September 27: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21, Lectionary 26)
September 27: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21, Lectionary 26)
ALL: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)
ALL: Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)
SOLA/LSB: Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling; be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)
ELW/RCL: Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)
ALL: Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to their words; which are you like?)
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Opening Hymn: (echoing Psalm) Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721
OR Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704
OR Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs: LBW #254, ELW #847, LSB #812
Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655
OR O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818
Communion 1: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696
Communion 2: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696
Closing Hymn: Strengthen for Service, Lord, the Hands: LBW #218, ELW #497
OR Look, O Look/Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious (echoes epistle): LBW #156, LSB #495
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Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill the Church with the mind of your dear Son, and fashion its members into his likeness. Conform its proclamation to his teaching, and its works to his self-sacrificing love. Let the light of his love shine into the world, so many turn to him and live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant faith, hope, and charity to our brethren who experience persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Let repentance soften the hearts of their tormentors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and love shape and direct all we say and do. Give us hearts that are obedient to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors and relieve their fears. Grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them to serve you by ruling with justice tempered by mercy. Make all of us honest, sensible, and kind. Help us to make our communities and nation flourish. Please, help us to live at peace with each other.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds, strengthen their bodies, and purify their hearts. Shape their actions to conform to your will. Bring them home safely and soon, and shield their loved ones with your love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict them into the light of your blessed presence. Give them the blessings of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you, Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who now dwell in your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is deep. Give us every good gift we need to walk our pilgrim’s path through this life. Bring us safely into your house, where you have made room for everyone redeemed through the obedient sacrifice of your Son. There let us delight in praising your goodness forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.