“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

Trusting in the Lord is a matter of looking to Him for all things.  He will guide and protect you when you walk in His ways.  Those who believe will do amazing things, but that does not mean that all will.  Some faithful have never cast out demons or have been bitten by serpents and been poisoned.  The point is, in the Lord He will cause all things to work together.  Trust Him and the gifts He gives you.

Lord, the sinner in me says, “Give me the magic.”  Rebuke that, gracious Lord, so that I may trust that as I live and then die in this age, it fulfills Your purpose.  Lead me to know that if You do want a special gift in me, I will know it and it shall be used for the Father’s glory.  Guide me out of worldly thinking in its terms of greed and jealousy to have a new mind that seeks what is right and fitting for every situation.

Lord Jesus, You were crucified. and rose from the dead, preparing the way for all who follow You.  Let me not test You but believe that the Father is always watching over me.  No matter the circumstances, help me to hold fast to the faith You have given me.  Guide me in the way You set before me knowing that all things will work together for good for Your bride, the church.  Amen.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

The good news of the Gospel is not something we just sit on and think about.  We are to live it.  Wherever we go, we are an ambassador for our Risen Lord.  We are to grow in the faith we have been given and be a living witness at all times and in all places.  No matter our circumstance, we are to affirm the truth that Christ has risen from the dead and that all who believe will be united with Him eternally.  Walk as one who has been redeemed.

Lord, this is of Your doing and not mine.  All I can do is reflect the light which You have caused to illumine my heart and mind.  Help me to learn that this gift of faith You have given me is not something private, but it is now who I am.  I am Yours.  You have redeemed me at the cost of Your body given for me and Your own shed blood.  You have redeemed me for purpose in Your kingdom.  Help me to learn what it means to be Your witness.

Lord Jesus, You are my teacher.  Coming to faith and knowing that You have been raised from the dead is the narrow gate to the journey of faith.  Help me to embark on this journey following You as You lead me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that only in You is there a true life.  Help me to be a consistent witness of Your grace and mercy so that others may come to You in faith.  Amen.

“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen” (Mark 16:14).

Does the Lord need to reproach you for your unbelieving hardness of heart?  Do not test the Lord.  He has spoken the words of eternal life, and You have received them.  Be not unbelieving, but believing, and live in the faith which You have been given.  Trust the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart if another gives you a witness of the Risen Lord, knowing that you have received the truth when the Risen Lord is proclaimed.

Lord, living in a skeptical and unbelieving generation I am hammered all day long by those who are hostile to the faith.  Sadly, it too often influences me and doubts arise.  To go to unbelief, I have to deny what I already believe is true.  Help me to learn how to hold fast to the truth that I first received.  Let the truth of Your resurrection dwell richly in my heart, soul, and mind.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save us; and we all need saving.  You have come so that we may have true life and not live in the doubts of this foolish world.  Lead me to live in the faith You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You no matter what those around me say or do.  Teach me how to be a faithful witness of Your resurrection as You conform me to Your image.  Amen.   

“After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.  They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either” (Mark 16:12-13).

Since that day, witnesses have gone out and proclaimed that Christ is risen, but many who hear the report will not believe.  Only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of the blind.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it. No matter how many witnesses come, for some it takes a long time and for others, they stubbornly will not believe.  You have heard the witnesses.  Believe, and know that Christ is raised from the dead.

Lord, help my unbelief.  In a skeptical world, there are those who will not believe.  You have opened the eyes of my heart to see and believe.  Help me to not fall back into unbelief, but know that You are the Alpha and Omega, and You have chosen to do things the way You have done them.  Although I may not understand many of these things, I do understand that the grave could not contain you.

Lord Jesus, in the mystery of faith You have opened my eyes to see and believe.  Help my belief so that I too may be a witness of Your resurrection.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live in the truth, that because You live, I too shall live.  Lead me in the truth of faith to live amidst those who cannot or will not see and continue being be a witness of Your resurrection.  Aid me to live in the true faith.  Amen. 

“When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it” (Mark 16:11).

They refused to believe it.  The greatest miracle of our age and they would not believe.  Is that not the case in our generation?  Many refuse to believe.  The most unreasonable thing is to become one who does not believe simply because others will not believe it.  Refuse the wickedness of this world, and be not unbelieving, but believing.  Christ has risen and because He has risen, we too shall rise.

