correct misunderstandings, and strive to heal your Church. Direct their labors with your Spirit. Give them holy charity as they proclaim the truth of your holy Word. Keep their hearts and their work centered in the your Son, crucified and raised to forgive sin and to grant life and salvation to all who will receive him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We long for you to break the bow, shatter the spear, and make war to cease throughout the world. Until that day, please strengthen, protect, and guide all who risk their life on our behalf. Be their very present help in times of trouble. Let all they do be in service to your will. Bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your word to the leaders of the world. Establish among us that peace which the world cannot give. Teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you all are shaken by suffering of body or soul, including:  {List}. Be in their midst, let them not be overthrown, and bring them your saving help. Say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Restore them to health and hope. Let them proclaim the awesome things you have done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy Father, thank you for the lives of all your faithful people: prophets, apostles, and martyrs; theologians and confessors; teachers and pastors; and all the ordinary saints whom you have redeemed through the precious blood of your dear Son. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully live in your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. Bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your eternal home. There with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your most holy Spirit forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.

October 22: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)

Isaiah 45:1-7 (God anoints Cyrus on behalf of his Chosen People)

Psalm 96: 1-13 (Declare God’s glory among the nations, whose gods are but worthless idols)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Paul commends Thessalonians for turning from idols to Christ)

Matthew 22:15-22 (Render to Caesar, and to God, what is due each)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, dear Lord, for creating us in the image and likeness of your beloved Son. Thank you for making us his image-bearers to a world seduced by idols, pretenders, and fakes. Give us a double portion of your Spirit, so we constantly honor and serve Jesus, and show him to everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Imprint Jesus’ blessed image upon the Church. Conform its worship, teaching, fellowship, and outreach to his likeness. By faithful preaching of your Word, and through right administration your Sacraments, use your Church to lead many people from vain idols to life-giving trust in you, the true and only God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our fellow Christians who suffer persecution because they refuse to render to anyone or anything the true worship that is due to you alone. By their faithful witness, lead their enemies to repentance and amendment of life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to give you all honor, glory, worship, and praise. Help us to give one another kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. And help us to give our neighbors love, respect, and justice.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Sometimes we who bear Christ’s name display such a blurred and distorted image of him that others are scandalized and dismayed. Forgive and sanctify us. Make Jesus’ love and mercy shine clear and bright in our lives, to his glory and for the sake of those he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your peace reigns undisturbed throughout the world, direct the thoughts, words and actions of our military personnel, police, first responders, and all who risk their lives to bring safety and justice to others. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring healing to the wounded, hope to their families, and honor to all who have honorably served.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you anointed Cyrus to accomplish your will for captive Israel, we ask that you anoint the leaders of this and every nation upon earth. Equip them to do whatever accomplishes your will for all who are captives to injustice, poverty, or violence. Teach us to put our trust in you, to seek your will for the nation, and to live honorably, peaceably, and kindly with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, turmoil, or any other assault of the Evil One. Today we also pray for: {List}. Come to their aid. Restore them to wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead. Continue in us the work, begun at our Baptism, which fashions us into the blessed likeness of your dear Son. By your Holy Spirit, give us faith to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to Christ our Lord. Bring us into your Kingdom where we shall see him face to face. There let us see his image, perfectly restored, in the faces of everyone whom you have redeemed by his blood.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.