Prayers of the Church

June 14, 3^rd  Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Lectionary 11

All: Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)

All: Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

Sola/LSB: Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)

                ELW: Romans 5:1-8 (We rejoice in suffering, which leads to hope that doesn’t disappoint, for Christ died for us at the right time)

All: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)

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Opening Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

Hymn of the Day: Preach You the Word and Plant it Home: LSB #586

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

                                Spread the Reign of God the Lord, LSB #830

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

(use if you preach on Romans text)

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

Communion 2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW 381, LSB #827

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

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

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Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Jesus calls us to share your love with other ungodly sinners. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be everything you desire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those wounded by sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead many people to the One who died that they might live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense, aid them by our prayers and material support, and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so we serve you with joyful gratitude. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We confess that obedience to your word and will is not our strong suit. We prefer our own devices and desires. Forgive us. Soften our hearts, focus our minds, and strengthen our spines, so that we withstand the temptation to give in, give up, or give ourselves over to the evil one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your Lordship and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Help them to be honest, fair, competent, and just. We humbly ask that you give us the leadership we need, not just that which we desire or deserve.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who protect and serve others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, brave, and wise. Surround them, and their loved ones, with your holy angels. Help us to honor their service. Speed the day when they stand down from duty and enjoy your blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and those whom we name before you now: {List}. Bring to 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 people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

June 7, 2026: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, Lectionary 10

All: Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

All: Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

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Opening Hymn: Give Me Jesus/ In the Morning When I Rise: WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

                OR Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

Hymn of the Day: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

Communion Hymn #1: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

Closing Hymn:  One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

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Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you have created us, blessed us, and forgiven us. You send us to share your forgiveness with fellow sinners. Help us to do that eagerly and well! Give us strength to find our joy and purpose in life by loving you with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shape your Church into the image of Jesus. Make it a place of steadfast love and righteousness. Make it a place of forgiveness, hope, and praise. Make it a place of truth and grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, there will always be people who stop their ears and refuse the Good News. Strengthen your persecuted people with your Holy Spirit. Give them the fullness of joy that Jesus promised, because he has overcome the world. Help them to share that joy, and the hope that is within them, even with their enemies, so that in Christ, they may be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this congregation in pathways of faithful worship, loving service, and wise words. Let everything we say and do help lead even one other precious soul a step closer to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all students, especially graduates, as they complete another year of school. Thank you for good teachers, aides, and coaches. Give all of us the joy of learning a  new skill and increasing our wisdom and knowledge, whether in the classroom, on the job, or in “the school of hard knocks.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, please give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to everyone in positions of authority in our country, and around the world. Teach them rightly to use the authority and power entrusted to them. And help all of us to be good neighbors, citizens, and stewards of your good creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect and guide all whose work is difficult or dangerous, especially those who protect us from harm. They need your good gifts of courage, competency, and dedication! So do we. Help us to honor their work, and to not make it any harder than it already is through needless fear, foolishness, or malice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son healed everyone who called upon him for aid. We pray, therefore, on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including our dear ones: {List}. Restore them to health, and strengthen their faith in you, the God whose promises have their Yes in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those whom we loved who have gone before us, who shaped our faith and our lives, and who now rest in your embrace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so our lives may be a blessing to others. Lead us into your house of many rooms, where we may be reunited with your saints of times past, greet those unknown to us, and rejoice with them in your presence forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

“The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Who is my neighbor?  Whomever I am with in the moment, that is my neighbor.  I do not have to like them.  Often, I do not.  But they are my neighbor.  If by love we mean to have fond feelings for them, that denies the reality that I have been loving myself my whole life and there are many times when I do not like myself.  Love cares for the other as God cares for us all. Learn to love as God loves, for God is love.

Lord, You know how befuddled we have become in this age with all its romantic ideas.  You so love the world – hating the sin that rules – that You have done what needs to be done so that we can be lifted out of the mire of sin and come into Your love.  Guide me out of the mess of thinking that pollutes my mind so that I may humbly walk in the way of truth, loving You and my neighbor as You lead me to love.

Lord Jesus, You teach us that all the commandments are wrapped up in this.  Teach me all that this means.  Guide me in living according to this commandment with what You intend and not with what I think or feel.  Help me today and each day that You give me in this age to grow in the love You intend for me to have for You and for others.  Lead me in the way of love, Lord.  Amen.

“Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength’” (Mark 12:29-30).

The Lord is One.  The unbeliever asks how the Lord can be three and yet be One.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One God.  We have the revelation He has given us.  Hear, listen, and learn: God is love.  The relationship of our Triune God exudes His love into creation.  Learn to love the One who first loved you.  Come into His love and learn to love others as He loves them.  Do so with all that you are.

Lord, you know that this world promotes that love is a feeling and so I often do not feel like loving.  But, by Your example, I see that love is action.  While yet we were sinners, You loved us.  Teach me the principle that goes deep into my soul so that I may act by Your direction knowing that all that You direct comes from the love that You have for Your whole creation.  Teach me what it means to love.

Lord Jesus, You and the Father are love in relationship.  You subjected Yourself to death, even death on a cross, out of love for us all.  Help me so that I enter into that love relationship You have established knowing that in You alone will I find life’s meaning and purpose.  Guide me so that I learn how to love You and my neighbor.  Keep me from the distractions of this world to abide in You and the love You have in order that it may flow through me.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: Today is a special day, Sammy.

Sammy: Yes it is. We have church today!

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. And today at church it is Ascension Sunday.

Sammy: What does that mean?

Pastor: Well today we read a passage from the Gospel of Luke about Jesus ascending into Heaven.

Sammy: Ascending. Ascending. Boys and girls, can you try that word with me? Ascending. Ascending. What does ascending mean? 

Pastor: Ascending means that Jesus went up into Heaven while the disciples were looking at him.

Sammy: Oh I think I get it! Jesus was standing on the ground and then he started floating in the air and then he went into Heaven.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy.

Sammy: That’s kind of like this one time I was standing on a sidewalk with a balloon.

Pastor: What does a balloon have to do with Jesus?

Sammy: Hang on, Pastor. I am getting to that part. So I was standing on a sidewalk with a red balloon, and then all of a sudden, I let the balloon go.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think happened to Sammy’s red balloon?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: These are good answers.

Sammy: My balloon floated up and up and then I couldn’t see it anymore. I don’t know where it went, but it went up really far.

Pastor: Jesus ascended just like your balloon, Sammy, but Jesus went to Heaven. Most balloons that float away from us pop and the pieces come back down. Or they get stuck somewhere.

Sammy: I miss my red balloon. Do you think the disciples missed Jesus?

Pastor: I think they missed him in a way, but you know, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. And Jesus promised to always be with them. He was with the disciples, and he is here with us today.

Sammy: I love that Jesus is always with us.

Pastor: Me too. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a tiny baby. Thank you for choosing to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you for showing us your glory in beating death, rising again, and ascending to Heaven. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” (Mark 12:28)

We love to quantify and make an economy of things.  Ask me what is the most important thing and I will focus upon that.  The Lord looks at our heart, and what may be the most important thing for us in this moment may not be of significance in another.  All the commandments are important.  What is most important is that we live by faith, trusting that the Lord will lead us in the way of salvation.

Lord God, how I love to quantify.  How much?  How many?  Tell me what is important so that I can ignore what is not.  You have created us to live life.  You have called for us to learn how to be faithful.  Lead me, Lord, so that I do not just quantify things, but live in the relationships You have established around me.  Guide me into Your grace and goodness so that I humbly see that what You give me in this moment is the most important thing.

Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I do not constantly question You, but hear and heed Your word.  Yes, some things are more important than others in the moment.  By the power of Your Holy Spirit, show me the most important thing which is before me in each moment.  Lead me to learn from You how to live in the righteousness You give.  Keep me from arguing and help me to spend that energy learning how to be faithful.  Amen.

“But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?  He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken” (Mark 12:26-27).

God is the God of the living.  When Jesus returns, He will judge the living and the dead.  All shall rise to face Jesus, both those who are alive in Him and those who are dead to Him: some to life in Him and others continuing on the path of hatred and vitriol.  The mystery is great, but God has spoken and we shall all be raised on the last day.  Do not make the mistake of those who do not believe.  Their unbelief will be revealed when they stand before the Lord.

Lord, this is so simple, but it strikes at the heart of the religious battles that take place in this age.  You have created us to live eternally with You.  You have promised that we shall rise to stand before You.  Help my unbelief so that I do not fall victim to the great unbelief that is all around me.  Lead me away from doubts to live in the trusting faith You have given me.  Guide me now and always to humbly abide in You.

