Scripture:

Luke 6:17-26

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I am encouraged by the words of Jesus.

Pastor: Jesus’s words in this sermon are very encouraging, Sammy.

Sammy: Jesus recognizes how broken our world is, and his words are comforting to me.

Pastor: Jesus’s words are comforting to many who believe in him. He promises that the poor will inherit the Kingdom of God. He says people who are hungry will have full bellies.

Sammy: I like having a full belly!

Pastor: Me, too, Sammy. Jesus also talks about how anyone who is crying now will laugh.

Sammy: That’s because Jesus gives us joy!

Pastor: Yes he does. When we put our hope in Jesus, he gives us so much in return. Jesus gives physical healing to many people, too. The Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all talk about how Jesus healed many people. We don’t know everyone’s story. We don’t know why each person needed healing, and we don’t know what each person did after he or she was healed.

Sammy: But we do know that Jesus healed them. And they walked away changed. They received healing from the Word of God. And Jesus gave them more encouraging words that would never be taken from them.

Pastor: Yes he did. Boys and girls, I have something special for each of you today. I am going to give each of you a heart. Can you read what this heart says? [Heart can say Jesus loves you or a verse from the scripture today.]

Sammy: Hey, Pastor! Do you have enough hearts in that basket for everyone today? Maybe the boys and girls can help you share the love of Jesus with our congregation.

Pastor: Boys and girls, will you please help me give a heart to everyone?

[Give a heart to each member of the congregation and then return to the front of the church for prayer.]

Pastor: Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for always giving us hope. Help us to trust you to take away our tears and to give us laughter. Help us to have faith that you will always care for us and love us. In your name we pray, Amen. Bye, everyone!

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, what does Jesus mean when he tells Simon, James, and John that they will be catching people?

Pastor: Jesus is teaching these men that they are going to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations.

Sammy: That’s a really big job. I thought these guys were just fisherman.

Pastor: Yes, they were. But remember Jesus transforms the hearts and minds of all who believe in him and have faith. He can use us to further his kingdom no matter what job we have.

Sammy: So you are telling us that even I, as a little lamb, matter to Jesus? And all of the children here? They matter to Jesus?

Pastor: Each one of us, especially the littlest ones, matter to Jesus. He calls each of us to follow him, and we have to decide whether or not we will listen.

Sammy: Pastor, I love how Simon, James, and John leave everything and follow Jesus. I wish I would be better at following my mama when she calls me. I do get distracted sometimes, or sometimes I don’t want to follow her. I want to go my own way instead.

Pastor: Sometimes following Jesus is difficult, and sometimes following him takes a lot of sacrifice for believers. A lot of people have to give up something—sometimes something little, like a bad habit, or sometimes something big, like some of their friends or family members.

Sammy: That must be really hard for them. You know, Pastor, even when I want to go my own way, Jesus always comes back for me. He is the Good Shepherd. I just have to listen for his voice.

Pastor: And Sammy, I want you to know that even though following Jesus can be hard sometimes, doing something hard doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing. Boys and girls, can you think of a time when you had to do something hard in your life?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you all for sharing your examples with us. Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads in prayer. Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to drop everything to follow you. Help us to listen for your call. Help us to know that even though we are small, we are still important in your kingdom. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

Pastor: Sammy, today is a very special day.

Sammy: Yes it is! Happy Groundhog’s Day!

Pastor: No, Sammy. I mean, today is Groundhog’s Day, but that’s not what I was talking about.

Sammy: (CHOOSE) Punxsutawney Phil saw/didn’t see his shadow, so there will be six more weeks of winter/an early spring.

Pastor: Oh, Sammy.

Sammy: Pastor, these events are important in the world of animals and farmers. We have to know when spring is coming, and Phil is our expert weather-groundhog. There was a groundhog ball and a groundhog banquet this week in his honor. Punxsutawney Phil is famous.

Pastor: Here we go again.

