“Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him.  Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 27:55-56).

How many look from a distance.  Even those who regularly attend worship seem to be looking from a distance.  But this is not something to watch, but a life to be lived.  The women would act and although they did not yet know for sure what needed to happen, they would go to the tomb and, in faith, attend to Jesus.  We are called to step out in faith no matter what we think, for the Lord will accomplish all that is needed.

Lord, I see many things and sometimes it causes me to stop and do nothing.  Help me to be one who is living and doing what You give me to do.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk by faith.  Let my faith blossom to belief without doubt and through my actions grow in me what You intend.  Lead me, Lord, so that I willingly follow despite my circumstances, trusting in You always.

Lord Jesus, there are times when all seems hopeless.  Knowing that the resurrection has happened provides hope beyond the circumstances of this world.  Though there are times when I do not see good things around me, help me to look to You, the One who gives the greatest hope of all.  While the world sinks into hopelessness, help me to live with the hope that is above all doubt as I trust that You have accomplished salvation for all who believe.  Amen.

“Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

It does not matter who you are or what your circumstances are; if you are willing to see the truth, you will see the power of God at work.  The Lord desires that none should perish.  The awakening to faith has been happening amongst every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation all along.  Yes, this is the only begotten Son of the Father.  He who was crucified and resurrected, accomplished salvation for all who will believe.

Lord, I see that You show no partiality.  You will awaken all who are willing to come to You by faith and trust that You in Trinity are God.  Guide me to live into the life You offer me in faith so that I do not just see but believe.  Help me to be aware of what is happening so that I see things that You are showing me.  Through all things, be the One who leads me in this life of faith which You have given me.

Lord Jesus, in great love You have taken all my iniquities, and they died with You on the cross.  Take me out of the grave to live the new life You have given me in this faith which is mine in and through You.  Help me to live in such a way that my actions are outwardly directed, serving You and others according to the Father’s will.  Lead me every step of the way as I walk the life of faith, abiding in You, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

“The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;  and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27:52-53).

Many bodies of the saints were raised.  Is there a resurrection?  Yes.  These are they who were faithful and fell asleep awaiting the Messiah.  They had faith in Jesus even though they did not know who He would be.  Faith is the firm assurance that God will accomplish what He has promised.  Time does not matter.  Trusting the Lord is above what we think we know.  Trust in the One who has accomplished our salvation.

Lord, You have been calling all who would receive You regardless of what they do or do not know.  Help me to realize how little I really know so that I would not rely upon what I know, but trust You who knows all things.  Lead me in the salvation You have given me so that I follow the path that You have set before me.  Guide me in Your mercy and goodness to know that You will accomplish all that You have promised.

Lord Jesus, with Your resurrection You have shown us that all who trust in You will be resurrected in a resurrection like Yours to abide with You forever.  You have accomplished salvation for all who believe.  Remove my unbelief and lead me in the upward calling You have given me through faith.  Teach me what I need to know and help me to trust You above all things.  You must be the One who leads me always.  Amen.

“And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split” (Matthew 27:51).

That which covered the Holy of holies was thrown open.  The unapproachable God (or so it was perceived) is now approachable.  God is with us.  God is for those who repent and turn in grace to Christ.  The power which created all things reminds us that it is He who holds all power and authority.  The signs are given.  The faithful see them and tremble, the unfaithful shrug them off with some sort of excuse.

Lord, the unbelieving in this world do not see the things that You make so clear.  They do not want to believe and so they reject every effort to see what is plain to see.  Help us, Lord, so that the faithful see the signs that You give.  There is no longer a veil that hinders our ability to draw near to You.  Lead us so that we draw near to You, who is the truth, and the way to the eternal life made possible through the cross.

Lord Jesus, the curious want to know where You went.  Help me to have fewer and fewer questions and more and more trust in You, my Lord and Savior.  You died the death I deserve for me to live the life for which I was created.  You have opened the way to learn right living.  Guide me, Jesus, for I need help every step of the way, including that final step in this age when I shall die.  Thank You, Jesus, for the salvation You offer.  Amen.

“But the rest of them said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.”  And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit” (Matthew 27:49-50).

Who is in control?  The illusion of this age is that we can have power and control.  It is an illusion, which is why the wicked are such control freaks.  They do not really have power, so they intimidate to make others think they do.  That is the way of the wicked one.  Our Lord has all authority and power.  Life was not taken from Him; He willingly gave it up.  “And He yielded up His spirit.”

Savior of the world, all authority and power are Yours.  You have come to rescue the lost and forsaken.  You have come not to control, but to take us out of the chaos of this age into the order of the eternal goodness of the Father.  The sinful ways of this world become clearer as the faith You give grows deeper.  Your peace surpasses this world’s because it reminds us that You have always been in control amidst all this rebellion.

Guide me always, Lord Jesus, into the calmness of Your intentionality.  Even in the worst of circumstances – Your dying on the cross – You displayed Your eternal power by giving it up for us.  You gave up Your Spirit.  Lord Jesus, only You have that ability.  All ability I have comes through You.  Abide in me, Jesus, so that I may live the life the Father intends.  Teach me how to become like You in all things You give me to do.  Amen.

“And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.”  Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink” (Matthew 27:47-48).

There were those around Jesus who thought He was delusional.  They treated Him with contempt.  If Jesus is not God in the flesh, then it would be delusional, but Him being God, we are left with an entirely different pondering over the mystery of why God would suffer these indignities.  The One through whom all things have their being suffered beyond our ability to bear for the cause of offering us the ability to join in His eternal love.

Lord, Your willingness to suffer not only pain in Your body, but the anguish of taunting and rejection is beyond my ability to comprehend.  It continues with each person who rejects You and lives to themself.  Teach me appreciation for all You accomplished.  You are the One who has taken away the sin of the world.  Now and always, help me to see what You have done and grow in gratitude.  Thanks be to God!

Lord Jesus, taunted by the world, guide me to accept the suffering You allow in my life so that I may mature in faith through every experience You give to become more like You.  I do not like it, but I cannot imagine You did either.  Help me to learn how to live in the Father’s will and abide in You as You abide in me.  Lead me now and always, my gracious Savior, in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.

“Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.  About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:45-46)

We live in an age that is oppressed with wickedness.  The Lord has allowed all this so that we, who deserve condemnation, might have the opportunity to repent and be united in love with Him.  We live in an age that seems forsaken; except for Christ, it is.  Our hope is in the One who declares both the forsaken nature of this age and offers the only hope which is ours through faith.  Sin separates us from God.  Jesus, who became our sin experienced that absolute separation that sin brings.

Lord, I hear Your cry.  You knew You were loved, but the separation that sin brings, You took upon Your body.  Our sin is a grief that cries out through eternity.  I hear the anguish of an unanswerable “why?” crying out.  Why have we forsaken You, the One through whom all things have their being.  The pain of this world is great, but greater still is the love of the Father which grants us access through the Son.

Lord Jesus, some mock You and say that because You are God it was easy for You.  Only because You are God could You do this, for the anguish caused by sin is more than we are able to bear.  It kills us.  Only You could die for our sins and be resurrected for our sake.  My Lord and my God, unite me with You that I may die to sin and never be separated from You.  Unite me with You that I may be resurrected to new and everlasting life.  Amen.

September 28: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

OR St. Michael and All Angels, transferred

16 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Amos 6:1-7: (Woe to those who are at ease in Zion! The shall go into exile)

            ELW/RCL: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (Eliminates obscure reference to surrounding nations)

Psalm 146: (The Lord sets the prisoners free, saves those who perish)

1 Timothy 3:1-13: (Qualifications of bishops and deacons)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 (Temptations of riches; fight good fight of faith)

Luke 16:19-31: (The rich man and Lazarus)

*******

Opening Hymn: Fight the Good Fight With All Your Might: LBW #461, LSB #664

            OR The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544, v. 1-4, ELW #831, v.1-3, LSB #798, 1-3

Hymn of the Day:The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544, v. 5-8, ELW #831, v. 4-6, LSB #798, 4-6

OR Lord, Whose Love In/Through Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

Communion Hymn #1: O God, My Faithful God LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

Communion Hymn #2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

Closing Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544, v. 9-12; ELW #831, v.7,8; LSB #798, 7-9

OR Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

**************************************

St. Michael and All Angels Lessons and Hymns

Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3: Michael, great prince of Israel, gives word to Daniel by another angel

Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22: Bless the Lord, all you angels who are obedient to his word!

Revelation 12: 7-12: War in heaven between Michael and Satan, who’s cast down to earth

Luke 10:17-20: God’s little ones have angels interceding for them before his throne

*****

Opening Hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

Hymn of the Day: Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: LBW #175, ELW #424, LSB #670

OR The God of Abraham Praise:

LBW #544, v. 1,9-11; ELW #831, v.1,7,8; LSB #798,v. 1,8,9

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

Communion Hymn #2: Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus: LBW #219, ELW #501

Closing Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for words of warning and wisdom. Sometimes we don’t want to hear how faith and finances are connected! Sometimes we think they’re about other people, not us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and defend us with your holy angels, so we can listen to your Word and faithfully do your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your Church pastors, bishops, deacons, and theologians who adorn your Gospel with holy lives and grace-filled words. Through their wise leadership, lead many people to deeper faith, unshakable hope, and generous charity. {For St. Michael, Add: Send your holy angels to defend your Church from error, evil, and everything that threatens your people.}

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with kindness upon the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to care for your “little ones” by loving you, and generously sharing your love with others, however and wherever we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the persecuted church, especially in Nigeria, Pakistan, and North Korea. {For St. Michael, add: As Michael defended Israel from its enemies, may his strong protection stand between those suffering for their faith in Jesus, and those who seek to destroy them.} Keep your people steadfast in faith. Help us to speak boldly in their defense. Turn the hearts of their tormentors away from their folly, and bring them to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country, and for its elected and appointed leaders. Heal the suspicion, division, and hatred that weakens and fractures us. Bless everyone who works to restore integrity, common sense, and impartial justice, tempered with mercy, in our common life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, it’s too easy to ignore the poor, or blame them for their plight. It’s also easy to do unhelpful things, thinking we’re being compassionate. Give us wisdom as well as generosity. Help us to listen and see, to ponder and discuss, so we work with poor people to help them work for, and walk into, a better life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and answer the prayers of all who cry out to you for help. Especially we pray for the needs of: {List}. Refresh them in their time of trial, let your holy angels surround them with strength and courage, and bless them with skilled and kindly care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, thank you for gathering our beloved dead into your own bosom. {For St. Michael’s, add: Thank you for the unseen ministry of angels, who welcome them into your Kingdom.} Comfort all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Give us your Holy Spirit, so we encourage, challenge, and support each other as we strive to walk in your ways. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed by the blood of Jesus, into the holy peace and eternal joy of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

“He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”  The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words” (Matthew 27:43-44).

If God loves you, He will . . . .  Stop that kind of thinking.  God loves you!  This is what Scripture says.  Therefore, there can be no other conditions.  Sin is in the world, and you have the promise that our Lord will work things out for your good because He loves you and you love Him.  Beyond that, there is sin in the world and sin is destructive.  The hope is not in our situation, but in the truth that nothing created will ever be able to separate you from God’s love.

Heavenly Father, You wonderfully created all that You have made.  You delight in the good creation You have made.  You gave Your only begotten Son, begotten, not made, for the sake of those who would join in the love which You and the Son have.  Love trusts the One loved.  The Son loves You and You love the Son.  What happens in this age does not change that.  Lead me into Your love knowing that nothing can separate me from You.

Lord Jesus, You so loved all of us so much that You willingly paid the price for us to be redeemed.  Help me so that I am not bound by the circumstances of this world but live into the love and life which You offer through the salvation You have purchased from the cross.  Guide me, dear Lord, in this life and help me ignore the taunting and jeers of unbelievers in this age.  Lead me always in Your eternal love.  Amen.

September 21: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

15 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Amos 8:4-7 (God sees the deeds of the greedy who despoil the poor)

Psalm 113 (Praise God; he raises the poor from the dust!)

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Pray for all, including rulers, so we may live at peace; women dress modestly and be silent in assembly)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (gee, can you guess what’s missing?!)

Luke 16:1-15 (Parable of dishonest servant)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 16:1-13 (Eliminates rebuke of Pharisees)

*******

Opening Hymn: Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

Hymn of the Day: Seek Where You May, to Find a Way: LSB #557 (neat old hymn!)

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB 743

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

************************************

St. Matthew Lessons and Hymns

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11: God commissions Ezekiel to speak to Israel, warn them

Psalm 119:33-40: Lord, teach me to go in the way of your commandments, which is my delight

Ephesians 2:4-10: Though dead in sin, we’re made alive by God in Christ, and saved by grace

Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew, who throws a party

*******

Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

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

OR By All Your Saints: LBW #178, v. 1,18,3; ELW #421, v. 1,20,2,last; LSB #518, v.1,25,3

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the prophets and evangelists who speak your holy Word, even when it makes us squirm. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands. Thank you for restoring us, when we have repented, to positions of trust and to the task of proclaiming the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word. Kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you. Make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus. Give it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom on all who need them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we may smile or shudder to hear the parable of the dishonest servant – especially at a time of year when stewardship is often lifted up! And we remember that today is the feast of St. Matthew, himself a former tax collector! Bless this congregation in its stewardship of time, talents, treasures, and testimony. Help us to be honest, eager, and ingenious as we use whatever has been entrusted to us, for the sake of your Kingdom, and for the benefit of our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give faithfulness and wisdom to theologians, evangelists, missionaries, and seminarians. Raise up new pastors, deacons, and discipleship guides, for the need is great. And give courage and grace to your suffering and persecuted church throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant integrity and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them, for they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us. Keep us steadfast in faith, diligent in service, truthful in word, and honest in deed. Bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence. Give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.