THE PRAYERS, November 23: Christ the King Sunday

Sola/LSB: Malachi 3:13-18 (God tells his people of their complaints against him; they listen and ponder his words; God will spare the righteous as a father spares his children)

            ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 23:1-6(God provides good Shepherd, righteous Branch for his people)

ALL: Psalm 46 (Kingdoms totter and fall into the sea, but God is our refuge and strength)

Sola/LSB: Colossians 1:13-20 (Jesus is the perfect image of God; in him all things hang together)

            ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:11-20 (Adds prayer for strength, joy, endurance, thanks)

Sola/LSB: Luke 23:27-43 (From the Via Dolorosa to the Cross; Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom; Father, into your hands I commend my spirit)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 23:33-43 (Lacks Via Dolorosa)

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Opening Hymn:   The Head That once Was Crowned With Thorns:  LBW #173, ELW #432, LSB #532  (All use St. Magnus as tune. If it’s is unfamiliar, use Azmon, tune for “O For 1000 Tongues”)

Hymn of the Day: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9; ELW #634; LSB #549

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Remember Me (Repeat as desired): WOV #740, ELW #616, LSB #767

Communion Hymn #2: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537

Closing Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

OR Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

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In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our King, whose throne was first the Cross, and whose crown was first the thorns. Thank you for his glorious and gentle rule. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit, so we have the faith to acclaim him as King and love him as Savior and Brother.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made the Church the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Fill the Church with your Spirit, so that through its words and deeds, many are delivered from the domain of darkness, receive forgiveness and redemption, and are transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation your treasured possession. Form us in the image of Jesus. Use us to proclaim his love and draw others to his Cross, until the whole world adores him as King, Savior, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let their tormentors see Jesus’ love in their actions, hear his forgiveness on their lips, and turn to him in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies, for criminals, evildoers, and hatemongers, and for everyone who is hard to forgive. Teach us to pray with Jesus, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Let him subdue every sinful heart to his will, so that he might truly be all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” School their proud and disobedient wills to your commands. Be a strong bulwark and mighty fortress for the poor, weak, and innocent. Let peace, justice, health, and mercy be established in every land. Teach us all to acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations, and cause his peace to rule undisturbed in every heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make war to cease in all the world. Break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Hasten the day when we need not lift up prayers for those in the military, or for first responders. Until then, equip them with integrity, competence, and courage. Preserve them in safety and heal them when they falter. When they return, use them in new ways to benefit our communities and nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by evil and suffering. This day, we remember before you: {List}. Be their present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, your Son promises Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our beloved dead. Help us to comfort and encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus. Teach us to pray, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” And in your mercy, fulfill those words! Grant that we shall be with him in Paradise! Let us, with all the redeemed, adore and bless him forever, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as Savior, Lord, King, and God.

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.

THE PRAYERS, November 16: 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)

ALL: Malachi 4:1-6 (On the Day of the Lord, the wicked burn like stubble, but Sun of Righteousness rises on the blessed with healing in his wings)

ALL: Psalm 98 (Let everyone sing to the Lord; he comes with righteousness to judge the earth)

Sola/LSB: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-13 (God will order your days and deeds; therefore walk in righteousness and godliness)

            ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13  (Lacks Paul asking for their prayer, commending them to God against evil one)

Luke 21:5-36 (Signs of the end; description of tribulation; grace to speak God’s truth before kings; watch, pray)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 21:5-19 (Lacks some signs of the end, parable of fig tree)

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

Hymn of the Day: The Clouds of Judgment Gather: LBW #322 (Not a difficult Irish tune. But yes, you can sing it to Aurelia, the tune for The Church’s One Foundation.), LSB #513 (A sturdy Welsh tune)

OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

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

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

Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

OR O Christ the Same (gotta love singing O Danny Boy!): WOV #778, ELW #760

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In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Most holy God, you promise to come with power, glory, judgment, and healing. Sometimes that disturbs us! We want you to make all things right and new! But before that can happen, you’ll show us our sins in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. Make us holy, whole, and filled with your eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse and strengthen your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful. Let it tirelessly preach the Gospel and serve the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a place of healing for people who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, witness, and welcome. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for missionaries, seminarians, and for all whom you call to be a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. Bless them to be a blessing to others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation in which people hold positions of responsibility and power. Grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep all who suffer in your special care, including: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us in this life with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage one another as we follow Jesus even through the valley of death’s shadow. Bring us, by his merits, into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall adore you in the unity you share eternally 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.

