September 1: 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17; Labor Day weekend
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)
Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)
RCL/ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)
Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)
RCL/ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee; omits a repetition)
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Opening hymn: (If not used last week) Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light: LSB #665 (perfect for Ephesians text)
OR (Also if didn’t use last week!) Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648
OR Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660
OR (if not used 7/29) I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, LSB #604, ELW #450
Hymn of the Day: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664
OR O, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways: LBW #480, ELW #772, LSB #707
Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517,LSB #655
Communion Hymn #2: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738
Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698
OR On Our Way Rejoicing: LBW #260, ELW #537
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THE PRAYERS
Trusting in the goodness of our heavenly Father through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for your commandments, given to protect us from sin and limit its evil effect. Thank you for their goodness and wisdom. Help us to keep them out of love for you and for our neighbor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it faithful, true, and bold in preaching and doing your strong Word. Make it your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who hate you. Make it wield the weapons of the Spirit not in hatred, but in humble witness to the Prince of Peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prosper the words and work of this congregation. Through us, let many hear the Gospel, turn to you, and live. Let Jesus’ love shine through our words and deeds, and bring light and life to those around us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children head back to school, bless them with good teachers who instill the love of learning and respect for one another. Help us to be mentors, tutors, cheerleaders, and guides, especially for kids who struggle in school. Lead us all by the light of your wisdom and truth.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them wisdom, humility and integrity, so their people confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
On this Labor Day weekend, we thank you for honest labor, just wages, and the dignity of work. Help us to encourage and mentor young people embarking on their first jobs. Grant a good way forward for those who seek employment, especially those who need training and a fair break. Together, help us to increase prosperity, health, and justice here and throughout the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by sin and suffering. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels. Give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most gracious Father, thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were doers of your Word. Grant that we honorably wear the armor of light which you bestow upon us. Help us rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit. In is strength, let us fight the good fight and lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
