Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: February 11, 2024: Transfiguration of Our Lord

  

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory, seen in face of Christ)

Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

Opening hymn: How/Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here!: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

Hymn of Praise: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416

OR In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

OR Jesus On the Mountain Peak: ELW #317

OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, LSB #802

Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

Closing Hymn:  Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, LSB #417 ELW #318

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, LSB #821, ELW #392

OR O Wondrous Type/Image! O Vision Fair: LBW #80, ELW #316, LSB #413

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Holy Father, thank you for showing us Jesus “unmasked!” Thank you for showing us what we will look like when we see him as he is. Even now, “unmask” us enough that other people see Jesus’ forgiveness and love for them, shining through us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Son rule gloriously in the Church. Through its words and deeds, shed the light of Jesus’ holy mercy on all who need him. Make the Church your new Zion, so that many are drawn to the perfection of Christ’s beauty, and are saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shed the light of Jesus’ love on Christians who suffer at the hands of others for his sake. Let that holy love touch, purify, and transform them, and even those who hate them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give grace to this congregation. Let all who gather here in Jesus’ name day by day see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We ask a special blessing on little children – not only those dear to us, but all the children of the world.  Shelter them from evil. Shine the light of your love upon them. Give them grace to hear Jesus’ voice in our words, and to see his dear face in our deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet bore witness to your Son, the King of the nations. Grant their wisdom and righteousness to the leaders of the world. Through their decisions and actions, let them bear witness to their coming King. Help them use authority in accordance with your will. Help them to lead their people into paths of justice, righteousness, and peace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives to protect the innocent and to defend liberty and justice. Grant that all they do may serve your purpose. Help us to honor their service; care for their wounds; support their families; and rejoice when their tasks are completed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shed the light of your salvation on all who sit in shadows of pain, fear, loneliness, despair, or sorrow, including: {List}. Let them see the light of your countenance, and grant them your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for sanctifying the deaths of your servants. Comfort all who mourn with the certainty that you embrace their beloved dead with your Son’s imperishable light and life. Let Jesus be the lamp to our feet and the Light to our path. Help us to listen to him and to see him alone in every circumstance of life. In your good time, let us, with all whom Christ has redeemed, behold him face to face. Let us worship him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: February 4, 2024: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 4)

 

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people)

Opening hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation

(LBW #543, ELW #858 (#859 is politically correct version!), LSB #790

OR I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me: ELW #860

OR Voices Raised to You We Offer: ELW #845, LSB #795 (Nice Herman Stuempfle hymn.)

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

(Yes, I know I selected this during Advent. See if anyone remembers! 😊 )

OR Praise to the Lord, All of You, God’s Servants: ELW #844

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881

Communion Hymn #2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

Closing Hymn: When To Our World the Savior Came: LSB #551 (tune: “Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”)

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Father, help us remember that “Becoming all things to all people” doesn’t mean selling out or being hypocrites. It means understanding other people so well that we can lead them one step closer to trusting Jesus. Give us sympathy and wisdom, so that by all means, some may come to faith in him!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your Church. Grant wings to its words, so hearts are touched by the Gospel of salvation. Make it swift to speak and show mercy in your name. Make it tireless in bearing witness to you. Conform it to your will. Use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all who suffer for the sake of Jesus. Help them to constantly trust in his love.  Help us, who do not experience such suffering, to pray for them; defend them; provide for them as we are able; and to live in a way that glorifies you and honors their witness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen this congregation. Give us confidence to willingly wait upon you for guidance, and to gladly obey what you command. Use us to encourage our families, friends, and neighbors, especially those who most need to know your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your servants who are nearing or are in retirement. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they continue to walk in the way of faithfulness and service which you set before them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen the leaders of the nations. Grant them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. Help them to care for their people, especially victims of natural disaster or manmade calamities. Make all of us eager to learn what makes for righteousness and peace in our communities and world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Renew and strengthen all who work to bring us justice, safety, and healing in these troubled times. Grant them courage and integrity, and use their labors to accomplish your will. Shield them and their loved ones from harm.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including {List}. Give them hope: to wait upon your gifts of health and wholeness. Give them faith: to rise above doubt, despair, and sorrow. Give them your love, shared through each of us: to strengthen, shield, and surround them always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most blessed and glorious Lord, thank you for the great and final healing you bestow upon all who died clinging to your promises. Grant us joy in sorrow; patience in suffering; courage in danger; wisdom in choosing; compassion and mercy in service. Give us the joy of being welcomed, with all whom you have healed from sin and death, into your eternal kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns:  February 4, 2024: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 4)

 

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

 

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

 

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

 

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people)

Opening hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation

(LBW #543, ELW #858 (#859 is politically correct version!), LSB #790

OR I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me: ELW #860

OR Voices Raised to You We Offer: ELW #845, LSB #795 (Nice Herman Stuempfle hymn.)