THE PRAYERS,  November 9: 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27

Sola/LSB: Exodus 3: 1-15 (Moses and the burning bush; revelation of the divine Name)

            ELW/RCL: Job 19:23-27a (I know my Redeemer lives; after my skin destroyed,

in my flesh I shall see God)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 148 (Let all creation praise the Name of the Lord!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 17:1-9 (Hear my prayer; keep me as the apple of your eye)

Sola/LSB: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8. 13-17 (The man of wickedness shall be revealed when Jesus comes. You have been chosen by God to walk in his truth, in the Gospel. Stand fast in the traditions you have received.)   

            ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 (Lacks some verses about the worker of iniquity)

Sola/LSB: Luke 20:27-40 Sadducees’ parable of one bride for seven brothers; Jesus says God said I AM, not I WAS, the God of Abraham et. al.)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 20:27-38 (Lacks “they dared not ask him anything else!”)

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Opening Hymn: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660

OR For All Your Saints, O Lord: LBW #176, ELW #427

Hymn of the Day: The God of Abraham Praise (I know you may have done it a few weeks ago. Do it today, too; these verses dovetail with the lessons!): LBW #544, v. 1,11,12; ELW #831, v. 1,7,8; LSB #1,8,9

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er The Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Communion Hymn #2: O Happy Day When We Shall Stand: LBW #351, ELW #441

Closing Hymn: My Lord, What A Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

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In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, we stand awestruck before your presence. You reveal your name in a burning bush. You reveal your heart in your crucified Son. You bestow liberty to captives, forgiveness to sinners, sight to the blind, truth to the deluded, and life to the dead! We adore you, O God and we bless you forever!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

By the power of your Spirit, give your Church such words and wisdom that your enemies may neither withstand nor contradict its witness. Keep it steadfast in faith, unwavering in endurance, diligent in service, and joyful in hope. Give it faithful pastors who announce the coming of the Son of Man, so that many repent, receive strength to stand before him, and see their Redeemer drawing near.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and the mission of this congregation. Keep us watchful, faithful, and brave. Keep our minds, hearts, lips, eyes and hands focused on speaking and doing your will. Help us to encourage the fearful, challenge the idle, and comfort the grieving. Give us strength to lighten the loads of all who are burdened by the cares and sorrows of this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, protect and encourage your missionaries, so that they do not grow weary in announcing the Gospel of salvation throughout the world. Give bold words and steadfast faith to Christians who are persecuted on account of the name of Jesus. Grant us grace to speak on their behalf, and to help them however we can. Cause those who despise them to repent and to seek forgiveness and redemption.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wars and rumors of wars, persecution and injustice, and natural disasters made worse by human sinfulness afflict us even in this modern age. Teach your laws and statutes to the world’s rulers, so that their hearts are turned to care for their people. Help all of us to speak and act with compassion and kindness, because we do not know what burdens are borne by those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for injured, sick and dying; of pregnant and nursing mothers; of the handicapped and addicted; and of all who have none to care for them in their times of greatest need. We pray also for first responders and those in the military who stand between us and chaotic dangers. Today, we especially pray for: {List}. Grant that the Sun of Righteousness, even the Lord Jesus Christ, should rise upon them with healing in his wings; and give them the joy of his saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious Father, those who have died trusting in you are already singing songs of exultation and victory. We thank you for fulfilling your promises to them. Grant that even in the midst of the turmoil and heartache of this broken world, we may bear witness to your steadfast mercy, and announce your salvation to all who have hearts to hear. Grant to all who trust in you the fulfillment of your promise: that our Redeemer lives, and that after our skin has been thus destroyed, yet in our flesh, we shall see you. There, healed from sin and sorrow, let us rejoice in your great love forever.

