“When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there.  And He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, with the result that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man acquire this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” (Matthew 13:53-54)

The Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand Scripture.  No longer do we need to be taught to know the Lord, for we understand that He has written the law upon our hearts and from the least to the greatest, there are those who know the Lord.  Regardless of our beginning in this life, the Lord raises us up with His wisdom.  The One, who is all wisdom, stood in their midst.  Is it any wonder that they marveled at what He said?

We often are so judgmental that we do not realize that we are always filtering things through our own ideas of things.  But, when You realize that wisdom is given as it is given, you learn to rejoice when you hear wisdom.  The Lord can and does often speak through the lips of a small child.  Rejoice in wisdom no matter where or from whom it comes.  All wisdom is given by the Lord.

Lord, increase wisdom in me so that I may speak Your word of truth wherever I go.  Guard my lips so that I speak what is fitting as one of Your redeemed.  Take hold of my mind lest the distractions of this world lead me astray.  In all that I do this day, may it be by Your direction.  Thank You for guiding me in the way of righteousness.  Thank You for making this possible through Your grace.  In all things, may I speak Your praise to all whom I encounter.  Amen.

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.”  And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure new things and old” (Matthew 13:51-52).

Do you or I really understand these things?  When our minds think of these things, we become confused.  The simple truth is that we can only say “yes” to going into the world and sharing the Good News with others.  What will become of it belongs to the Lord.  We are to do our part. Those who understand this know that they have influence with others, not just for their sake, but for the sake of the kingdom.

Lord, in conformance to Your will, let my “yes” be “yes” and do what You have instructed me to do.  I know that confusion is the “weeds” of the enemy.  Keep me from speculating about results so that I stay on the tasks You give me.  You are the author and finisher of our faith; so, although I care deeply about others, both with hope and with accusation, still, it all remains in Your hands.  Teach me to do what You give me to do.

Holy Spirit, direct me as a head of the household to care for those who are around me.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to know that in You alone am I able to do what You would have me do.  Clear my mind and instruct me in living out the Gospel. Through all that You give, help me to understand more fully the role You would have me play.  Thank You for guiding me in living out this life of faith which You have given me.  Amen.

“So it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come forth and remove the wicked from among the righteous, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:47-48).

The call of Jesus is to become those who are righteous through faith.  The righteous look to the Lord for all things.  They know that life comes from Him.  The righteous seek to do what is pleasing to the Lord always.  The ones who reject the Lord will never be happy and blessed, for apart from the Lord, and curved in on ourselves, it is only isolation and loneliness.  How can one be content amongst those who only care for themselves?

Lord, You have created us to be social beings. Help me to see that people are important to You and therefore, need to be to me as well.  You are the one who separates, so help me live with others in the hope that they too will come to possess the life You offer.  Guide me away from judging others to see in them the same hope some saw in me when I was a prodigal.  Guide me into Your grace always.

Come, Holy Spirit, and clear my mind to do the tasks You give me to do.  I am among those whom You have placed around me so that I may live into the life of being one of Your righteous ones whom You have redeemed.  Teach me to give grace as I have received grace so that I may grant grace and mercy to others as I have received grace and mercy.  May I always submit to Your will for me and others.  Amen.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they pulled it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away” (Matthew 13:47-48).

Jesus is telling us that all are given the opportunity, but not everyone will take it.  Many are they who hear the Good News and reject what the Lord offers.  It is the Lord who will separate them at the end of this age.  We are to share what we have received.  We do not know who is which, for that is the Lord’s business, but the task He gives us to do is follow Him and share with others so that they too may follow Him.

Lord, sometimes I am that unacceptable fish.  Without Your grace, it would be impossible.  Sometimes I think I am your prize catch which is even worse.  Help me to be whom You are making me to be and remain in the rest You give and in the peace which is mine through You.  Not resting in idleness, but resting in the truth that all things are in Your hands.  Help me to never judge whether another is worthy, for none are, but simply to humbly follow You in all things, leaving the judgment to You.

Lord Jesus, teach me to walk this path of life, doing what You would have me do, gathering those around me so that they too may have the opportunity to follow You.  Guide me in Your goodness to always live knowing that everything is in Your hands.  Grant me humility, that I would be content in simply walking with You, trusting that You know those who are Yours.  Amen.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46).