Sammy: Pastor, did you know that Groundhog’s Day is actually rooted in a special day called Candlemas Day? Christians would bring their candles to the church on Candlemas Day to have them blessed, and this blessing would bring blessings into their house for the rest of winter. Did you tell the congregation to bring their candles today?

Pastor: Well, not but I–

Sammy: So eventually, Candlemas Day evolved and had weather predictions attached to it. There’s an old English song that says, “If Candlemas be fair and bright/Come, Winter, have another flight;/If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,/Go Winter, and come not again.”

Pastor: I am not seeing how the Groundhog fits in here.

Sammy: The groundhog’s name is Phil. Punxsutawney Phil. German Christians introduced a new tradition where they had little hedgehogs running around. If the hedgehog saw his shadow, then there would be six more weeks of Winter.

Pastor: Punxsutawney Phil is not a hedgehog. He’s a Groundhog.

Sammy: Yes I know he’s a groundhog, Pastor. When the German Christians arrived to the United States, they had a hard time finding hedgehogs, but Groundhogs were everywhere. Punxsutawney Phil was elected by the animals to serve as the chief weatherman on Candlemas Day, and he’s been predicting the weather since 1887.

Pastor: You mean to tell me that Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather since 1887. He’s been alive since 1887.

Sammy: Exactly. That’s why he’s famous.

Pastor: Sammy, I am glad you shared all of this information about Candlemas and Groundhog’s Day with us.

Sammy: You’re welcome.

Pastor: Hearing about traditions in our church is always good. Lots of wonderful things we do today were started by Christians before us. Let’s say a prayer. Please fold your hands and bow your heads with me. Dear Jesus, thank you for inspiring your sons and daughters to seek blessings. Thank you for helping us come to you in the middle of Winter for comfort. We look forward to celebrating the joy of your resurrection and the new life we get to experience in you this Spring. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone. Happy Groundhog’s Day!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture:

Luke 4:14-21

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Mic drop!

Pastor: Well, good morning to you, too, Sammy.

Sammy: Mic drop!

Pastor: Mic drop?

Sammy: Mic drop!

Pastor: Boys and girls, I need a little help. I am a lot older than you, and I seem to be out of touch with the lingo the kids (and sheep) are using these days. What is a mic drop? What is Sammy talking about?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: Mic drop!

Pastor: Oh, I get it, Sammy! You are saying that Jesus had a mic drop—a big moment of triumph—in the Gospel today.

Sammy: Exactly!

Pastor: What would you consider his mic drop, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, Jesus reads the scripture from Isaiah to everyone in the temple just like we read the scripture here in church. When he is done reading about the coming Messiah that Isaiah prophesies about in the scripture, he says that he is the Messiah.

Pastor: Yes, Jesus says that he is the Messiah. He shares this information with the people of Nazareth, which is the town where he grew up.

Sammy: I love what Jesus says, Pastor.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Jesus says that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him, and he will bring good news to the poor, set the captives free, and help the blind see.

Sammy: And Jesus does all of these miracles. He truly is the Son of God.

Pastor: Yes he is—Jesus is our King and Savior.

Sammy: When Jesus shares that he is the Messiah, that’s his mic drop—his moment of triumph.

Pastor: If you want to call that moment a mic drop, that’s okay, Sammy. Jesus is victorious over many things: sin, death, the grave. He is victorious over declaring who he is to us as well. Boys and girls, would you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for sharing who you are with us. Thank you for setting us free from sin, helping the blind to see, and giving us the power of your Holy Spirit. We love you, Lord. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture:

John 2:1-11

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls! Good morning, Pastor! Hey Pastor?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: I was listening to you read the Gospel message this morning, and I would like to share some of my thoughts about what you read.

Pastor: Sure, Sammy. I think we have a couple of minutes for you to share your thoughts.

Sammy: That’s great! First of all, all of our mamas know us really well.

Pastor: Of course. Our mamas are there on the day we are born, and they feel us before we are born, too. They raise us from when we are tiny babies.

Sammy: Jesus’s mama knows him really well. She knows that he is capable of miracles.

