“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37-38).

The first commandment is very clear.  Our Lord is at the top.  The One through whom all things exist is the most important.  To get this priority wrong is to be at enmity with God.  In your family, it will be the same.  Yes, you love your family, but they, the created, are not more important than the Creator.  We all know parents who have ruined their sons by hovering over them.  God does not hover over us, but He is and must be first priority for us.

Lord, You are a God of order.  You are a God of balance.  You are a God of priorities.  Help me to see that this is an imperative but also, that it can be done with Your grace.  My family may not be first, but I can love them with all my heart.  I can and must learn to love You also with my whole heart, with the understanding that You are my first priority.  Lead me to know that in You, I have all the mercy and grace I need to work through these things.

Lord Jesus, some of the words You speak seem so hard.  You are teaching us how to live in eternity.  Help me today to have the right priorities.  You are first and I must follow You no matter the cost.  You give me the words of eternal life.  Help me to live by the priorities You set so that I may grow a little more in Your likeness each day.  May I take up the cross You give me today and follow You.  Amen.

“For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household” (Matthew 10:35-36).

What does He mean, “Set against?”  But then, why do we ask the question?  We are all born in rebellion, and there are those who will come into the grace of Jesus and walk with Him.  That immediately makes them opposed to those who continue in rebellion.  And we know this from the hostility we receive when we speak of Christ in public.  There are those who will walk with the Lord and those who will not.

Lord, I am sometimes torn in two between You and the world.  I understand this inside myself.  Help me to come to Your side fully so that You may eradicate the rebellion within me.  Take away from me the surprise I have when I am confronted by this reality.  You do not force others to come to You, and I cannot either.  This includes members of my own household.  My eyes need to be upon You.

Lord, there is rebellion within me and all around me.  You are teaching me to look to You in, through and for all things.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may be forever in Your presence.  Help me to love those around me, for I do not know whether they will come into Your presence with praise, but for a time need to continue as a prodigal.  I have enough to do with my own faith.  Lead me to live in that faith today.  Amen.

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.

“Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Who are your friends?  When in another group, do you acknowledge your friend, or do you ignore them?  If Jesus is in your life, do you acknowledge Him as a friend always?  We do this with our earthly connections, but do we do them with our eternal relationship with the Lord?  Do not be dismayed by this.  If the Lord is your friend, and He is the best friend you can ever have, then acknowledge Him in all places.

Why is it Lord that I disconnect with friends?  If they are truly friends, then what difference does it make what the circumstances are?  Help me to be consistent so that I may truly be a friend to all whom I call friends.  Rather than seeing them, or You, as attachments to my world, help me to have genuine relationship with others.  Teach me so that I do not deny You or my neighbor despite the circumstance.

Lord Jesus, this is not the law You are speaking, but the reality of relationship.  I am sometimes (always?) selfish and see things through appearances.  Help me to move to the place where I see things through Your eyes.  Guide me in Your grace to repent when I am not genuine or deny my friends because I am afraid.  Lead me into all righteousness so that I may humbly walk where You lead.  Amen.

“And even the hairs of your head are all counted.  So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-21).

Every particle of the universe has a purpose.  The Lord does not allow things to go by chance but has planned perfectly for all that is needed.  We are unable to fathom this, but it is so.  The Lord God knows you down to the last atom in your body.  All your days are before Him always.  If the Lord has all things in His hands, what will happen to you that He already does not know about?

Lord, You know how often I am afraid and fear the circumstances in which I find myself.  I worry about outcomes.  Help me to be responsible, yes, but with the knowledge that nothing will happen apart from Your knowledge.  You will guide all things as they need to be.  You have stated that I have value.  Help me to discover the truth of what this means.  Help me to discover the abundant life.

Lord Jesus, You did not just die a horrible death for just a few random folks.  You intentionally went to the cross to set things right for eternity.  You have told me that I have great value.  Yet, I am often conflicted in my own mind.  Send Your Spirit to minister to me that I may stand in the righteous place, with right thoughts, to be empowered to do right things.  Guide me in Your grace to know that all things are in Your hands.  Amen.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matthew 10:28-29).

The world hates the Lord.  It is not necessarily you, but the Lord whose voice they want to still.  The Father knows all of this and even if He allows you to be killed, so what?  You will not add a moment to this life.  Hold fast to the faith that you have been given.  Be guided by the truth of the reality of eternity which has been shown you in faith.  Do not worry about the outcome, for you already know what it will be.

Lord, You have promised to work everything together for good for those who love You.  Let that truth be what leads me, especially when I face those who are trying to kill my faith.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to hold fast to the truth You have revealed.  Lead me in all righteousness to seek You first in all things.  You have given me the words of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, You were led to the slaughter, but it was not them who led You, but You who were marching to the cross.  You are the One who must lead me.  I worry about where things will lead and what will happen.  Guide me to see that only in You do I know my future, a future which is in You.  Let me not be ruled by fear, but by the truth of Your continued presence so that I may live the life You give me to live.  Amen.

“What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).

Keep the focus of your mind and thoughts on the things of the Lord.  If your mind is filled with the truth of faith, it will not have room for the wickedness of the world.  Let the truth of Scripture be in your mind so that when you speak, it is of those things that the Holy Spirit brings to remembrance.  You have received from the Lord many things through reading, teaching,  preaching, meditating and inwardly digesting His word.  Let the whispers of what you have received be the voice that comes out of your mouth.

Lord, You have given me the truth in so many ways.  There is more I could use.  Fill my mind with the truth of Your word so that when I speak, Your word is in my speech.  Teach me to be one who proclaims with my life the truth of the salvation You give to all who turn to You.  You have taken me out of the dark and placed me in the light.  May Your light shine through me with all I say and do.

Guide me, dear Lord Jesus, in the way You know I need to go.  You have equipped me to be who I am.  You have called me as Your disciple to go to all the world.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go, and may Your Holy Spirit fill my mouth with the words You would have me speak.  Lead me in living the life of a disciple and guide me in the way You would have me walk today.  Amen.

“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known” (Matthew 10:26).

The Lord reminds us to take on a big-picture view of things.  Amidst the hideousness of the Nazi regime, it was very hard for the faithful to not want to cry out at the horror going on around them.  It was twelve years in which some of the demonic was revealed.  This age will end, and all of the evil will be uncovered.  Live knowing this.  Sometimes it’s hard, but the Lord reminds us to keep our eye on what He is doing and not what the wicked one does.

Lord, Your words are two-edged.  There are things in my past life I would rather not have revealed, but I am seeking You, and not wickedness.  You will make all things known, and I suspect we all shall see how much need we have of Your grace.  Keep me on the narrow path so that I may live knowing that I am forgiven and that Your Holy Spirit is with me.  Guide me to seek nothing but righteousness.

Lord Jesus, You are the judge of the living and the dead.  Uncover the sin in my life so that I may remember, repent and come under Your grace.  Bring me to the place where I stop trying to hide and humbly live in the grace You have given me.  Keep me from the evil games of hide and seek that goes on, knowing that all things are not hidden from You.  Grant me a heart that seeks righteousness.  Amen.