What is the most important thing in your life?  Is it not life itself?  Without it, what good does all the striving do?  You have been given the words of eternal life.  Where else can we go?  Why the desire to go any other place than the place that is the source?  You have before you the greatest treasure.  Learn to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Lord, You have given me the words of truth.  Your word offers to move me and shape me into something new.  Continue to pour forth into me the truth You have spoken so that I may be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me according to all that You have planned and help me to receive all that You speak.  Only in You is there new life, and only through You is there the hope of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, with great simplicity You have conveyed the truth of Your word.  Help me to place everything else behind me and beneath You that I may be guided into Your goodness.  You know the steps I need to take.  Help me to walk each step, looking to You as the One who keeps me.  Lead me in Your goodness to become who You are making me to be.  Continue to conform me to Your image.  Amen.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells everything that he has, and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44).

The Lord makes it plain, yet there is also a thought which needs to be pursued.  We sometimes think in terms of the gifts just being given us, but we must do our part.  This is about relationship.  The two are to become one.  Have we not heard this from the beginning?  It involves true merging with the Lord, Him in us, that we find ourselves.  We are two, yet one.  Some know this in marriage, but do we know this in faith?

Lord, I live the mystery with each relationship that I have.  While I am fully myself with another, I am also a new person,  But also there is a unity or bond that grows in the friendship.  Lead me so that I grow in the ability to relate with You and others.  Guide me into all truth that I may leave behind that which has no enduring value for the gift of the eternal life which You are offering me.

Lord Jesus, You offer me joy and peace.  Grant that I would be led humbly by Your grace and mercy to live into the life that You are offering me.  Help me to understand these things more clearly and focus my attention and energy on what You know I need.  Through all things, guide me in Your goodness to live into the new life which You have given me through faith and by grace.  You are the One who must lead me in the way I need to go.  Help me, Lord.  Amen.

“Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:43).

The Light of the world is Christ who shines the radiance of the Father’s glory.  He has made it possible for us to be made new.  Those who embark on the journey of renewal will be in the Spirit of the living God as He transforms them into a child of the Heavenly Father.  Be led by the One who brings you into His kingdom.

Lord, the mystery is great, but the more I walk in Your way, the more I can see Your hand changing me day by day.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to look to You to lead and be led in the way You know I need to be. Holy Spirit, pour into me what needs to be poured into me and bring me to the place where I let go of what needs to be let go.  In all things, bring forth Your righteousness  You will shine through me.

Lord Jesus, You have come sharing the truth of creation.  There are those around me who will not conform to Your image. But help me to see that You are speaking to me anew each day.  Guide me by Your living word so that I may grow into Your likeness.  Grow in me Your righteousness that I may reflect Your light to the world around me.  Lead me, Lord, according to Your goodness and mercy.  Amen. 

Prayers of the Church: November 24: Christ the King Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

Hymn of the Day: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us: ELW #431 (tune: The Son of God Goes Forth to War)

OR Praise Be to Christ: LSB #538

Communion Hymn #1: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

OR Crown Him with Many Crowns LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

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THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, “though the eyes made blind by sin thy glory may not see,” even so, give us eyes to see Jesus.  Give us ears to hear his word of Truth resounding in halls of power. Give us lips to proclaim him as Savior and King of the universe. Give us hearts to adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son King of creation and head of your holy Church. Bind the Church to Christ with cords of love. Make it unswerving in faith, radiant in holiness, and bold in witness. Use it to draw all people to his Cross, there to acclaim him as Lord, King, and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than the sparkling stars on high. Let the light of his love bring joy to all Christians who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. May that same light illumine and cleanse the darkness in the hearts of their tormentors. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and help them however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our Savior and Lord. Fill the people of this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in all we say and do, among all people we encounter, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of man.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than sunlight, moonlight, and sparkling stars on high. Give to all who love the beauty of creation a deeper love for the uncreated light and supernal beauty of your Son, the Word by which all worlds were made.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son Lord of the nations. By your Holy Spirit, conform the hearts of rulers and people to the heart of Christ; and let his peace reign undisturbed in every land.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our light, joy, and crown. Let his strong saving love accompany those who serve our country, here and abroad. Fill them with honor, courage, and wisdom. Bring them home in safety when their task is done. Heal and strengthen the wounded. Help them all to transition well into civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than woodlands, meadows, and flowers of blooming spring. Let his beauty, healing, and compassion cause all sorrowing hearts to sing. Especially this day we pray for the needs of: {List}

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, you have made your Son shine more brightly than the angels of heaven. We thank you for the lives of the faithful departed, who already see his glory face to face. Fill us with such faith and love that, in your good time, we shall join them in singing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forever more be thine.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, November 17: 26^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean.

Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

Opening hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

OR All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR O God of Youth: LBW #510

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Still Lead/Lead Thou On: LBW #341, ELW #624; LSB #718

Communion Hymn #2: Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB#722

Closing Hymn: Jerusalem, My Happy Home: LBW #331, ELW #628, LSB #673

OR My Life Flows on in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

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THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we don’t want to hear about persecution, judgment, and destruction! Kindle our hearts, fortify our minds, strengthen our spirits, steel our sinews. Unite us to Jesus, so that we stand strong even in the most difficult trials. Give us your Spirit, to desire and do your holy will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head. Make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim you as Lord and follow you as Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless all who endure such fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we are bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications. Conform us to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us to identify, encourage, and mentor future pastors and theologians. Touch and kindle them with a passion to proclaim your Son, crucified and risen from the dead to bestow forgiveness unto eternal life, to the people who need your strong Word the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world. Let them put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide and strengthen them. Let their labors be a blessing to many. Help us to honor all who have served, especially those who have sacrificed the most on our behalf.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer, and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with skill, patience, and compassion. Re-establish bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we entrust our departed loved ones into your care. We ask you to guard and guide us safely through this earthly life. Make us confident that we can always turn to you with all our needs and cares. Raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, November 10: 25^th Sun day after Pentecost, Proper 27

1 Kings 17:8-16: Elijah tells widow of Zaraphath that God will provide food during famine

Psalm 146: God gives food to hungry, cares for widows, orphans

Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ enters heavenly sanctuary once, to atone for sins of all

Mark 12:38-44: Jesus denounces scribes, commends widow’s offering

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Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

Hymn of the Day: The Temple Rang With Golden Coins (OMG you GOTTA get 1-time permission for this great Herm Stuempfle hymn! Familiar tune, great reflection on Gospel): LSB #787

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686 , LSB #781

Communion Hymn #1: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

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THE PRAYERS

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes it’s hard to trust that you will provide what we truly need. Whether we face a personal crisis, a regional weather catastrophe, or a time of national uncertainty or strife, we’re more apt to trust Ben Franklin’s line that “God helps those who help themselves!” Help us to cast all our cares on you. Help us to be generous to others in need, even when we feel the pinch. Help us to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your whole church in the loveliness of faith, hope, and charity. Let its words and deeds show Jesus to the world. Use it to enrich the empty-hearted, the broken-hearted, and the hard-hearted with the generosity, forgiveness, and grace of your dear Son, who gave himself for their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give strength and healing to everyone who is persecuted on account of their faith in Jesus. Fill them with your unfailing and gracious presence. By their witness, soften the hearts of all who hate your Son and his followers, until the whole world is united in praising him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes we’re afraid to be generous as we look at rising costs and shrinking offerings! Grant bold trust and wise generosity to the people of this congregation, dear Lord. Give us wisdom and ingenuity to find creative and faithful ways of sharing the blessings – material and spiritual – you’ve lavished upon us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon our nation; upon all newly-elected leaders; and upon all who may be called upon to serve their country in a new administration. Pour out upon them, and on us all, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Help us to do your will in ways small and great, knowing that in so doing, we glorify you and build up all your people, here and throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort, and cheer all who suffer and cry to you for help, including those we name before you this day: {List}. Give them grace to cast all their cares on you, trusting that you care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal Father, your mercy is great toward all who fear, trust, and love you. Thank you for keeping our beloved dead safely in your eternal care. Keep us there, too, we humbly pray. Help us to cling to Jesus with one hand, and to reach out to a neighbor in need with the other. By your grace, lead us to your eternal home, where with all whom Jesus has redeemed by his Cross, death, and resurrection, we will rejoice in your amazing grace and lavish love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.