Lord God, how often do I believe the pablum of this world but reject the truth which witnesses have spoken to me.  Break my unbelieving heart so that I may believe the truth which You have revealed.  Lead me through every temptation to not reject what You have spoken so that I may live the life of faith which You have granted me.  Guide me by Your Holy Spirit to believe, speak, and do what is right in Your sight.

Lord Jesus, risen from the dead, You have sent witnesses out in every time and place.  Often, their witness is not received, but Your word never comes back void.  Send me out into the world as Your witness that whether or not that witness is received, I faithfully proclaim it anyway.  Guide me in the way of living this life You have given me.  Help me to be bold in witness, always relying upon You, the One of whom I witness.  Amen.

“Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.  She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping” (Mark 16:9-10).

The one who has been forgiven much loves much.  Perhaps Jesus went to the one who was most ready to receive.  He chose Mary (as far as we know) to be the first witness of His resurrection.  Our Lord does things very intentionally.  At that time, in a world that did not accept the testimony of a woman, He chose a woman to be His first witness.  We are to believe the veracity of the report regardless of who speaks it.

Lord, in many and various ways You speak to us.  Should it really matter if it comes from a small child or anyone else?  Of course not.  Truth is truth; but the ideological pollution of this world trains my mind to accept only what the world deems acceptable.  Guide me so that I am willing to hear Your voice wherever and whenever You will speak.  Help me to seek after the wisdom You grant to Your faithful.

Savior of our souls, You have revealed the truth to those who believe.  The unbelieving will not receive the report.  Lead my life such that I become Your witness at all times.  Regardless of how the world presses in on me, guide me to believe in You and act according to the Father’s will.  Help me in those times where I speak what is true, though not received, so that I may humbly proclaim a good testimony, and see to it that I leave to You what You will do with my testimony.  Amen.

September 27: 18^th 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?)

****************

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

*******

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.

September 20: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20, Lectionary 25)

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (transferred)

17 Pentecost/Proper 20:

SOLA/LSB: Isaiah 55:6-9 (Seek the Lord; he will abundantly pardon, his ways are not our ways)

            ELW/RCL: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (Jonah’s ticked at God’s mercy; God’s rejoinder)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and salvation, whom then shall I fear?)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 145:1-8 (Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised)

SOLA/LSB: Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 (Paul’s imprisonment. To live is Christ, to die is gain; only live lives worthy of your calling in Christ)

            ELW/RCL: Philippians 1:21-30 (Eliminates imprisonment)

ALL: Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the 11^th-hour workers in the vineyard)

*******

St. Matthew:

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11 (Eat the scroll, O prophet; speak my words to a rebellious people)

Psalm 119:33-40 (Teach me your statutes; lead me in the way of understanding)

Ephesians 2:4-10 (By grace you have been saved! Riches of God’s mercy show in Christ)

Matthew 9:9-13 (Call of Matthew; Jesus came for sinners, not righteous)

*******

The hymns work well for either celebration!

Opening Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy: LBW #290, ELW #588

OR for a Hispanic paraphrase of Psalm 27, The Lord is My Light: LSB #723

OR Seek Where You May To Find A Way: LSB #557

Hymn of the Day: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (lovely, fairly familiar tune): LSB #853

