PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 30, 2025: 4th Sunday in Lent, C

Isaiah 12:1-6 (With joy you will draw from waters of salvation and praise the Lord)

ELW/RCL: Joshua 5:9-12 (After circumcision, Israelites keep first Passover in Promised Land)

Psalm 32 (happy are they whose transgression is forgiven; accept his instruction and live)

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (God has given us the ministry of reconciliation in Christ)

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

 

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Opening Hymn: Evening and Morning: LBW #465, ELW #761, LSB #726

Hymn of the Day: Our Father, We Have Wandered: WOV #733, ELW #606

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

OR As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered: LSB #612 (I don’t know the tune, but it

looks easy, and the words are a wonderful meditation on the parable. Try it!)

Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

Communion Hymn #2: Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488 (Bach chorale),

ELW #489 (Hispanic melody; Spanish words available)

OR Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling: ELW #608

Closing Hymn: All Depends on Our Possessing: LBW #447, ELW #589, LSB #732

OR What Wondrous Love Is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

 

 

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Dearest Father, thank you for forgiving, welcoming, and restoring us, even when we squander your gifts and turn away from you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who brings us “to our right minds” and helps us repent. Thank you for your Son, who guides us to your embrace. He gives his Body and Blood as your homecoming feast. He clothes us with his own righteousness. He places the signet-ring of his Sonship upon our hand. We give you thanks, Father, not as we ought, but as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make your Church faithful in proclaiming both your Law and Gospel. Make it lovely with holiness, gentle in rebuke, warmhearted in reconciliation, and generous in welcoming all whom you have led to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to pray for, seek out, and forgive those who have wronged us. Give us patience, graciousness, and humility. Make this a place where those who are estranged from us, and from you, may return and be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families torn apart by sin, squabbling, and selfishness. Heal them, and return each person “to their right minds.” Deliver them from the pigsty of foolish pride and the far country of hostility. Take away whatever resentment and hurt stands in the way of healing and reunion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Forgive those who, though entrusted with authority, power, and influence, have squandered these gifts, and used them foolishly. Give wisdom, integrity, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders; to those in the military and first responders; and to those entrusted with educating our children or caring for the vulnerable. And teach us to live at peace with one another, despite our differences!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to all who suffer, including: {List}. Bring them back from the far country of pain, sorrow, or despair. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them, and increase their trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Father, you’ve welcomed so many prodigals into your Kingdom already, including many whom we have loved in this life! Thank you. Keep our eyes fixed on the road home to you. Deliver us from the pig-sty of stubborn pride. Soften our hearts to help fellow prodigals along the way. Lavish your Holy Spirit upon us, so we’re constantly trying to live in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another. And, at the last, welcome us to the homecoming feast you have prepared for us, Jesus’ wayward sisters and brothers. We yearn for your prodigal love to embrace us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 23, 2025: 3rd Sunday in Lent, C

Ezekiel 33:7-20 (you are a sentinel warning people to repent; if the evil repent, they live;

 If the righteous sin, they die; if you don’t warn, their blood is on you)

ELW/RCL: Isaiah 55:1-9: (Listen to God, eat what is good; he makes everlasting covenant; seek him while he may be found; his Word returns fruitfully to him)

Psalm 85 (Restore us; show us your steadfast love; save us from our sin)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 63:1-8 (My soul hungers, thirsts for you; you helped me; I sing for joy)

1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (avoid sin; don’t test Christ; God provides escape when you are tested)

Luke 13:1-9 (tower didn’t fall because the people were worse sinners than you; but if you

 do not repent, worse will happen to you. Parable of unfruitful fig tree)

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Opening Hymn: “As Surely As I Live,” God Said: LSB #614 (can sing to “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast”)

OR Once He Came in Blessing: LBW 312, LSB #333

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV 771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: Jesus Sinners Will Receive: LBW #291 (sing to “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”)

OR Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: ELW #335

Communion Hymn #1:  Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

Communion Hymn #2:  Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534, LSB #917

 

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son.  He diagnoses our sin, and provides our remedy. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. He opens an escape door when we are tempted, and helps us to repent when we don’t walk through. Help us in these struggles, and have mercy on us when we fall.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make the Church your sentinel. Use its words and deeds to help sinners turn from evil and turn toward the Cross, upon which their salvation was hung. Keep your persecuted servants safe in their time of testing; and cause their tormentors to repent of their sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help everyone in this congregation to be fruitful fig trees, abounding in righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, and every good work.  May our lives constantly proclaim your glory and nourish your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is tempted to engage in sinful acts out of fear, desperation, ignorance, or malice. Help us to speak truth in love with them. Help us to hear words of truthful warning when they are spoken to us! Help us to accompany those who resolve to walk in the path of righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord, our earthly leaders – in government, industry, education, and elsewhere – often seem blind, deaf, and dumb. They refuse wise words, just deliberation, and righteous deeds. Lead them to repent of selfish, wrongheaded, and evil laws or decisions. Make them eagerly seek the good you set before us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit – including: {List}. We pray for everyone who cares for hurting, lonely, grieving, and vulnerable people. Refresh them with your gracious Spirit, and give them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who now rest from their labors. Keep their memories bright and their witness strong. Keep us in fellowship with them by faith, and with one another by love. In the fullness of time, gather all who have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of your Son into the blessedness of your Kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit he reigns as Savior, Lord and God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 16, 2025: 2nd Sunday in Lent, C

