October 15: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23)

Note: even if your practice isn’t to have weekly communion, you might want to make an exception today! 😉

Isaiah 25:6-9 (On God’s holy mountain, a feast of fat things; death shall be destroyed)

Psalm 23 (You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies)

Philippians 4:4-13 (Rejoice in the Lord always; think on things excellent; thanks for Philippians’ gift)

                ELW/RCL, Philippians 4:1-9, Stand fast in the Lord, rejoice, think on these things

Matthew 22:1-14 (The wedding feast…and its, er, substitute guest list)

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.

Father, you promise to throw a splendid wedding feast for all whom you redeem through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes we act like it’s no big deal. Sometimes we look forward to the entertainment, so to speak, more than being joined to our heavenly Bridegroom. Thank you for your patience and kindness. Open our eyes and hearts to the joy you have set before us. Keep us always centered in Jesus, our Savior and our true love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have made the Church the bride of your beloved Son. Make it radiant with faithfulness and lovely with holiness. Adorn its words and deeds with grace so that many people hear your invitation and gladly come to the banquet of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare a table for your persecuted people in the presence of their enemies. Feed them with patience, perseverance, and trust in you. Anoint them with the oil of mercy, and heal their hearts, minds, and bodies. By their faithful witness, soften the hearts of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to rejoice in your strong saving love and to speak gently and act with humility. Focus our minds and hearts on those things which are good, honorable, and pleasing to you. Help us encourage our family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for couples who are preparing for marriage, for newlyweds, and for all husbands and wives. Ground their love for each other in Christ, the true and faithful Bridegroom. Lavish upon them those gifts of your Holy Spirit that will sustain their marriage in difficult times. May their union bear rich fruit for their family, their community, and your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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.

Save our world and its people from natural disasters and from human malice. Take away the reproach of our sins. Remove the death-shroud of the evils that beset us. Give us leaders who are wise, honorable, just, and excellent; and give to each of us the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who walk through the valley death’s dark shadows, and all who are troubled by sorrow, anxiety, or despair. Today we also pray for: {List}. Teach them the truth of Paul’s words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Revive their souls, restore their bodies, and refresh the hearts of all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the lives all who have entered your banquet-hall of eternal life. Keep us steadfast in faith until we also arrive there! Make our lives good, true, lovely, pure, honorable, and praiseworthy. Grant us the joy of sitting with all your wedding-guests at the table you have prepared for them as members of the Body and Bride of Christ.

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 8: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

Isaiah 5:1-7 (Love song about beloved vineyard turns to lament over its wild grapes)

Psalm 80:7-19 (Come to the aid of your vineyard, against those who trample it!)

                ELW/RCL, Psalm 80:7-15

Philippians 3:4b-14 (My richest gains I count but loss because of surpassing excellence

of knowing Christ)

Matthew 21:33-46 (Parable of the wicked tenants in master’s vineyard)

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.

Father, thank you for grafting us into your pleasant planting, your people Israel. Thank you for uniting us with your true Vine, your dear Son Jesus. Make us abound with fruit of the Holy Spirit, to your glory and for the nourishment of a world starved for your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Uproot from your Church all malice, strife, false teaching, and unrighteousness. Defend it from those who would destroy it from within, or ravage it from without.  Make Jesus, the strong Son of Man who sits at your right hand, its life and salvation. By Word and Sacrament, draw all people to the foot of the Cross; there to glorify your most holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give persecuted Christians the righteousness that depends on faith, so they know Jesus and the power of his resurrection. Let them share his sufferings, and through him, attain the resurrection from the dead. Turn the hearts of their enemies toward you in repentance and humble faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation your own, through Jesus Christ. Help us to count everything else as rubbish compared with the surpassing worth of knowing him as our Lord and Savior. Make us Jesus’ disciples, sharing his love and encouraging others to join us as we follow in the way of the Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who toil at “dirty jobs” that are unpleasant, dangerous, and poorly paid. Help us to honor their labor and ease their burden. Give them a glimpse of the surpassing loveliness of Christ. By your Spirit, shape their faithful work into “something beautiful for Jesus.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up for yourself pastors, evangelists, missionaries, theologians, and other servants of your Word. Prosper the work of seminaries and church schools. The world hungers for the fruit of your living Vine, dear Lord; equip your servants to nurture and share it with starving souls.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give everyone entrusted with worldly power and authority a hunger for justice and a thirst for righteousness. Make them swift to build bridges of respect and concord, and slow to brandish weapons of war. Fill them with wisdom, patience, fairness, and kindness. Spread these virtues among all people, so that bloodshed and injustice cease, and all people live in peace and call upon your name with joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Restore the lives of all who cry out to you in their distress of body, mind, and spirit, including: {List}. Shine the light of your countenance upon them, that they may be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With gratitude and affection, we entrust our faithful departed into your care. Comfort those who mourn. Teach us to help one another through the sorrows and dangers of this life. Unite us with your dear Son, so that with all whom you have redeemed by his Cross and Resurrection, we may be welcomed into your pleasant planting, your beloved vineyard, there to rejoice in your presence forever.

