“So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:4-6).

A child knows they are not in charge.  A child will want things but understands when the family places limits.  A disciplined child knows how to behave.  A child does not do well when berated or put down.  Be like a child and do not treat others as some do when it comes to children.  We are all in the same situation and need what only the Lord can and will provide.  Come into the Lord’s salvation as a humble child.

Lord, You are making of me a child of Yours.  You know what I need and what needs to be changed.  Take away the “adult” attitudes and behaviors and bring back the child-like wonder I had when I was young.  Continue to teach me all that this means and help me to understand the goals You have placed before me.  Keep me from causing anyone to stumble so that together we may grow according to Your will.

Lord Jesus, this teaching has always flown in the face of the reality of culture.  Culture wants me to grow up and be a responsible adult – whatever that means.  I know You do want me to be childish but teach me what You really mean and through Your Holy Spirit, guide me to have an attitude and demeanor that is pleasing to the Heavenly Father.  Through all things, be the One who leads me.  Amen.

“And He called a child to Himself and set him among them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2).

Become like children, but do not be childish.  A child does not worry about the provision but accepts the circumstance.  A child wonders at the marvel of creation.  A child is easily occupied by the moment.  A child learns easily, willingly, and constantly.  Children know how to play.  This world wants you to be mature – whatever that means.  The Lord wants you to be His child.

Lord, there are things in my heart which only You know about which delight me.  Help me to learn again how to delight in the life You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness to be as a child, but not immature.  You know fully what You mean by this.  I need Your help to fully discover what this means in and throughout my life.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go.

Lord Jesus, this simple principle is hard to live.  Help me to not be wrapped up in this world’s expectations but live according to the goodness You intend for me.  Guide me through those places where I forget that I am a child of the Heavenly Father.  Lead me to live according to what is pleasing in the Father’s eyes.  Through all that will come, help me to keep my eyes upon You.  Amen.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)

In this world, we are worried about position and status.  People crawl all over one another wanting what they want.  You are who you are.  The Lord has placed you right where you need to be.  Rather than worry about getting ahead – remembering that if you strive to gain the whole world, but lose your soul, you gain nothing   Spend your time and energy on doing what the Lord gives you to do.  Be guided by His grace and mercy.

Lord, You know the ambition in my heart.  Help me to be whom You are making me to be.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to know that in You I have my being.  You will place me where You will place me.  Guide me to understand that only in You do I have life.  You are the Creator, and I am Your creature.  Create in me the heart You want me to have and help me to be content with whom You are making me to be.

Holy Spirit, I cannot do this on my own, for selfish pride will rise in me.  Guide me in the path of humility to be who You are making me to be.  Help me in Your goodness to know that in You I have my being.  May I learn from You how to live according to Your goodness.  May I be guided by You so that no matter my position, I am content to abide with You.  Lead me in the way I need to go.  Amen.

“When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt.  However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a stater. Take that and give it to them for you and Me” (Matthew 17:26-27).

You have been freed from the recompense of the law but use your liberty graciously.  It may be okay for you, but do not cause another to stumble.  We are obligated to render what is required in this world but do so cheerfully.  What is money to the Lord?  He owns everything.  What then?  Learn to be a good steward and rejoice in the gifts that You have been given.  Know that the Lord provides for your every need.

Lord, I often make things more complex than they need to be.  You are transforming me into the truth of Your presence and purpose.  Guide me so that I live understanding the freedom I have, knowing that the command of loving my neighbor should cause me to consider my behavior.  Lead me in the way You would have me live, knowing that You will transform me to become like Jesus.

Lord Jesus, Your words strike home to the heart of who I am.  I am often prideful in my attitude.  Help me to be sensitive.to others, whom I often dismiss.  Help me to pay attention and think of others.  Help me to be considerate.  In all things, lead me from the inside out so that I trust You above every circumstance and follow You in the way You know I need to go.  Lead me today my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

“Now when they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?”  He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” (Matthew 17:24-25)

This world is filled with those who take from others for their own benefit.  Yes, we need a certain amount of taxes to pay for what is in common, but there is always something more that is taken for the benefit of those who hold the authority to do this.  It has not changed in this age.  We must render what needs to be rendered, but do not lose sight of the One who calls you and me to come to Him.

Lord, I become angry at injustice.  When I see taxes squandered, I want justice.  Only You will mete out true justice.  Meanwhile, teach me to render what I must in this age and be law-abiding not only before you, but also before others.  There has always been favoritism in this age.  You come bringing true favor to all who will accept Your offer of grace.  Lead me in Your grace to give away what You have given me knowing that there is justice through You alone.

;Lord Jesus, even with these small things You showed obedience.  You through whom all things were made, obeyed the laws of the land – even though some things were done which promoted injustice.  Guide me to look to You to learn obedience.  Lead me in the upward call You have given me to walk humbly with You in all of the things I will encounter in this age.  May I be found faithful in everything I do, seeing it all as obedience to You.  Amen.

“And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be handed over to men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved” (Matthew 17:22-23).

Jesus tells us before it happens so that we will not fear.  We often confuse our own ideas with truth.  Jesus said it plainly.  God has a purpose in everything.  Why do we fear death?  We will all die.  Is a few more moments in this age worth giving up your immortal soul?  Live your life and trust the One who has come to join you with Him in eternity.  Do not be grieved by your sinful society but lament the rebellion in this age.

Lord, You have said that we are blessed if we mourn.  Help me to not be grieved.  Things will come to pass just as You have told us they will.  Lead me in faith to trust You above all things.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to leave behind my anxieties to come to the place where I do trust You and believe that all things You direct me to do are possible.  Lead me to live a life of faith.

Lord Jesus, I do grieve when things do not go the way I planned.  I imagine them one way, but then, they go in another direction.  Guide me to always look to You, the author and finisher of my faith and follow Your lead.  Lift me up to obey all that You have commanded and lead me in the Gospel way which You have set before me.  In You alone is there hope.  Help me to abide in the hope You give me.  Amen.

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Pastor, the Gospel from Luke today talked about a winnowing fork and a granary. I know what those are, and I can tell the boys and girls.

Pastor: That would be great, Sammy. I am sure you know all about winnowing forks and granary because you live on a farm.

Sammy: That’s right!

Pastor: Let’s start with winnowing fork. What is that?

Sammy: A winnowing fork is a tool that farmers use to separate the grain of wheat from the chaff.

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: Well, when farmers harvest wheat, they keep the grain of the wheat and turn that into bread, rolls, cake, cookies, pie…

Pastor: Okay, Sammy. We get the idea. We can use the grain of wheat to make lots of yummy baked goods. But what about the chaff?

Sammy: Well, the winnowing fork allows the chaff to blow away in the wind. That’s what farmers want because people do not eat the chaff.

Pastor: Sammy, would you like to also tell us about a granary?

Sammy: Yes! So after the farmers separate the wheat from the chaff, they collect all of the wheat and store it in a granary. It’s basically a big room just for the grain of the wheat. And when they need to sell or use the wheat, they can take what they need from the granary.

Pastor: Sammy, you did a great job of explaining these farming tools and techniques to the boys and girls.

Sammy: Thank you, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, when we are baptized, we become a part of God’s family. Jesus invites us into his family, and we are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. In the Gospel today, John talks about how Jesus knows who belongs to him and who is a part of his family. He keeps us, his children, in his granary forever. We are so loved by God, and he wants us to be a part of his kingdom.

Sammy: That’s a great comparison, Pastor!

Pastor: John did a great job of sharing the message of Jesus and preparing the people to hear the Gospel.

Sammy: Yes he did. Boys and girls, would you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for inviting us into your granary and for including us in the promise of your coming kingdom. We love you. Amen. Bye everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: March 2: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Deuteronomy 34:1-12: (The death of Moses after God shows him the Promised Land; no one has arisen like Moses, whom God spoke to as a friend, face to face)

RCL/ELW: Exodus 34:29-35: (The shining face of Moses)

Psalm 99: (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You, Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

Hebrews 3:1-6: (Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: (We look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

Luke 9:28-36: (The Transfiguration of our Lord)

*******

Opening Hymn:  O God Beyond All Praising (Tune is almost the “English national hymn.” It’s stately, majestic, and – hint, hint, the intercessory prayers for today just might echo phrases of it. Highly recommended!): WOV #797, ELW #880

                OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Hymn of the Day:  O Wondrous Type/! O Vision Fair!: LBW #80, LSB #413

O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair: ELW #316

OR Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (can sing to “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”): LSB #416

Communion Hymn #1: How/Tis Good, Lord, to be Here: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

                OR Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, #318, LSB #417

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, today we kneel in adoration before the majesty your Son, revealed in his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our devotion grows cold. Sometimes our prayers and worship become half-hearted and routine. Sometimes we treat Jesus like a buddy we call on only if we need something from him. Kindle our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the face of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church listens to his word and holds fast to him in its heavenly calling. Make it bold to preach Christ alone as the way of salvation. Let it proclaim to the whole world his blessings without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people confidence and hope, established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}. Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who have died trusting in you now see you face to face. Thank you for that final, best gift! Continue, we pray, to show to us your amazing love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us, in your good time, into the joy you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed. Give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 23, 2025: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle C

Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)

Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give: you will be forgiven and be given much!)

*******

Opening Hymn: God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (tune: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”): LBW #270 

OR Awake, My Soul, and With The Sun: LBW #269, ELW #557, LSB #868

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB # 851

                OR Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

                OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!): WOV #735, ELW #603

Communion Hymn #1: Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray: LBW #225, LSB #623

                OR Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether: WOV #703, ELW #470

Communion Hymn #2: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698

                OR The Peace of the Lord: ELW #646

Closing Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Can be sung to the Doxology): LBW #505, LSB #854

                OR Beloved, God’s Chosen:  ELW #648

                OR Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”): LSB #479 

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, whether by their sins or by our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties. “Strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. And two-tiered justice is not truly justice at all. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – including {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace. We know it’s won for us in death and resurrection of Jesus and given to us by the Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. Welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 16, 2025: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)

Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

*******

Opening Hymn: The Man is Ever Blessed (nice paraphrase of Psalm 1 and 1^st lesson!): LSB #705

                OR How Blest are They Who Hear God’s Word (I know, you don’t know the tune and there’s no substitute possible. Try it anyway. It is very easy, from the Danish Psalter.): LBW #227

OR Dearest/ Blessed Jesus, At Your Word: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #904

Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

                OR O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553

                OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):

LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603  

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

Communion Hymn #1: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Communion Hymn #2: you may not need one… 😉

Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

                OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

*****

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for planting us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him.  May we delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produce the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to never sow seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin and suffering. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us with your Word, Refresh us with your Spirit, and guide us by Jesus’ Cross. Help us grow in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.