Jeremiah 26:8-15 (Jeremiah prophesies against Zion, is marked for death; urges repentance)

                ELW/RCL: Genesis 15:1-12, (13-16), 17-18 (God “cuts a covenant” with Abram)

Psalm 4 (The Lord sets apart his faithful; ponder, pray, offer sacrifice, be patient)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 27 (The Lord is my light and salvation; I desire to see the beauty of God)

Philippians 3:17-4:1 (follow example of those who are in Christ; our citizenship is in heaven;

                stand firm in Christ who transforms us from humiliation to his glory)

Luke 13:31-35 (Jesus, must die in Jerusalem; longs to gather its people beneath his wings)

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Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation, O Saints of the Lord: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

OR Christ, Mighty Savior, v. 1, 4, 5 (lovely paraphrase of Psalm 4. Omit “evening” verses for a.m.

 service! I suggest the alternate tune, “Father Most Holy.”): WOV #729, ELW #560, LSB #881

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart: LBW #325, ELW #750, LSB #708

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

Communion Hymn #1: Thy Holy Wings: WOV #741, ELW #613

Communion Hymn #2: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781

Closing Hymn: O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

OR Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, ELW #754

 

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you for gathering your people beneath your wings. Your mercy covers our sins – and gives us courage to repent. Let us always remember your sacrifice, walk in the pathway you set before us, and stand firm in you, our Savior, Redeemer, and God.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and transform your Church. Make it your lamp, shining in this sin-darkened world. Draw it close to you, so that through it, many who are afar off may also be drawn close to you, their light and their life.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

We plead for all who suffer because they name you as Lord. Hide them in the shadow of your wings. Transform their humiliation into your glory. By their patience in suffering, cause their tormentors to repent of their evil deeds.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Bless this congregation with your dear presence. Make us mirror your humble, self-giving love to everyone we encounter.

 

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our enemies and for all who hate you. We pray for the wicked, the spiteful, the violent, the remorseless, and the cruel. Deliver them from the Evil One. Forgive their sins. Give them grace to repent. Heal their spirits, clear their minds, and transform their hearts into thrones worthy of you.

 

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Through our Baptism, we have been made citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, but we still live in this world. Therefore, we pray for our earthly leaders; for all who wield power and authority; and for all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, humility, a hunger for justice, and a thirst for mercy. And bestow your heavenly peace upon us all.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Loving Savior, gather the sick, sorrowing, suffering, and dying beneath your holy wings. Today we lift before you: {List}. Grant them shelter, healing, and hope. Bestow upon them your strong saving love. Strengthen and encourage everyone who cares for them.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Jesus, we entrust to you our faithful departed, and all the innocent victims of violence and injustice – especially your precious little ones whose lives were snuffed out before birth. Shelter them all with your never-failing love. Comfort all who mourn with your never-failing compassion. Guide all who still walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Bring all whom you have redeemed through your passion, death, and resurrection, into your Kingdom, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in never-failing joy, peace and love.

²

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you came to save.

Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 9, 2025: 1^st Sunday in Lent, C

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 (creedal confession when giving first fruit)

Psalm 91:1-13(God will shield his Righteous One; angels will bear him up)

Romans 10:8b-13 (all who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord shall be saved)

Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus tempted by Satan)

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Opening Hymn: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me: WOV #660, ELW #325

OR Once He Came in Blessing: LBW #312, LSB #333

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

OR A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: LBW #229, ELW #504, NOT 505; LSB #657

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

Communion Hymn #2: On Eagle’s Wings: WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

Closing Hymn:  O Christ, You Walked the Road: LSB #424

OR O Love, How Deep (especially v. 3): LBW #88, ELW #322; LSB 544

OR

THROUGH THE TIME OF TESTING

(Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: King’s Weston, LBW #179, “At the Name of Jesus”)

 

Through the time of testing lead us, Lord, we pray.

Forge a holy people on that desert way.

Strip us from our idols, mortify our pride.

Cleave us and conform us to the Crucified.

 

And your mind, Christ Jesus, in our midst bestow,

We your love to offer, we your grace to show,

We your service render to your people here:

Murm’ring and rebellious, yet you count them dear.

 

With your Breath revive us in the wilderness.

Grant us joy, obedience, and your holiness.

Jesus’ new commandment on our hearts engrave.

Your covenant remember; and your people save!

