Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, February 8, 2026:

5^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 4, Lectionary 5

ALL: Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)

ALL: Psalm 112:1-9 (God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit,     contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)

ALL: Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and prophets)

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Opening Hymn: Your Kingdom Come: LBW #376

OR The People Walk: ELW #706 (Nice Hispanic melody)

OR Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: LBW #523, ELW #582, LSB #650

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (If you didn’t use it last week for Conversion of St. Paul!): LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB 578

OR Lord, Whose Love in/through Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

Communion 1: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

Communion 2: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

Closing Hymn: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW # 353, LSB #698

OR O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate: ELW #722 (Familiar tune)

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Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, your Word is challenge, command, and marching orders for us. But we often stumble, fall short, or go AWOL in fulfilling it! Thank you for Jesus, who fulfilled your Word and who IS your Word. Thank you for planting his grace, mercy, and obedience in our hearts. For his sake, make us like him: salt and light, hope and holiness, so others may turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cause your Church to constantly preach Christ, crucified for the forgiveness of sin unto everlasting life. Keep it from being conformed to the desires and whims of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Let everything we say and do glorify you and help our neighbor, especially the poor, lonely, and distressed people in our community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, being a disciple means being a student of Jesus. Give us teachable hearts and minds! Lead your “apprentices” in paths of devotion and holiness. Form us into “journeymen” who walk with those whose path is hard and lonely. Use us to bring hope, encouragement, and Jesus’ love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you our persecuted sisters and brothers. Make them lamps shining in dark places. Bring them justice and deliverance. Soften the hearts of their enemies so they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cause the rulers of all nations, especially our own, to obey the words of the prophet: to do justice tempered with mercy, and to care for the poor. Help us all not only to refrain from evil, but to actively pursue righteousness, as we strive to live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to everyone burdened by sin, sorrow, and suffering. Today we pray for: {List}. Shine the light of Christ upon them, and upon all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our beloved dead, especially those who were salt and light in our lives. Keep us in your care throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Kindle your Spirit in us, and help us to encourage one another along life’s way. For the sake of your beloved Son, who gave himself for us, bring us into your eternal Kingdom, where with all whom he had redeemed, we may gaze upon his face and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

“There were five thousand men who ate the loaves” (Mark 6:44).

How many People is the Lord able to take care of at the same time?  Not only all people, but all things in the universe are maintained by the Lord.  A sparrow does not fall to the ground that the Lord does not know of it.  The Lord is able to take care of all people at the same time.  In simple terms, the truth is that there is nothing that is not possible with the Lord.  With the Lord, all things are possible.

Lord, each day You provide enough for every living thing.  Of course, you were able to take what little was offered ,and made of it enough for everyone present.  Help me to understand that by trusting in You I am able to accomplish what You intend.  Teach me what it means to trust You above all things.  Guide me into this faith so that I put into action what You intend.

Lord Jesus, You asked a simple question of the disciples.  They did as You directed and then, with what we call a miracle, the crowd was fed.  Help me to trust You such that I listen to what You say knowing that You are more able to do all that You say.  Lead me in faith so that I believe and follow through with all that You command.  Overcome my unbelief.  Help me to trust Your word.  Amen.

“And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all.  They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces, and also of the fish” (Mark 6:41-42).

They all ate and were satisfied.  What is it that we really need?  The Lord causes the rain to fall and the plants to grow.  The world feeds daily by His provision.  Too many act as though the very things we use each day are not miracles provided by the Lord.  The faithful ones are called to lives that are thankful for all that the Lord provides.  There is enough for everyone.

“Take and eat, this is my body, given for you.”  Lord God, You have provided all that we need.  It is right there before us.  Overcome the unbelief amongst those who call themselves Yours.  Help us to understand these things and act on them.  Help us to use the provision You give us and live as You are leading us in the way of the everlasting life You have offered us.

Thank You Lord Jesus for providing the means of grace.  In Your grace, You have given me all that I need.  Life is more than food or clothing for the body.  You are the author of life and have established the narrow way that leads to life everlasting.  Help me each step of the way, for you alone know all that is needed.  Guide me in Your goodness to see the everyday miracles that surround me.  Amen.

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 in the Gospel, I heard some things that I would like to know more about.

Pastor: Well, you are in the right place, Sammy. In church, we get to learn more about Jesus.

Sammy: Yes we do. And I have a question about Jesus. 

Pastor: Go for it, Sammy.

Sammy: Why is John calling him a sheep?

Pastor: He’s not a sheep.

Sammy: Exactly. So John is confused. Really confused. Jesus isn’t a sheep. He’s fully God and fully man.

Pastor: You know, for a little lamb, you understand so much.

Sammy: And yet I know so little.

Pastor: That’s okay. We are all on a journey to learning more about Jesus. John was calling Jesus the Lamb of God because Jesus is the Savior of the world. In the Old Testament, we read about how people had to get their sins forgiven.

Sammy: How did people ask for forgiveness of their sins?

Pastor: When people sinned, or disobeyed God, they had to ask their dad to sacrifice an animal. The animal stood in the place of the person who sinned.

Sammy: You mean to tell me–wait don’t tell me. You really mean people did that to innocent lambs?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The lambs stood in the place of the people to pay for sin. When we sin, there is a cost. 

Sammy: What’s the cost?

Pastor: The wages of sin is death.

Sammy: Yikes that is scary.