Lord Jesus, let me not be mistaken.  Help me to see clearly what You have spoken in Scripture.  You are the One who has redeemed us to dwell with You forever.  Guide me to live my life preparing for my final destination with You.  Help me to apply all that You teach to my life so that I become like You.  Lord, You have given me the words of life.  Help me to abide by Your word now and forever.  Amen.

“Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?  For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Mark 12:24-25).

Jesus gives us the answer we need.  Heaven, in many respects, will be different than the way things are in this age.  This is not permission to speculate but tells us plainly that the order of things here has its own purpose, which prepares us to be in heaven eternally.  We will not become angels, but we shall be like them.  What we have been given in this age points to the reality of what shall be in the age to come.

Lord, I have enough to do in this world as You prepare me to be with You forever.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to seek what You give me to do knowing that You are preparing me to dwell in the house of the Father forever.  As with all things, teach me to trust what You have said and to apply these things to my own life so that I may become ready for what You have prepared.

Lord Jesus, we cling to that which we know.  The love in marriage is a wonderful thing.  I am unable to comprehend what it will be like.  You say there shall be no marriage in heaven.  Teach me to trust You when You tell me these things believing that it will be better and complete when I am with You in eternity.  Help me to be engaged properly in this world as You prepare me for the world to come.  Guide me into all faithfulness.  Amen.

“There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children.  The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise; and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also.  In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her” (Mark 12:20-23).

A person is not property.  A group of Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, are asking a hypothetical question – and a silly one at that.  There will be those who ask questions from the place of unbelief and even hatred.  Suppose these or those facts and then give me an answer.  Prove that God exists.  Prove that you exist, and you will find in seeking the answer the absurdities of this line of reasoning.

Lord, teach me to not get caught up in the games of perverted thinking.  You have revealed the truth.  You are truth.  You have given me the words I need to hear.  When I encounter another, help me so that I do not seek to be clever, but instead answer them simply and honestly.  Guide me so that I see through the world’s traps that others may set before me.  None of us knows what eternity will be like, but in trusting You, we know it will be glorious.

Lord Jesus, You have put up with the doubts and foolish questions of every age.  Help me to move beyond my doubts and not ask foolish questions.  Guide me in the wisdom You give to learn to trust You above all things.  Help me learn from You how to be gentle with those who ask such questions so that I may have the opportunity to share the truth You have spoken.  Lord, You love us all and desire that we would abide in You together eternally.  Help me to abide in You. Amen.

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Today is a special day! Today is Mother’s Day!

Pastor: Happy Mother’s Day to all of our church mamas out there. 

Sammy: You know what’s great, Pastor?

Pastor: What is that, Sammy?

Sammy: I have a mama at home, but here at church, I have many mamas and grandmas that God gave me. We all believe in God, and we are a church family. I love looking around at my family here at _______ (church name).

Pastor: That’s a gift, Sammy. Boys and girls, what are some of the things your mamas and grandmas do for you because they love you?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Those are all great answers. My mom helps me _______. 

Sammy: Pastor?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: What is an avocado?

Pastor: An avocado is a fruit that grows on a tree.

Sammy: No. No. Let me try again. What is an ad-vo-cat? 

Pastor: An ad-vo-cat?

Sammy: Yes, an ad-vo-cat.

Pastor: I don’t think that’s anything, Sammy. I think you are making up words.

Sammy: I am not making up words. You were the one who read the Gospel, Pastor.

Pastor: Oh! You mean an advocate. Jesus is talking about an advocate, Sammy.

Sammy: Phew! I was worried that you were not going to understand me, Pastor. So what is an advocate.

Pastor: An advocate is someone who speaks on our behalf and who watches out for us. In the Gospel, the Advocate Jesus is talking about is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has to go back to Heaven, and he promises his disciples, and us, too, that he is not going to leave us alone. 

Sammy: But he left!

Pastor: Right, but the Holy Spirit is with us always. God is always with us.

Sammy: I am glad he is with me and that he is my advocate.

Pastor: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us because he loves us. Just like our mamas love us. Just like our church family loves us. We are given these gifts from God because his love for us is so great, it is more than we can ever imagine. 

Sammy: That’s a whole lot of love. I love that Jesus sent an advocate for me. And I love that he gave me my mama, and our whole church, too.

Pastor: Let’s pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for mamas.  Thank you for our church family. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, everyone!