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 1: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)

Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling;

 be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)

ELW/RCL, Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)

Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to

 their words; which are you like?)

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation to his teaching,  and its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church into the image and likeness of Christ, so the light of his love shines into the world, and many turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant faith, hope, and charity to our brethren who experience persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Let repentance soften the hearts of their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and love shape and direct all we say and do. Give us hearts that are obedient to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors and relieve their fears. Grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them to serve you by protecting and providing for them. Make all of us honest, wise, and kind. Help us to care for our neighbor, to work for opportunity and harmony in our neighborhood and nation; and to live at peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds, strengthen their bodies, and purify their hearts. Shape their actions to conform to your will. Bring them home safely and soon, and shield their loved ones with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict them into the light of your blessed presence. Give them the blessings of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who now dwell in your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is deep. Give to us courage, compassion, wisdom, energy, faithfulness, and hope as we walk our pilgrim’s path through this life. Bring us safely into your house, where you have made room for everyone redeemed through the obedient sacrifice of your Son. There let us delight in praising your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

September 24: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

Isaiah 55:6-9 (Seek the Lord; he will abundantly pardon, for his ways are not our ways)

                ELW/RCL, Jonah 3:10-4:11 (Jonah’s ticked at God’s mercy; God’s rejoinder)

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

                ELW/RCL, Psalm 145:1-8 (Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised)

Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 (Paul’s imprisonment. To live is Christ, to die is gain; only live lives worthy of your calling in Christ)

                ELW/RCL, Philippians 1:21-30 (Eliminates imprisonment)

Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the 11^th-hour workers in the vineyard)

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, Father, for calling us early, midday, and late in life, to be your disciples and workers in your Kingdom’s vineyard! Thank you for seeking us to do your work, even when others think we’re not good enough. Give us grace to hear your call, and strength to do your will. Thank you for the wages of everlasting life and salvation, and for your pleasure in us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church that place where all may see the fair beauty of Jesus and find shelter in his widespread arms. There let all people grow in faith, and labor fruitfully to his glory and for the benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers around the world. Give them courage to honor Christ in their body, to boldly speak and joyfully live the Gospel; and to know that they share in Jesus’ suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation to stand firm together, striving to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. Help us to work at whatever task pleases you. Make us glad when others begin to work alongside us, knowing that your grace has drawn them to serve you, even as it drew us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people, especially those considering a vocation to ministry and service in your Church. Give them delight in learning, and love for your people. Preserve them from the consequences of folly or malice. Use their energy to please you and to serve their neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to our earthly leaders. Let them seek you while you may be found; call upon you while you are near; and govern in accordance with your holy will. Graciously grant patience, kindness, and humility to everyone, so that we may lead peaceable lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation to those who stand in harm’s way to safeguard life and freedom. Amid danger and violence, let them put their trust in you and not be afraid. Let them bear the fruits of justice and righteousness. Give them the fair wages of honor, health, and peace when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the safe shelter and solid rock to everyone in times of trouble, including: {List}. Lift them high above the things that assail them. Be the strength of their life. Give patience and compassion to all who care for them, especially those whose work is long, hard, and thankless. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, Father, for those we love who have departed this life and are now with Christ. Though we grieve, we also rejoice; for we know that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Give us strength to labor cheerfully in the vineyards of goodness, kindness, forgiveness, and righteousness. Make us as generous to others with those things as Jesus is to us. Make us rejoice to see how many he has redeemed and welcomed into your blessed Kingdom; and when we see him face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