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.

Prayers, November 2: All Saints Sunday

Sola/LSB: Revelation 7:(2-8) 9-17 (The tribes of Israel are numbered; behold a host arrayed in white, praising the God who has delivered them)

            ELW/RCL: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 (Vision of 4 great beasts; saints shall receive God’s kingdom forever)

ALL: Psalm 149 (Praise God for his deliverance – and his vengeance!)

Sola/LSB: 1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children; when Jesus appears, we shall be like him.)

            ELW/RCL: Ephesians 1:11-23 (Inheritance of saints in Christ; prayer for Spirit to enlighten, reveal Jesus’ greatness and gifts)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 5:1-12 (The beatitudes)

            ELW/RCL: (Beatitudes and woes; do to others as you wish them to do to you)

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Opening Hymn:  Behold the/a Host, Arrayed in White: ELW #425, LSB #676 (superior translation!)

Behold a Host, Like Mountains Bright LBW #314

OR  Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #800

OR Come, We That Love The Lord: WOV #742, ELW #625, LSB #669

Hymn of the Day: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422, LSB #677

OR Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

Closing Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9, LSB #549

OR Holy God, We Praise Your Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for all the sinners whom you have redeemed and are pleased to call your saints! Thank you for their example of repentance, trust, and obedience, even when that was hard. Help us remember them with gratitude, and give us grace to follow in their footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Preserve and guide your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Array it in the garments of salvation, and conform it to the likeness of your Son. Adorn it with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Make it a blessing to many, and a sign of your Kingdom’s close approach.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness. Let the light of Jesus shine through us, so other people glimpse his great love for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for seminarians and those whom we sense are being called into the holy ministry. Make them pure of heart, filled with peace, and poor in spirit. We plead on behalf of missionaries. Help them to feed all who hunger and thirst with your bread of righteousness – and with earthly bread. And we ask your blessing upon all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Fill them with joy, peace, and gentleness. Give them a gracious word truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, establish your Kingdom in our midst, and your peace within our hearts, communities, and nations. Make our earthly leaders wise and good, generous and just. Make us all to be pure and humble of heart, hungering and thirsting for your righteousness while easing the hunger and thirst of our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your peace is established in this world, good men and women must risk their lives defending life, liberty, and justice. Bless and protect them. Shelter their families from fear. Bring them safely home. Heal their wounds to body and spirit; and use their service to build a happier and safer world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver from suffering all those whose need is great, including: {List}. Give them the hope, comfort, and faith they need to weather their trials. Restore them to health and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead, inclulding {List}. Keep us faithful, holy, and steadfast as we walk Jesus’ narrow Way. Give us joy along that way, and help us to encourage one another along it. Bring us safely into your Kingdom, promised to all whom you redeem through your dear Son. There let us see you face to face, and rejoice in your love forever.

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.

“And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:5-7)

If Jesus is not who He says He is, then the scribes are right, for who can forgive my sin against you unless it be God?  Jesus acts as if He is the One chiefly offended by sin.  This too tells us who Jesus is.  It is sin in the world which has caused all calamity and Jesus has come to take away our sin.  Therefore, when He says, “Your sins are forgiven,” He speaks the truth of the salvation He brings.

Lord, there are so many things in scripture that pass by me.  I see that time and again I have been told who You are, but have I noticed and understood?  Help me to understand all the things You would have me understand so that I respond with my heart, soul, body, mind, and strength to all that You have offered.  Guide all the faithful ever deeper in faith, understanding that You do forgive sins and that it is humanity who are the ones who blaspheme.

Lord Jesus, You have been patient amidst all the foolish doubts of every generation.  You are the truth who has come so that we who live in untruth may be guided into a life which is forever.  You speak words of truth, and You have offered to set me free.  Guide me into the way of life that brings peace and the forgiveness of sin.  Help me to live this life today and every day.  Amen.