“It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-27).

The kingdom of God is built upon relationship.  It is not a matter of greater of lesser, for God is above all, but about relating one to the other.  We are to care for our neighbor as we need to be cared for.  All others are to be seen with compassion.  Serve others knowing that You are serving the Lord.  Treat others as you would treat the Lord.  Be led by the Holy Spirit to be one who does what is asked by the Lord.

Lord, this is such a different way of thinking.  This world seeks to get ahead.  But there is no real purpose in that.  The kingdom is built upon us relating to one another in love.  One does not think of getting ahead when being in godly relationship, but in terms of serving others.  Learn how to serve others as you need and sometimes even want to be served.    Love others as you love yourself, for this is the instruction of  law and the prophets.

Lord Jesus, I understand the principle of this, but the world has such a hold on me that I often am not able to overcome the pull of this world.  Lead me out of myself and into You.  Guide me to understand more fully what this truly means.  Lead me into a life that serves others.  Lead me to be like You who sees that every encounter is an opportunity to serve others as You would have me serve them.  Teach me how to be faithful to You.  Amen.

“And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them” (Matthew 20:24-25).

This world is filled with those who believe that scrambling to the top (whatever that is) is what makes or breaks a person.  This world is filled with those who seem to do very little that is meaningful.  You have been called by the Lord of all to humbly walk with Him.  The call before you is to go where He leads you and become whom He is making you to be.  Be guided by our Lord and not by the insanity of this world.

Lord, You know the struggle that goes on inside of me.  All around me is the pressure to succeed.  Inside of me is the desire to give up.  The rat race of this world is tiring.  Grant me Your peace and lead me in the way You know I need to go.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You in the way of everlasting life.  Help me now and always to look to You as the only source of life.

Lord Jesus, teach me to be in but not of this world.  Help me to understand that the self-centered way of this world will not be the way of Your Kingdom.  Guide me in the life You have in store for me and help me to keep my eyes upon You always.  You know all that I need.  Grant that I would live in the peace You give and walk in the way You would have me walk.  Let me be one who serves You by serving others.  Amen.

“But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.”  He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father” (Matthew 20:22-23).

The cup which Jesus drank is the cup all faithful followers will drink.  It is the cup of suffering.  The world would push us to make it the cup of bitterness but remember that our Lord has placed us where we are, and all things have their reason.  Do not strive for what you might think is right, but for what the Lord tells you.  Be prepared in season and out of season to share the hope with others that you have in Christ.

Lord, teach me.  This world is often a confusing place.  You have placed in me Your Holy Spirit to be guided by You.  I do not always know how to deal with so many of the things You have placed before me.  Guide me so that I may humbly walk in Your presence and live the life You have given me.  Let me not taste bitterness, but taste and see that You are always good.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, for You know the struggle of what it means to be human.  You know the daily disappointments, but also the simple joys that are present each day.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You, doing what You give me to do.  Lead me on the upward path so that I may humbly learn from You in all circumstances how to be faithful to the call You have given me.  Amen.

“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.  And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left” (Matthew 20:20-21).

This world teaches us to get ahead, look for the highest position and seek greater status.  God needs none of these things.  We need none of these things.  God has made you to be humble.  Be whom the Lord has made you to be.  Pride is what took down the devil and pride is what rules this age.  Be content with your circumstances and seek to do what is pleasing to the Lord.  In all things, serve Him.

Holy Spirit, You know the struggle that is within me.  I seek to get ahead and be someone others look up to.  I want positions that others look at and think me better than I am.  Take this away from me so that I may learn humility and be guided to become what You are making of me.  Guide me in the way of becoming like Jesus so that I seek the righteousness You give and live the life You have given me to live.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your patience and guidance.  You have taught all of us how life is to be lived.  Let me accept what You would have me do and be content with where I am in this world.  Lead me to love You above all things and not fall for the temptation of being someone that is neither fruitful, nor helpful to Your kingdom or to me.  Guide me in living the life You have given me and teach me to be faithful.  Amen.

“As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up” (Matthew 20:17-19).

How would you receive this news?  We like happy, exciting news of glory and the coming kingdom.  We do not like hearing the cost of it.  Jesus has come to redeem those who will come into His presence.  He paid the price for our sake none of us could even begin to imagine.  He does what needs to be done.  Never forget that you were purchased for a great price.  Jesus died for our sin, for our salvation.

Almighty God, Your goodness and mercy are unsurpassed.  It is hard to fathom the price You willingly paid for our sake.  We like to focus upon the good things and often forget that You have redeemed us from a world that is bent upon hell.  Help Your faithful to never forget the price You have paid so that we, steeped in sin, but saved by Your grace,  may be presented before You without spot or blemish.

Lord Jesus, You speak to us words that are hard to bear.  You have born our iniquity that we might be freed from the recompense of sin.  So lead all who call upon Your name to humbly submit to You as the One who saves.  Guide me this day to humbly go where You send me and do what You give me to do.  Amen.

“Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’  So the last shall be first, and the first, last” (Matthew 20:15-16).

Is not God just when He does what He does with what is His?  The world cries, “Not fair.”  But what is fairness?  Is that not a way of segregating people according to our view of things?  We each receive what we receive.  There are always complexities behind everything.  Be led by the One who created all things.  Trust in His leadership and be thankful for all that He has given you.

Lord, whether I receive much or little, it is all in Your hands.  You have given me the hope of eternal life with You.  This world is difficult and hard to figure out.  Help me to live into the life You have given me and do what You give me to do.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk in the way of salvation and trust that You are perfectly just.  In Your kindness, lift me up to give grace as I have received grace.

Thank You Lord Jesus for telling us beforehand the way things are.  In Your goodness, lead me to have a thankful heart and remove any covetousness that is in me.  Help me to live each day rejoicing in the goodness You give.  Teach me to reach out beyond myself so that I may humbly walk in Your presence and learn from You how to live life as I prepare for eternity with You.  Amen.

“But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?  Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you” (Matthew 20:13-14).

Some will receive more and some less.  All who believe are given the right to become children of God, but we are not all the same.  Our world yells for equity, but that is a worldly lie.  We deserve death but are given life through Christ.  That is not equity.  But we are all equal in the Lord’s eyes.  He loves each one of us.  Do not look at things the way the world does but see things the way our Lord has created them to be.

Lord, I am filled with the pollution of this age.  Help me to move away from how the world thinks and put on Your mind.  Open my eyes to see and, to the ability You give me, understand things as they truly are.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live into the life You have given me.  Guide me always in Your way so that I may live according to Your word and not according to this world’s ideas.

Lord Jesus, You have laid out principles that are easy to understand, but hard to grasp.  Moment by moment, guide me so that I do not slip into the way of the world.  Lead me to be thankful for all that You have given me and for the position You have granted for me to live.  Help me to be obedient for love’s sake so that I willingly do the things You give me to do.  Guide me always in Your love by the abundance of Your grace which I need.  Amen.

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)

*****

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

*******

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)

*******

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

*******

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)

*******

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

*******

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.