September 15: Holy Cross Day (Transferred)

 

Isaiah 45:21-25 (There is no other god but me; turn to me and be saved)   

Psalm 98:1-5 (The Lord has gained victory, shown steadfast love to Israel)

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (Folly of Cross. Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God)

John 12:20-33 (Jesus speaks of his death and glorification)

Opening hymn: Look, O Look/ Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious LBW #156, LSB #495

Hymn of the Day: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

OR Upon the Cross Extended: LSB #453 (Beautiful words, familiar tune)

Communion Hymn #1: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/6

Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

Closing Hymn: Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

OR Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

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Trusting in the goodness of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray in the power of the Holy Spirit for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for your steadfast love, even when we don’t deserve it. Thank you for your apparent weakness and folly, which are stronger than human might or wisdom. Thank you for Jesus, who  from his Cross draws us to himself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church always proclaims Christ crucified and raised from the dead. Let it constantly confess Jesus as your only-begotten Son and beloved Servant, who bears and heals the world’s sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Persecuted Christians throughout the world bear their cross in faithful obedience to Jesus. Sustain, protect, bless, and provide for them. Help us, whose crosses are lighter, to bear their burdens however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faith of everyone in this congregation, dear Lord. Don’t let our fear of looking foolish prevent us from sharing the strong saving love of your Son. Don’t let our fear of failure or persecution keep us from  introducing other people to the Savior who longs to embrace them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Many church programs are starting up! Bless and prosper all that glorifies you and builds up the Body of Christ. Increase our love of learning, zeal for service, and warmth of spirit. Especially we pray for teachers, discipleship guides, choirs, committees, and all who shine the love of Jesus upon those who do not know him well.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant humility and wisdom to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, the giants of culture and icons of sport, the legislators and judges, the researchers, teachers, philosophers, and others who shape our world. Remind them that all they have is from you, given in trust for the benefit of all people. Give everyone the desire and ability to live justly and kindly with each other, despite our differences.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our military, first responders, and all who stand in harm’s way to defend freedom and life. We therefore earnestly pray that you should beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning-hooks. Soften every heart to receive, cherish, and share your love for us. Remind us that we are all created in your image and offered forgiveness and salvation through the Cross of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Keep us steadfast in faith as we pray for all who suffer. Remind us all that Jesus has indeed “borne our sickness and carried our infirmity.” In his name we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, keep in your tender care our beloved dead. Help us to encourage one another in faithful prayer and holy living. Receive us into the glorious company of all the redeemed. Draw us to yourself, so that with angels and archangels and all the hosts of heaven, we may praise and adore you forever – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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.

September 8, 2024: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18

 

Isaiah 35:4-7a (Promise of recompense, salvation, healing, and joy)

Psalm 146 (God sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind, lifts poor from the dust)

James 2:1-10, 14-18 (Warning against partiality; faith without works is dead)

Mark 7:24-37 (Syrophoenician woman’s faith; Jesus heals deaf man)

Opening hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

                               OR Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

Hymn of the Day: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

OR O Son of God, in Galilee: LBW #426 (Great words! This is a less familiar tune. I suggest using melody for “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”).  LSB #841 (familiar tune)

Communion Hymn #1:  Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

Communion Hymn #2: Lord of All Hopefulness (LSB #738, ELW #765)

Closing Hymn: O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714; LSB #852

OR Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV #721, ELW #543, LSB #922

 

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THE PRAYERS 

 

Trusting in the goodness of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray in the power of the Holy Spirit for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for the faith and persistence of the Syrophoenician woman. Thank you for James’ blunt words about partiality, judgment, faith, and works. Thank you for stretching our hearts, minds, and souls as you deepen our faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal and restore your church, purchased with the precious blood of your Son. Drive from it all partiality and false teaching. Fill it with such faith in Jesus that all its words and deeds proclaim his Good News. Let many hearts turn to you, and receive forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give a spirit of trustfulness to your Church when it is persecuted for confessing Christ as Savior. Grant repentance and faith to its foes, until all hearts turn to you in adoration and praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation great confidence in the love of Christ. May we trust his holy Word, treasure his life-giving Sacraments, and constantly tell others of his great mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Help our churches to seek out, identify, encourage, and mentor candidates for holy ministry. We need prophets like Isaiah, teachers like James, and disciples of Jesus with humble spirits and compassionate hearts. May those whom you desire in ministry heed your call and faithfully follow in Christ’s footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

You are Lord of all the nations. To you all the rulers of the earth shall bow down and give an account of their deeds. Teach them to act with wisdom and without partiality. Let them care for the widows, widowers, orphans, and destitute. Cause them to seek justice within and peace beyond their borders. Make them examples of integrity and compassion to their citizens.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Protect and guide our military and all who stand in harm’s way. Bring healing to the wounded and give strength and patience to their families. Use their skills, whether here or abroad, to establish the blessings of liberty, justice, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant that all who cry to you for help and healing; for forgiveness and restoration; or for guidance and comfort, may find your grace sufficient for their need. Especially we lift before you: {list}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust to you all who clung to your promises in this life, and whose death we now mourn. Keep us close to our Lord Jesus, so our sorrow turns to joy. Help us to encourage and assist each other. Bring us to your house, where we are fed not crumbs under the table, but the rich banquet fare of the Lamb’s high feast. By your gracious Spirit, let us, with all the redeemed, bless and adore you for the majesty and love which shines in the face of your dear Son.

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.

 

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

For the earth, there will be no peace until the end of the age.  We are to be bearers of the peace that surpasses all understanding.  The wicked will continue to hate and reject peace.  Jesus is not going to make peace with the world; that is, compromise the eternal truth of who He is.  He has come that between Him and me (you), there may be peace.  Come into the peace of the Lord.

Lord, at first this seems so confusing, but I do understand.  There are those with whom I have a relationship, but they are not a friend and I do not trust them.  I do not hate them, but I have learned that I cannot trust them.  Between us, there is no peace.  This is how I see this world.  I live in it, but there can be no peace so long as the wicked promote wickedness.  Teach me how to live faithfully in a world at war against You.

Lord Jesus, You are not calling me to make war, yet we are in a constant state of war against principalities, forces, and wickedness in the world.  Teach me how to be a peacemaker where possible and to do so fully armed with Your provision.  Grant me wisdom to know when to stand firm and when to shake the dust from my feet.  In the truth of what You have directed, teach me how to be faithful.  Amen.