Pastor: Jesus’s mother, Mary, was told by the angel Gabriel that she would carry and give birth to the Son of God.

Sammy: I have another observation based on the gospel today: Mamas need their wine.

Pastor: …

Sammy: Mary encouraged the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. The wedding guests were out of wine. And I know all mamas need a glass of wine from time to time. And lots of mamas go to weddings.

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The servants listened to Jesus as he told them to fill very large purification jars with water. He then told them to take some out of the jar and give the wine to the chief steward.

Sammy: That’s right. That brings us to my third point: Jesus always gives us the very best. When we follow him, we receive the best gifts from him. And we have to think about the little things he gives us, too. More wine at a wedding isn’t really important to me—I’m just a little lamb—but it’s really important to the bride and the groom and all the mamas who like wine.

Pastor: Sammy, I am grateful you shared your thoughts about the gospel today. The wedding at Cana is Jesus’s first public miracle, and this miracle is certainly a very special one. Our God always provides for us and gives us good gifts. Let’s give thanks to him. Boys and girls, would you please bow your heads and fold your hands in prayer? Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts you give us. Help us to see the little gifts as miracles, too. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, Pastor! Bye, boys and girls!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Pastor, the Gospel from Luke today talked about a winnowing fork and a granary. I know what those are, and I can tell the boys and girls.

Pastor: That would be great, Sammy. I am sure you know all about winnowing forks and granary because you live on a farm.

Sammy: That’s right!

Pastor: Let’s start with winnowing fork. What is that?

Sammy: A winnowing fork is a tool that farmers use to separate the grain of wheat from the chaff.

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: Well, when farmers harvest wheat, they keep the grain of the wheat and turn that into bread, rolls, cake, cookies, pie…

Pastor: Okay, Sammy. We get the idea. We can use the grain of wheat to make lots of yummy baked goods. But what about the chaff?

Sammy: Well, the winnowing fork allows the chaff to blow away in the wind. That’s what farmers want because people do not eat the chaff.

Pastor: Sammy, would you like to also tell us about a granary?

Sammy: Yes! So after the farmers separate the wheat from the chaff, they collect all of the wheat and store it in a granary. It’s basically a big room just for the grain of the wheat. And when they need to sell or use the wheat, they can take what they need from the granary.

Pastor: Sammy, you did a great job of explaining these farming tools and techniques to the boys and girls.

Sammy: Thank you, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, when we are baptized, we become a part of God’s family. Jesus invites us into his family, and we are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. In the Gospel today, John talks about how Jesus knows who belongs to him and who is a part of his family. He keeps us, his children, in his granary forever. We are so loved by God, and he wants us to be a part of his kingdom.

Sammy: That’s a great comparison, Pastor!

Pastor: John did a great job of sharing the message of Jesus and preparing the people to hear the Gospel.

Sammy: Yes he did. Boys and girls, would you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for inviting us into your granary and for including us in the promise of your coming kingdom. We love you. Amen. Bye everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: March 2: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Deuteronomy 34:1-12: (The death of Moses after God shows him the Promised Land; no one has arisen like Moses, whom God spoke to as a friend, face to face)

RCL/ELW: Exodus 34:29-35: (The shining face of Moses)

Psalm 99: (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You, Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

Hebrews 3:1-6: (Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: (We look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

Luke 9:28-36: (The Transfiguration of our Lord)

*******

Opening Hymn:  O God Beyond All Praising (Tune is almost the “English national hymn.” It’s stately, majestic, and – hint, hint, the intercessory prayers for today just might echo phrases of it. Highly recommended!): WOV #797, ELW #880

                OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Hymn of the Day:  O Wondrous Type/! O Vision Fair!: LBW #80, LSB #413

O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair: ELW #316

OR Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (can sing to “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”): LSB #416

Communion Hymn #1: How/Tis Good, Lord, to be Here: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

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

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

                OR Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, #318, LSB #417

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, today we kneel in adoration before the majesty your Son, revealed in his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our devotion grows cold. Sometimes our prayers and worship become half-hearted and routine. Sometimes we treat Jesus like a buddy we call on only if we need something from him. Kindle our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the face of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church listens to his word and holds fast to him in its heavenly calling. Make it bold to preach Christ alone as the way of salvation. Let it proclaim to the whole world his blessings without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people confidence and hope, established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}. Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who have died trusting in you now see you face to face. Thank you for that final, best gift! Continue, we pray, to show to us your amazing love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us, in your good time, into the joy you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed. Give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 23, 2025: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle C

Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)

Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give: you will be forgiven and be given much!)

