“So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11)

Despite being evil? Me? Notice how Jesus just says this in a matter-of-fact way. Yes, we are separated from the Lord. We have all sinned and continue to do so. Our Lord is giving us instructions on how to move from being evil to the place where we give as we have received. Ask the Father for the fruits of the Spirit and He will grant to you those things that will move you forward toward the goal of becoming like Christ.

Lord, you know where I am and what the state of my heart is. You know that I give up and do not press on toward becoming like You all too often. You also know where I can give, but do not. Help me to repent and turn from what is evil so that I may give as You give. I give good things to those I love, but You have commanded me to love my neighbor. Help me to consider all as my family.

Lord Jesus, I know parts of those things which run contrary to what You are saying. I believe there is probably much more that needs to be worked on. Help me today to see what I need to see and where I am being stingy, help me to move on and be helpful to my neighbor. Help me to see that You are the One who is leading and then help me to follow You wherever You lead me. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Lessons, Suggested Hymns: June 9: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

 

Genesis 3:8-15 (The consequences of the Fall)

Psalm 130 (Out of the depths…)

2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (Outer nature wastes away, but prepares for weight of glory)

Mark 3:20-35 (How can Satan cast out Satan; who is my mother, brother, sister?)

Opening hymn: Built on a Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

Hymn of the Day: Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You: LSB #668 (Tune is “Wake, Awake,

For Night is Flying.” Words are powerful!)

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

OR A Mighty Fortress: LBW #229, ELW #504 (505 has dorky words, avoid)

Communion Hymn #1: Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

Communion Hymn #2: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

Closing Hymn: My Life Flows on In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

OR Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

 

 

THE PRAYERS 

 

Let us come before the Throne of Mercy with our prayers for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for having mercy on us, even when we rebel against you. Thank you for sending us your dear Son, to free us from the devil’s tyranny. Thank you for preparing us to bear the weight of your glory in our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and renew your Church. Strengthen all who are baptized to do your will, speak your word, care for your people, and live as true sisters and brothers of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Cast out the forces of evil which try to destroy your people. Gather in your care all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Soften the hearts of their enemies, so they repent and strive to do your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the people of this congregation day by day. Give us generous and willing hearts as we seek ways of serving you and sharing your love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Strengthen bonds of affection, respect, and care in all families. Heal those afflicted by discord, abuse, or grief. Help us to believe that in loving you, our heavenly Father, we also draw closer to one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless and guide the elected and appointed leaders in our nation and communities. Despite the brokenness of creation and the suffering inflicted by sin and evil, give your people a foretaste of the freedom, justice, and peace that only you can bestow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Equip those who stand harm’s way on behalf of others with courage, wisdom, and skill. Bless all they do which is in accordance with your will. Shield them when they fall, and give patient hope to their loved ones. Bring them home swiftly and safely when their task is done.

We remember before you all who suffer, including: {List}. Refresh them with the healing power of your life-giving Spirit. Help us to minister to them with compassion and patience. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for our loved ones who have died in your embrace. Grant comfort to all whose grief runs deep. Keep us safely in your Son’s faithful care. Cheer us with your Holy Spirit. Guide our steps and shape our lives in accordance with your will. And give us a joyful reunion with all whom Christ claims as sister and brother, mother, and friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers as may be best for us and give you the greatest glory, for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.