Communion 1: For Me to Live is Jesus: LSB #742

OR O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

Communion 2: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

Closing Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

            OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685

Take My Life, and Let It Be: LSB #783/784

*****

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, Father, for calling Matthew, and us, to be your disciples and workers in your Kingdom’s vineyard! Thank you for seeking us to do your work, even when others disapprove. Give us grace to hear your call, and strength to do your will. Thank you for the wages of everlasting life and salvation, and for your pleasure in us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the Church a place where all may see the fair beauty of Jesus and find a welcome in his outstretched arms. Let them hear the Gospel, respond to your call, and labor fruitfully and faithfully in your service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers around the world. Give them courage to honor Christ in their body, to boldly speak and joyfully live the Gospel; and to know that they share in Jesus’ suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation to stand firm together, striving to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. Help us to work at whatever task pleases you. Make us glad when others begin to work alongside us, knowing that your grace has drawn them to serve you, even as it drew us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people, especially those considering a vocation to ministry and service in your Church. Give them delight in learning, and love for your people. Preserve them from the consequences of folly or malice. Use their energy to please you and to serve their neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to our earthly leaders. Let them seek you while you may be found; call upon you while you are near; and govern in accordance with your holy will. Graciously grant patience, kindness, and humility to everyone, so that we may lead peaceable lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for Matthew, apostle and evangelist. Help us to learn from his words and grow stronger in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the safe shelter and solid rock to everyone in times of trouble, including: {List}. Lift them high above the things that trouble them. Give patience and compassion to all caregivers, especially those whose work is long, hard, and thankless. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for those we love who are now with Christ. Though we may grieve, we know that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Give us strength to labor cheerfully in your vineyards. Help us to share the Gospel wisely and well, following the example of the apostles and evangelists. Then, let us rejoice in the company of the redeemed, as together we see our Savior face to face.

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.

Prayers, September 13: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19, Lectionary 24)

ALL: Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)

ALL: Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)

ALL: Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;

whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)

ALL: Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)

********************

Opening Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (nice Psalm paraphrase):

LBW #543, ELW #858 Note: ELW #859 is a “re-translation”), LSB #790

OR (if you’re up for a challenging but dance-like tune and a paraphrase of the Psalm)

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker: LSB #820

Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501

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

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

OR Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

OR Bless the Lord, O My Soul: WOV #798 (repeat as needed)

Communion 2: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

Closing Hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

*******

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

We are your debtors in so many ways, dear Father! We sometimes forget how even small sins can, if unrepented and unforgiven, run up a soul-crushing “tab.” Thank you for being willing to cancel our debt. Keep us mindful of the costly generosity of your beloved Son. Give us his grace and strength, to willingly forgive the debts of those who have wronged us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach your Church how to be a school for forgiveness and mercy. Give it pastors who explain and practice forgiving. Make its worship an encounter with your forgiveness. Equip its members to pray for and share the forgiveness you give through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

How hard it must be to forgive, when people are tortured simply for believing in Jesus, who prayed for his enemies even from the Cross! Give them a double portion of his Spirit, so that they may bless and not curse, forgive and not revile. Let persecutors repent from their evil and ask forgiveness from those they have wronged.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the people of this congregation rich in mercy, abounding in kindness, tireless in good works, and joyful in praising you, the source of all mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are crushed beneath a load of debt. They can do foolish or dangerous things to seek relief. Help them to ask for help. Help those to whom they are indebted to move beyond anger and self-interest, into the uncharted yet blessed waters of mercy. Remind them how indebted they are to you, for you forgive their debts of sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to this poor broken world. Help our leaders to rule with justice tempered with mercy. Bestow on all of us a spirit of patience, forbearance, humility, and kindness. Teach us to outdo one another in showing mercy and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples, especially as he teaches them the hard path of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Fill them with your Spirit. Help them to share your Son’s costly grace rightly and wisely, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the life and health of all who are afflicted in any way by the powers of sin, evil, sickness, or death. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities, dear Lord; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives from the grave. Make your ways known also to us. Renew our strength and take away our sin. Lead us in the pathways of your loving-kindness. Teach us to forgive rather than to condemn one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you give to all whom you have redeemed.

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.

“But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’”  They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:7-8).

They were afraid.  The Lord has done something not expected and they did not know how to react.  How often is this pattern of this world so ingrained in us that we will not believe what we have been told by the Lord?  Fear shuts our mouths and we do not speak.  The joy of the resurrection is so great that we should be shouting about it.  Instead. we flee, trembling and afraid.

Lord, what seems impossible to us is the very thing which gives us hope.  I would like to think that I would not have reacted that way, but I probably would have.  Teach me, so that when You do what seems impossible to me, I react with faith and not fear.  There is much to fear in this world and my mind races to those fear places.  Help me to abide in Your peace which surpasses all understanding.

Lord Jesus, You did exactly what You said You would do.  On the third day You, the true temple, were raised.  What the world means to destroy, You resurrect, making all things new.  Help me to learn how to trust You above all things.  Guide me in Your goodness and grace so that I live into the life You have set before me.  Lead me to react with faith and not fear.  Grant that I become calm and accepting of Your continual presence.  Amen.