September 29: St. Michael and All Angels:
Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3: Angel strengthens Daniel; Michael aids Israel in a time of tribulation
Psalm 103:1-5; 20-22: Bless the Lord, O my soul, for all his benefits. Bless him, all his angels!
Revelation 12:7-12: War in heaven; Michael defeats the dragon; an angel announces God’s judgment on Satan, and salvation for the righteous.
Luke 10:17-20: Jesus rejoices in disciples’ casting out of demons; nevertheless, the greater blessing is being written in the Book of Life.
Opening hymn: Lord God, To Thee We Give All Praise, v. 1-4: LSB #522 (Great Philip Melancthon hymn on angels, war in heaven, and defeat of Satan. Tune: Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word)
OR Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940
Hymn of the Day: Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: LBW #175, ELW #424, LSB #670
OR Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs: LBW # 254, ELW #847, LSB #812
Communion Hymn #1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907
Communion Hymn #2: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621
Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him: LBW #540, ELW #823
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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
Holy Lord, holy and almighty, holy and immortal, heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim adore you in unceasing chorus. Thank you for their ministry that glorifies you and protects, defends, and sanctifies us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your Church the voice and the faith to join the angels in serving and adoring you. Make its worship a foretaste of heaven. Make its proclamation a strong witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Make its deeds of charity a countersign to the devil and all his empty promises.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
May your holy angels bless, strengthen, and defend all who endure great suffering on account of Jesus. Grant that their time of persecution may speedily end. Convict the hearts of all who torment them, so they repent and believe in the Gospel.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation and make it rich in faith toward you and in fervent love in for one another. Grant that we remember that your little ones – everyone for whom Christ died – have their angels pleading for them before your throne. Help us therefore not to put a stumbling-block before them, but instead to be merciful and gracious, as you have been toward us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you all whom it would be easy to forget, but whose angels continually remember them before the Throne of Grace: the homeless, neglected, and needy; the poor, sick, and aged; the mentally ill and physically or mentally challenged; those who are abused, and their abusers; unborn children, and mothers who are tempted or pressured to abort them. Shelter them with your tender care. Help us to bring them healing, hope, forgiveness, and friendship, for the love of your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We do not often think of angelic guardians for the nations. But as Michael is the defender of Israel and head of the angel host, we dare to pray that your holy angels bring wise counsel to the leaders of every nation, and defend all your suffering people from the malice of the Evil One. Keep us safe in your care. Teach us those things which make for peace. Preserve us in righteousness and justice until that day when you make all things new.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that St. Michael and all the hosts of heaven may guard and guide all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Bless them with courage, integrity, and devotion to you, the Lord of all nations. Prosper all they do that is in accord with your purpose. Grant healing to the wounded; honor to the fallen; strength to their family, and respect from all for their service.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray on behalf of everyone who cries out to you for help in time of trouble or suffering, especially: {List}. Speedily rescue them from affliction. Stir up compassion and gentleness in all who care for them. Let your holy angels have charge of them, that the Wicked One have no power over them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy and gracious Father, we praise you for the victory your Son has won over sin and death. We entrust into his never-failing care our departed loved ones, especially: {List}. Grant to us, who still walk as yet by faith and not by sight, the protection of your blessed angels. Grant that, encouraged by their presence and by the witness of all your saints, we may give you thanks for all things; fear nothing except losing you; and lay all our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Bring us, according to your promise, into the blessedness of eternal life; where the hosts of heaven and the whole company of the redeemed, we shall see you face to face, and adore you forever.
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.