Pastor: Well, for all of us who believe in Jesus, it’s not scary. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and he willingly laid down his life as a sacrifice for us. He took away our sin and opened Heaven’s gates to us. All we have to do is be baptized and believe in him. 

Sammy: You know, I am glad that Jesus was willing to lay down his life for me. He truly is the Lamb of God.

Pastor: Let’s say a pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for taking our sins. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

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: Oooo! I love special days. Wait–don’t tell me. I want to guess. It’s epiphany!

Pastor: Yes, but that’s not what I was–

Sammy: It’s your birthday!

Pastor: Not quite.

Sammy: Your anniversary!

Pastor: Not even close.

Pastor: Sammy, let’s focus.

Sammy: Right. Well, I give up. 

Pastor: Sammy, today is the Baptism of our Lord.

Sammy: Ooo. What’s that?

Pastor: Boys and girls, what is baptism?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Baptism is a sacrament in our church. We become a part of God’s family when we are baptized. Water and Word are necessary parts of the baptism. If someone wants to be baptized, he or she has water poured on his/her head and we say special words.

Sammy: What words are those?

Pastor: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Sammy: Where do you get the water?

Pastor: Let me show you. [Show boys and girls the baptismal font.]

Sammy: And why do you baptise “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”?

Pastor: Well, part of worshipping God is becoming part of his family. We profess our faith and become part of the family of Jesus when we are sealed with the waters of baptism. 

Sammy: And Jesus was baptized, too?

Pastor: Yes, Jesus was baptized just like us. John, his cousin, baptized him. And the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God himself, was present.

Sammy: Wow! That’s incredible. Baptism is so cool!

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads so we can pray together? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for the Trinity. Thank you for welcoming us into your family. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“And He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”  And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass.  They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties” (Mark 6:38-40).

With the Lord, all that we have is enough.  Can you not see that He, through whom all things came into existence, is more than able to do all that is needful to provide for our every need.  He calls us together and provides all that is necessary.  Do we believe?  Do we trust that He is the One who will lead us all the days of our lives?  Come and taste and see that the Lord is always good.

Lord God, all things are possible with You, but I often doubt, and in my doubts, do not believe.  Help me to move beyond my own abilities to see that in You there is hope.  You give us hope beyond anything this world can provide.  When You tell us to do something, grant us faith such that we do what You command.  If You say that we should tell a mountain to be moved into the sea, help us to speak to the mountain.

Lord Jesus, in the example of Your life and ministry, You have demonstrated how to live a life of willing obedience to the Father.  Lead me to be in constant prayer.  Help me to do those things You give me to do.  Through all that comes, help me now and always to abide in the truth that You are always with me and leading me in the journey of faith.  Not by my will, but by Yours, guide me in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.

“But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?” (Mark 6:37)

Sometimes what the Lord asks of us seems so outrageous.  We think of earthly things and count the cost, figuring we cannot afford it.  Jesus, the One through whom all things have come to be, is able to do all things.  It is not just food for the belly that Jesus has come to give, but food for the soul which nourishes us and prepares us for life everlasting.  If the Lord asks for you to do something, He will provide what is needful.

Lord, You know where I do not fully believe and think only in worldly terms.  You know the places where I try to figure things out on my own and do not do what You would have me do.  Help my unbelief and guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to not act on what I see, but upon what You tell me.  Lead me into all righteousness for Your sake and learn how to step out in the faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You have become the living bread for our sake.  There is more than enough, for You have provided what money cannot buy.  Lead me in the way You would have me go and help me to believe in You when You ask me to do something.  Help me through my doubts in order that I may learn to obey all that You command.  You have told me to go.  Guide me to go where You send me.  Amen.

“When it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and it is already quite late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mark 6:35-36).

The disciples wanted to get away from the crowds.  How often are we annoyed with our situation?  The Lord has compassion and does not take the easy way.  He went to the cross so that we could go with Him into eternal life.  The Lord does not send us away to feed ourselves but gives us Himself as the bread of life.  What He gives we cannot buy, for He alone was able to pay the price.

Lord God, in everyday life I demonstrate the ways in which I do not have compassion and mercy.  Many is the time when I am tired and just want to rest, and yet, there are always opportunities for ministry.  Lead me so that I do not settle for the worldly way of doing things but come along with You on the narrow path and walk according to Your word, partaking of the living bread which You give.

Lord Jesus, You always give that which leads to us to being perfected in mind.  I would settle, but You intend that I live unto life eternal with You.  You have shown me that You do not stop.  Do not stop with me but help me to listen to the Holy Spirit as You speak, learning how to obey the Father and walk faithfully, becoming ever more like You in all things.  Feed me  on the living food which You give.  Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, February 1, 2026: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3, Lectionary 4

ALL: Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)

ALL: Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and   stumbling-block nature of the Cross)

ALL: Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

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Opening Hymn: Let Streams of Living Justice Flow: ELW #710 (Gustav Holst’s majestic tune Thaxted pairs well with the Micah text!)

            OR Let Justice Flow Like Streams: WOV #763 (Very familiar tune)

            OR Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418 (Simple Welsh folk tune)

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

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

OR (if preaching on Corinthians): When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Communion 1: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

Communion 2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660 (Note: “soldiers” replaced with “servants,”

and a verse is omitted), LSB #837

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

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Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether or not we agree with them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, including those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.