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

(Yes, I know I selected this during Advent. See if anyone remembers! 😊 )

OR Praise to the Lord, All of You, God’s Servants: ELW #844

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881

Communion Hymn #2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

Closing Hymn: When To Our World the Savior Came: LSB #551

(tune is “Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”)

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: January 28, 2024: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 3)

 

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth; listen to him alone)

Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences; eating food offered to idols)

Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

 

Opening hymn: Rise, Shine, You People!: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

Hymn of the Day: “Away From Us!” The Demon Cried: LSB #541 (tune: “In Christ There Is No East or West”)

OR Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion: LBW #493 (You can sing this to hymn #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” a perfectly fine Epiphany hymn tune to boot!)

OR You are Mine: ELW #581 (It’s easier than it looks, honest!)

Communion Hymn #1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

OR Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock: ELW #862 (a sprightly Herb Brokering hymn)

 

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Holy God, thank you for being stronger than demons, doubts, and despair. Thank you for bold prophets, faithful teachers, gentle caretakers, and ordinary saints who serve you by mentoring, guiding, healing, and challenging us. Give us grace to go and do likewise.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up in your Church leaders to speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that listen with faith, obedience, and gladness. Give to those who have not heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear rightly, ponder patiently, and believe firmly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. By your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give your dearest blessings to this congregation, so that we always proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them havens of grace and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives. Restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Expel from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy, and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your Spirit. Help us care for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Grant strength, comfort, and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart, including {List}. Shield them from evil. Drive from them the demons of despair. Restore them to health and to the company of all who love them. Fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, keep safe all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn.  Defend us in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. Lead us into your eternal and glorious Sabbath rest, in which peace, wholeness and holiness adorn all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: January 21, 2024: 3^rd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 2)

 

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)

Opening hymn: Christ Be My Leader: LSB #861 (tune is Lord of All Hopefulness)

OR O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

O Christ, Our True and Only Light : LSB #839

OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

Hymn of the Day: “As Surely As I Live,” God Said: LSB #614

OR O God of Light: Your Word, a Lamp Unfailing: LBW #237, LSB #836

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830

Communion Hymn #1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

Communion Hymn #2: Rise Up, O Saints of God!: LBW #383, ELW #669

Closing Hymn: Lord of Light: LBW #405, ELW #688

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Heavenly Father, be patient with us, even when we are slow to understand and obey you. We are often like Jonah! Forgive us when we are half-hearted or grumpy when someone we dislike actually repents.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh. Your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom.  Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. Give it grace to rejoice when many turn to Jesus and are saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Many don’t want to hear the call to repent and believe the Good News. Some hate those who believe it. Some persecute your disciples. Have mercy on your people, and cause their enemies to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy when, like Jonah, we want to run from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly invite repentance and faith in you. Give us deeds to show Jesus’ compassion. Help us rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years. Form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Give them integrity, wisdom, humility, and sound judgment. Give us grace to live in concord and unity with one another. And give us peace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused —and their abusers. Whatsoever they need, grant in double measure. Especially we pray for loved ones who seek our prayers, including: {List}. Grant them faith to cling to your promise of health and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, we remember with reverence and affection our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them in bonds of faith and love. Turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, bring us into the fullness of the Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son. With all the redeemed, let us praise and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things” (Revelation 22:8).

What will happen when you realize the gravity of these things?  Too often, we take seriously things that do not matter and do not take seriously things that do.  Falling to your knees in worship is one way.  Keep in mind, this is John the beloved disciple and the Gospel writer.  Even he needed a revelation from the Lord.  Take heed and wake up while there is time.  Do not tarry but focus upon the gift of faith you have been given.

Heavenly Father, I am so easily distracted.  I worry about things that will make no difference tomorrow and do not pay attention to things that will have impact on me the whole of my life.  You know which is which and I realize my salvation does not depend upon me getting it right, but my maturity in faith does.  Help me to have clarity and focus so that I may become mature in faith and reflect the likeness of Christ.

Lord Jesus, come and grant specific direction in my life.  Let me not worship whatever wows me in the moment, but instead follow You, the author and finisher of my faith.  You have shown me what You have shown me and the faith I have is a gift from You.  Help me live my faith intentionally as I learn how to focus upon what is good, right, and salutary.  Guide me all the days of my life to keep Your presence front and center, for You are with me wheresoever I go.  Amen.