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Lord, we sometimes forget that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, it was a real battle. We forget that he didn’t “cash in” on his divinity. We think it was easy for him, as if that excuses us when we give in to temptation. Have mercy on us. Give us faith, courage, and endurance. Set your word in our hearts and on our lips, so even in times of trial, we confess and bless our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the Church throughout the world. Lord, purify, heal, unite, and guide it. Through it, lead many to the foot of Jesus’ life-giving Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of Jesus.  Lord, strengthen them in their trials by your strong Word. We also pray for seminarians and pastors, evangelists and missionaries, discipleship partners and spiritual guides. Let that same Word dwell in their hearts and be confessed by their lips.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for this congregation. Lord, keep us steadfast in faith, humble in service, diligent in worship, persistent in prayer, and loving in fellowship.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our children. Lord, set your angels around them. Shield them from evil, deliver them from danger, and guide them in the way of eternal life.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our broken world.  Lord, heal and transform it.  We pray for our leaders. Lord, grant them wisdom, justice, and compassion. We pray for all people. Lord, deliver us from evil, strengthen us in every good gift, and bestow your peace among us all.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all whose work is difficult and dangerous. Lord, give them cool heads, wise words, and right actions. Shield, support and strengthen those who fall, and those who await their loved one’s return.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the sick and injured; the abused and their abusers; the despairing and the confused; the homeless, imprisoned, abandoned, and oppressed; the dying and the bereaved, and for all who cry out for mercy, including: {List}.  Lord, save them from their time of trial, deliver them from evil, and bestow upon them the riches of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

With grateful hearts, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Hear us now as we pray for ourselves: Throughout the Lenten pilgrimage of our lives, be the bread for our journey. Forgive us, and make us eager to forgive each other. Strengthen us in times of trial. Deliver us from the power of the Evil One.  Bring us safely into your house, prepared for all who love you.

²

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

 

Prayers of the Church, Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Ash Wednesday, C

 

Joel 2:12-19 (return to the Lord with all your heart; sanctify a fast)

Psalm 51 (wash me from my sins; put a right spirit within me)

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (be reconciled with God; don’t let his grace be in vain; we have

                suffered for your sake)

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21(fast, pray, give alms, but don’t show them off before others)

 

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Opening Hymn: None; Psalm 51 is spoken or chanted 

OR O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days: LBW #99, ELW #319, LSB #418

Hymn of the Day: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

OR Out of the Depths I Cry to You: LBW #295, ELW #600

LSB #607, From Depths of Woe I Cry To You (different translation)

Communion Hymn #1: For the Bread Which You Have Broken: LBW #200, ELW #494

OR God Loved the World So That He Gave: ELW #323 (tune is Rockingham Old – “When   

I Survey the Wondrous Cross)

Communion Hymn #2:, Jesus, Your/Thy Blood and Righteousness: LBW #302, LSB #563

OR Here is Bread: ELW #483

Closing Hymn: Lord Jesus, Think on Me: LBW #309, ELW #599; LSB #610

OR The Glory of These Forty Days: WOV #657, ELW #320 (tune is “Lord, Keep Us

Steadfast in Your Word”; words attr. to Luther, very nice)

 

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Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most Holy Father, have mercy on this world that you created in love, though it has turned away from you. Most Holy Son, have mercy on people who sit in the darkness of sin and the shadow of death, and whom you came to save. Most Holy Spirit, have mercy on this fallen creation that cries out for its deliverance from futility and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church. Cleanse it from false teaching, holier-than-thou holiness, and fair-weather discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your Son. Fill it with your Spirit. Use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your persecuted servants. Cleanse them from bitterness, hatred, or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse us from apathy, contention, and stinginess. Form us into the likeness of your Son. Fill us with your Spirit. Use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness. Cleanse them from ignorance, pride, and despair. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Bless them with faith and trust in you, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and worship of self. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Use them to bring your blessings of justice, mercy, and peace to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy upon all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Use them to bring a measure of safety and freedom in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of evil. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Rock and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy all our beloved dead. We who are ashes and dust humbly beseech you for your mercy upon us as well. Cleanse us from the sins that separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

“And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.  When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat’” (Matthew 20:10-12).

No matter how faithful you are, or how long you have been working for the Lord, the reward is the same.  Through faith by grace, we receive eternal life with the Lord.  The Lord’s kingdom is not a competitive race as is this age.  All are equally loved by our Lord.  It is difficult to get out of the mind-set of getting ahead by competition and into the necessity of learning how to love all others sacrificially as you are loved.

Lord, no matter the burdens I believe I am carrying, You have carried the greatest portion.  What is all that I do, compared to all that You have done.  Guide me in the way You would have me go and turn my heart from the ways of this world to see that in the unity of Your Trinity, You call each of us to do what we can.  It does not matter how much or how long.  The privilege is being in You and a part of Your kingdom.

Lord Jesus, You know how this world tugs at me so that I see things as greater and lesser, more and less.  Help me to have a new way of looking at things so that I see these things the way You do — quality rather than quantity.  Keep me faithful to You and simply learn how to be obedient.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go this day and let me seek to humbly be faithful to all that You give me to do.  Amen.