September 17: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)

Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)

Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;

whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)

Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

We are your debtors in so many ways, heavenly Father! We sometimes forget how even our trifling sins can, if unrepented and unforgiven, run up a soul-crushing “tab.” Thank you for being so willing to cancel our debt. Keep us ever mindful of the costly generosity of your beloved Son. Give us his grace and strength, to willingly forgive the debts of those who have wronged us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Teach your Church how to be a school for forgiveness mercy. Give it leaders who explain and practice forgiving. Make its worship an encounter with your forgiveness. Equip its members to pray for and share the forgiveness you give through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

How difficult it must be for your people to forgive when they are being tortured simply for believing in Jesus, who prayed for his enemies even from the Cross! Give them a double portion of his Spirit, so that they may bless and not curse; forgive and not revile. Let persecutors repent from their evil and ask forgiveness from those they have wronged.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the people of this congregation rich in mercy, abounding in kindness, tireless in good works, and joyful in praising you, the source of all mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are crushed beneath a load of debt. They can do foolish or dangerous things to seek relief. Help them to ask for help, forgiveness, and a wise solution. Help those to whom they are indebted to move beyond anger and self-interest, into the uncharted yet blessed waters of mercy. Remind them how indebted they are to you, for you forgive their debts of sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be merciful to this poor broken world. Help our leaders to rule with justice tempered with mercy and compassion. Bestow on all of us a spirit of patience, forbearance, humility, and kindness. Teach us to outdo one another in showing mercy and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples, especially as he teaches them the hard path of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Fill them with your Spirit. Help them to share your Son’s costly grace rightly and wisely, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew the life and health of all who are afflicted in any way by the powers of sin, evil, sickness, or death. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities, dear Lord; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives from the grave. Make your ways known also to us. Renew our strength and take away our sin. Lead us in the pathways of your loving-kindness. Teach us to forgive rather than to pass judgment upon one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you give to all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

September 10, 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18)

Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)

Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)

Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)

Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

O dear Lord, these lessons are hard! It’s tough to think about sin and reconciliation, discipline and hard conversations. Please help us to thank you for the guidance and promise your Son gives us, even in such awkward encounters. And fill us with your Spirit, so we are equipped to put into practice what Jesus has given us for such times.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church courageous in warning people of their sinfulness, and humble in confessing its own sin. Help it to graciously offer forgiveness to any who turn to you. Give it the lovely righteousness of your Son, and make it his dwelling-place, and an outpost of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your faithful people who suffer persecution, torture and death because of Christ. Do not let the waters of hatred overwhelm them; and grant them grace to persevere in faithfulness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with humility, gentleness, and wisdom. Help us to speak truth with so much love, that others eagerly seek the mercy, reconciliation and life that comes from Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for families, congregations, and communities in which people have hurt one another. They struggle with betrayal and anger. They need humility, to confess and repent when they have done wrong. They need courage, to forgive when they have been wronged. They need hope, to relearn trust. Refresh them with your Spirit and nourish them with your Word. Give them the grace and mercy of Jesus, so they can heal and reconcile, to your glory and for the sake of their fellowship.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have entrusted the leaders of nations with power and authority. Teach them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, the King and Lord of all nations. Make them willing and able to accomplish your will for the good of all people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to settle differences peacefully, to act honorably, speak respectfully, and live justly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, courage, and right intentions to those in the military and law enforcement. Make them worthy instruments of your will. Use them to bring safety, freedom, and justice to those who suffer at the hands of evildoers. Heal them when they are victims of evil. By their labors, lay the groundwork for peace to flourish.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who suffer, including {List}. Grant them health, hope, guidance, and the joy of your presence in their lives. Fill all who care for them with compassion. Give your salvation to them all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your “little ones” who, have died to this world and now live eternally in your embrace. Give us the grace to live as your little ones, too.  Help us to trust and obey you. Help us to aid, warn, and forgive each other. Give us your mercy, and for Jesus’ sake, lead us into your Kingdom. Grant us the joy of seeing your face and of worshipping you in the company of all you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

How simple and sweet this idea is.  Keep the commandments and have faith in Jesus.  That pretty much sums it up.  Too many can’t even get this right.  But we’re not talking about the many here, we’re talking about you.  Are you keeping the commandments to the best of your ability and holding on to the faith the Lord has given you?  Work on these things and everything else will fall into place.

Lord, You know where I fail.  You know that I often lose patience and do not stay the course.  I want to, but I do not.  You know what I need.  Help me in my daily walk so that I look to You and not to the world for the answers.  This world is going to fail but You are forever.  Lead me in the right direction so that I stay in Your arms of mercy and do not fall prey to the beasts of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save me and I need to be saved.  You have come to pour new life into me, and I need Your life.  You have come so that I may learn how to live out Your law of love.  These things I know, but I do not know how to do them.  Pour into me Your Holy Spirit in order that I would live a little more like You each day.  Guide me, Lord, and give me desire to follow where You lead.  Amen.

“And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Revelation 14:11).

You are either heading in the direction of becoming like Christ or else heading towards hell.  There are only two directions.  There is no in-between.  The torment is in the insane mind that thinks it can be the center of all things.  The beast is pride and the worship is of the self.  The mark is the self-destruction that pride brings to all who live with it.  Hear the word of the Lord; choose life and live.

Lord, pride is within me.  My mind does play games, and I think all kinds of things.  Help me to live life as it is meant to be lived.  Guide me in Your goodness so that I may walk humbly with You, my Savior and Lord.  You know us and You know the mess we are in.  You have come so that we might be lifted out of our messes to live life as You have created it to be lived.  Lead me to abide in You, Lord.

Lord Jesus, save me from myself.  Save me from that beast, pride.  Guide me in the way of Christ-life so that I may become more like You each day.  Help me to understand that in You alone is life and liberty.  Thank You for bearing my burden so that I could walk in the freedom of Your grace.  Thank You for the salvation You purchased to redeem me from the eternal smoking pit.  Amen.

“Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:10-11).

Listen to the word.  “And receives” is what is written.  Will the Lord hold us accountable for what we have no choice over?  Of course not.  But do watch what you worship.  Do not worship anyone but the Lord.  Do not look to other things to satisfy the longing that your living in the truth of the Lord will fill.  Only in the One who made you will you find the longing that is in your heart.

Lord, there are so many idols in our world.  There are so many things that people lift up and worship.  I too have joined them.  Let me not be caught either with the mark, or in worship of anyone other than You.  You alone are to be worshiped.  Guide me out of the mess of this world so that I may clearly see the truth of the pagan practices that have been always going on around me and in this age.

Lord Jesus, You called out those who pretended to be religious, but had hearts of stone.  Lead me in the way of life You intend so that I do not worship the false idols of this age, nor willingly take their mark.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may humbly walk with You my Savior and learn from You as You teach me day by day.  You know what the obstacles are.  Lead me through them so that I may remain faithful to You.  Amen.

“And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 14:8-9).

Sex sells.  That’s what we’ve heard about for a long time now.  Everything gets charged up and then we titter and think our immoral thoughts are ours alone.  Imagine a day when all this garbage will be gone.  Imagine a day when we see people not as they seem but for who they are.  Imagine heaven.  The day is coming when people from all times and places shall gather and love one another as the Lord teaches us to love.

Lord, once again I do like the idea of this, but I find it hard to comprehend.  There are times when I am nothing but a bundle of self-serving nerves reacting to everything around me.  Guide me up and out of this mess so that I can co-operate with the real work of Your Spirit transforming me to be like You.  Teach me how to get out of the way of what You are doing in me.

Come, Holy Spirit, and work in earnest on what You know needs to be worked upon.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me in the way I need to be led and help me in the way I need to be helped.  Teach me how to be pliable in Your hands and unyielding in the hands of the wicked one.  Guide me where I need to go now and forever.  Amen.