*******

Opening Hymn: God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (tune: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”): LBW #270 

OR Awake, My Soul, and With The Sun: LBW #269, ELW #557, LSB #868

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB # 851

                OR Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

                OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!): WOV #735, ELW #603

Communion Hymn #1: Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray: LBW #225, LSB #623

                OR Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether: WOV #703, ELW #470

Communion Hymn #2: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698

                OR The Peace of the Lord: ELW #646

Closing Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Can be sung to the Doxology): LBW #505, LSB #854

                OR Beloved, God’s Chosen:  ELW #648

                OR Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”): LSB #479 

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, whether by their sins or by our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties. “Strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. And two-tiered justice is not truly justice at all. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – including {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace. We know it’s won for us in death and resurrection of Jesus and given to us by the Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. Welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 16, 2025: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)

Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

*******

Opening Hymn: The Man is Ever Blessed (nice paraphrase of Psalm 1 and 1^st lesson!): LSB #705

                OR How Blest are They Who Hear God’s Word (I know, you don’t know the tune and there’s no substitute possible. Try it anyway. It is very easy, from the Danish Psalter.): LBW #227

OR Dearest/ Blessed Jesus, At Your Word: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #904

Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

                OR O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553

                OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):

LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603  

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

Communion Hymn #1: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Communion Hymn #2: you may not need one… 😉

Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

                OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

*****

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for planting us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him.  May we delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produce the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to never sow seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin and suffering. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us with your Word, Refresh us with your Spirit, and guide us by Jesus’ Cross. Help us grow in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

February 9, 2025: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4

Isaiah 6: 1-13: (Isaiah’s vision of God and commissioning as a prophet of judgment)

Psalm 138: (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: (Spiritual gifts; interpretation is greater than tongues)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: (Proof and witnesses of the Resurrection)

Luke 5:1-11: (Jesus calls his first disciples; “Depart from me for I am a sinful man!”)

*******

Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty: LBW #165, ELW #413, LSB #507

Hymn of the Day: How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord: ELW #580, LSB #853

OR Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling/Crying: LBW #381, LSB #826/827

OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if using 1 Cor. 15 text): LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

Communion Hymn #1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907

OR Holy, Holy Holy (sing through 3x): ELW #473

Communion Hymn #2: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

Closing Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

*****

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for seeking and sending us, even though, like Peter, we are sinners! Thank you for providing every spiritual gift, so we can follow Jesus and proclaim the Gospel to other sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not let your dear Son depart from your Church, though it is sinful and broken. Bless, purify, forgive, and transform it. Teach it to fish for all people who do not know Jesus, and draw them to his Cross. Teach all who gather at that Cross to love Jesus with all their heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless every missionary and evangelist who boldly speaks your Word to those who have never heard or heeded it. Protect and strengthen all who are persecuted for sharing and living the Gospel. Soften the hearts of unbelievers, so they turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son called Peter, James, and John to follow him. Now he calls this congregation to do likewise. Equip us with faithfulness, boldness, humility, and compassion. Keep us focused on your Word. Use our words and work to bring many to faith in Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give right judgment to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, to educators and scientists, military and emergency personnel, to medical and social workers, and to all who exercise authority and responsibility for their communities. Teach them to seek your will, and give them strength to do it. Help all of us to give generously of time and treasures when our neighbor’s need is great.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessing upon those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {LIST}. Free them from bondage to sorrow, sin, and suffering. Raise them to health and wholeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort all who grieve. Help us to be so patient and kind to one another that we all pass safely through the afflictions of this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen