4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (January 28, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, raise up in your church such prophets to faithfully speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that faithfully listen to them with obedience and gladness. And give, to those who have never heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear it rightly, ponder it patiently, and believe it firmly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. And, by your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessings upon this congregation, so that in all we say and do, we proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them into havens of safety, grace, and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives; and restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Drive out from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your most holy Spirit. Give to all of us a passion for caring for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We honor and pray on behalf of those serving our country, here and abroad. Make and keep them faithful, true, and bold; keep them in your care when they fall in the line of duty; and return them in safety to their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, strength, comfort and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart— especially {List}. Shield them from ever power of evil; drive from them the demons of despair; restore them to wholeness and to the company of all who love them; and fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your safekeeping all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn.  Keep us safe in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. And lead us into that eternal and glorious Sabbath rest in which peace, wholeness and holiness are restored to all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You may download the Prayers of the Church and hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 4, 01-28-18

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Lord God, you called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh; and your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom.  Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. And give it graciousness, so that many should gladly turn to Christ Jesus and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Many do not want to hear your call to repent and believe the Good News. Some do not want to tolerate the presence of those who do believe. Because of that, Christians suffer throughout the world. Have mercy on your servants; and do not let their witness falter. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Have mercy on us, Lord, when like Jonah, we want to run away from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly call others to repentance and trust in you. Shape our actions to model Jesus’ compassion. And help us to rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years; and form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You judge all people in righteousness and truth. Grant wisdom to earthly rulers, so they are wise in deliberation, truthful in words, and righteous in deeds. Protect the poor and hungry; those unjustly imprisoned; and all who are exiled or homeless through human malice or natural disaster. Grant to us all the blessings of peace and concord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shield, defend and strengthen those in our military, and all first responders. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to the fallen, patience and courage to their loved ones, and a swift and safe return to all whose work is not yet done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused—and their abusers. Most especially we plead on behalf of loved ones who seek our prayers — including: {List}. Give them ears to hear the glad tidings of your salvation, healing and constant presence; and grant them faith to firmly cling to these great gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Lord, we remember with reverence and affection all our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them through bonds of faith and love, and turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, deliver us into the fullness of that blessed Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son, so that with all the redeemed, we might forever praise and adore you in glory everlasting.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Download these Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 3, 01-21-18

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, you called Samuel to be your prophet; and your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Holy Spirit, so that it may always hear and heed Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it bishops, pastors, theologians and leaders who are faithful to your Word; and by the lives of all its people, draw many to trust in Him who is the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Search the hearts and minds of your persecuted servants. Purify and perfect them; lead them in your everlasting way. And by their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless, we pray, this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith; conform us ever more closely to Christ our Lord; and through our words and deeds, bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You know the inmost thoughts of all; none can flee your presence. Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders; teach them your ways; take all wickedness from their hearts; and use them to establish your goodly will among your people. Help each of us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness and deeds of justice and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give strength, wisdom and integrity to all whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially first responders and those in the military. Use them to accomplish your will in places of danger and chaos. Gather to yourself those who have given their life in the line of duty. Grant healing to the wounded; patience and hope to their families; and a swift and joyous homecoming to all whose work is not yet done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope; bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who have heeded your voice in this life and who now rest in your arms. Grant that we, too, may heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit.  In your good time, gather us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, theologians and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we may rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You may download these prayers along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 2, 01-14-18

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Most holy God, let your voice fill the Church with your glory. Let your strong Word be faithfully proclaimed in that Church, so that it brings the promise of salvation to those who do not know him. Let it ever rejoice when many become heirs of his promise and members of his Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found upon their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Let your Word thunder in this congregation, until everyone who worships here cries “Glory” and proclaims your holy Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of your dear Son; and let the light of his holy and forgiving love shine brightly in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word fill the lives of the newly baptized; of all who this day profess their faith in your most blessed Name; and of all who waver at the very edge of repentance and belief in your strong saving love for them. Keep them in your care; and help each of us to be good examples and mentors in their journey of discipleship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Word shape the minds, hearts and wills of all who take counsel for the nations. Fill each person throughout this sin-shrouded world with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, and joy in your presence. Banish from our midst those things which lead to hatred, strife and suffering; and speak your Word of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your strong Word be the shield, light and safety of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them such integrity and strength of character that the innocent and defenseless may always look to them for help; and when their work is done, bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for your powerful voice that splits open the tombs of your children, and calls them out of death into eternal life. We ask your word of comfort and strength for all who grieve; and for your protection and guidance for each of us, until we join those who continually cry “Glory” in your blessed presence, and dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

These Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions by Rev. Cathy Ammlung may be downloaded from here:

Baptism of Our Lord, 01-07-18

Scripture Lessons

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of

his glory, shown in the face of Christ)

Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #89, How Good, Lord, To Be Here! (ELW #315)

(LSB #414, ‘Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here)

Hymn of Praise: LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (LSB #940, ELW #414)

Hymn of the Day: LSB #416, Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory

OR LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (LSB #818, ELW #867)

OR ELW #317, Jesus On the Mountain Peak

OR WOV #649, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (LSB #411, ELW #815)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #526, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (LSB #802)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #518, Beautiful Savior (LSB #537, ELW #838)

Closing Hymn: WOV #654, Alleluia, Song of Gladness (LSB #417 ELW #318)

OR LBW #158, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB #821, ELW #392)

OR LBW #80, O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair

(LSB #413) (ELW #316, O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair)

5th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4, Cycle B (February 4, 2018)

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #543, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation

(LSB #790, ELW #858. Don’t use #859 unless you want it politically correct!)

OR ELW #860, I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me

OR LSB #795, Voices Raised to You We Offer (ELW #845)

(Nice Herman Stuempfle hymn.)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LSB #398, ELW #311)

(Yes, I know I selected this during Advent. See if anyone remembers! 😉 )

OR ELW #844, Praise to the Lord, All of You, God’s Servants

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #557, Let All Things Now Living (ELW #881)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #765, Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love

(LSB #980, ELW #708)

Closing Hymn: LSB #551, When To Our World the Savior Came (tune is

“Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”)

OR LBW #551, Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (LSB #803, ELW #836)

Scripture Lessons

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth;

listen to him alone)

Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences;

eating food offered to idols)

Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

Opening hymn: LBW #393, Rise, Shine, You People! (LSB #825, ELW #665)

Hymns

Hymn of the Day: LSB #541, “Away From Us!” The Demon Cried (Don’t

panic; it’s same tune as “In Christ There Is No East or West)

OR LBW #493, Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion

(Do NOT panic if you think the congregation will struggle. You can sing this to hymn #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” a perfectly fine Epiphany hymn tune to boot!)

OR ELW #581, You are Mine (It’s easier than it looks, honest!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #364, Son of God, Eternal Savior

(LSB #842, ELW #655)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #514, O Savior, Precious Savior (LSB #527, ELW #820)

Closing Hymn: LBW #537, O Jesus, King Most Wonderful (LSB #554)

OR ELW #862, Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock

(a sprightly Herb Brokering hymn)

Scripture Lessons

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LSB #861, Christ Be My Leader (tune is Lord of All Hopefulness)

OR LBW #380, O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True (ELW #675)

(LSB #839, O Christ, Our True and Only Light)

OR ELW #715, Christ, Be Our Light (Where else do I know this from?!)

Hymn of the Day: LSB #614, “As Surely As I Live,” God Said

OR LBW #237, O God of Light (Your Word, a Lamp Unfailing) (LSB #836)

OR LBW #379, Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word (ELW #663)

(LSB #830, Spread the Reign of God the Lord)

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

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #383, Rise Up, O Saints of God! (ELW #669)

Closing Hymn: LBW #405, Lord of Light (ELW #688)

THE PRAYERS,

1^st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (December 31, 2017)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

Father, we praise you for your Word made flesh, your beloved Son Jesus Christ, who dwells in your Church richly. For his sake, provide the Church with pastors, bishops, and theologians who teach and admonish your people in all wisdom. ^*17By the gift of your Spirit, let all that the Church does, in word or deed, be in the name of the Lord Jesus, to your glory and for the good of all whom he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are persecuted for the sake of Jesus even in this holy season. They are your chosen ones, holy and beloved. Adorn them with compassion, meekness, and patience. Grant that the peace of Christ may so rule their hearts that their tormentors repent, and flee to the Savior for forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Make this congregation into a company of the upright, who delight in, study, and proclaim your mighty works of salvation. ²Clothe us with love, binding us together in perfect harmony. Let our lives display your redeeming power. Help us to draw our neighbors, friends, and families to faith in your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We stand on the threshold between the years. We entrust this old year into your merciful care. We pray for your blessing and guidance as the new year begins. Grant to each of us, and to all of us, that peace which the world cannot give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, especially: {List}. Grant that they may behold your salvation,³¹ dwell in the light of your love, revealed in Christ, and glorify you in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience – the enduring gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers, dear Father, for the sake of your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Eve, Cycle B (December 24, 2017)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2017)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

O Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: enflesh yourself in your Church. Grant that all its words speak you, the Living Word. Let it be your star of hope, burning in the world’s darkness. By its deeds of mercy, draw many to kneel in awe and wonder before you, and there find life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O loveliest blooming rose, adorn the suffering of your persecuted followers with the beauty of your strong saving love. Be their refuge and Lord. Gladden their hearts, and shine so brightly in their lives that even their tormentors turn to you in repentance, awe, and newborn faith.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

O mighty king and gentle friend, be all that and more to this congregation. Let us know, proclaim, and share you as heaven’s gift and treasure. Caress us with your blessing. Heal our hearts. And let all our words and deeds help our families, friends, and neighbors to love and praise you with joyful, confident faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Jesus, our Emmanuel, you lay you glory aside “to raise each child of earth.” Bring your light and life to those who do not know you or believe that you are God, though veiled in human flesh. Give them eyes to see your divine love, and hearts to enthrone you as Lord, God, and King.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Heaven-born Prince of Peace, reconcile all peoples and nations, all races, kindreds, and tribes, under your glorious and gentle rule. Lift up all whose forms bend low beneath life’s crushing load. Free them from all that grieves and afflicts them. Make us all – from greatest to least – children of your light, and partakers of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, child of Mary, you felt our human woe. Bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer and to all who mourn, even on this holy and joyful night. Especially we pray for: {LIST}. O Sun of Righteousness, rise upon them with healing in your wings!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, King of Glory, you have triumphed over our ancient foes: sin, evil, and death. Thank you for your love, which guarded, guided, and kept our loved ones in your gracious care until their life’s end. And now, Lord Jesus, dearest friend: Bring us at length to heaven and into your endless day, where with all whom you have redeemed, we shall praise, adore, and delight in you in fellowship with your Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

AMEN.