“Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.  The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not answer?  What is it that these men are testifying against You?” (Mark 14:59-60)

How does one answer constant accusations that are inconsistent?  Does this not describe what happens to us in our day as well?  Fighting against lies is impossible, for the liar will change the tune, dig a pit and try to snare us in the lies.  Jesus stood there listening to the accusations.  There was no response to the insanity.  How can there be?  Jesus was being led to the slaughter.  That is the way of wickedness.

Lord, help me to believe that there is no room for indignation.  When just part of an accusation is true, help me to focus upon the whole statement to know a lie from the truth.  When accused falsely, help me to stand and be silent.  The foolish ones of this world will be carried away with their foolishness.  Help me to not be carried away, but to humbly follow where You will lead me through whatever may come.

Lord Jesus, You are the example of how to live in every situation.  You have shown me that there is no good that can come from arguing with those who are liars.  You have spoken the words of truth.  Help me to focus upon Your word so that I may stand in the truth.  Guide me to be guarded with my tongue and live the life You have given me to live.  Lead me, Lord, and help me by grace to always follow You, the way, truth and life.  Amen.

“Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying,  “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands’” (Mark 14:57-59).

False testimony most often has elements of truth.  See the insertion of “Made with hands.”  The devil twists what the Lord has said and makes it into a lie.  Evil takes truth and twists it.  The wicked will not hear reason, but relish in the lies.  You have been called to be a person of truth.  Dwell in the grace which is Yours through our Savior.  Listen carefully for the twisted words that are injected into statements of truth.

Lord, open my ears to hear what You say.  Let Your word dwell richly in me so that when another injects something that is not true, I may hear it and understand the truth more fully.  This world is filled with twists and turns.  You alone know how to navigate through these things.  Help me to stay on the narrow path of truth so that I may not be led astray by the false witness that is all around me.

Lord Jesus, heal me of all of the twists that have been introduced into my thinking.  You know where I have taken in what is false.  Guide me out of the malaise of this world to walk in the righteousness You give by grace.  Lead me on this upward path so that I may learn to be more like You each day.  Keep me in Your goodness and mercy so that I may humbly follow You wherever You lead me.  Amen.

September 6: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 23; Labor Day Weekend

Sola/LSB: Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)

Sola/LSB: Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)

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Opening Hymn: Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (Trust me: this can be sung to tune for “Angels, From the Realms of Glory): LBW #556, LSB #511

OR Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive, LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (Oh for pity’s sake, this tune is dorky! Use “Bradbury” from SBH, also used in ELW and LSB – like decent people do!!!), ELW #789, LSB #711

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649/975

Communion 2: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

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

            OR O/In God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #745

*******

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

A brief silence is kept.

O dear Lord, these lessons are hard! It’s tough to think about sin and reconciliation, discipline and hard conversations. Please help us to thank you for the guidance and promise your Son gives us, even in such awkward encounters. And fill us with your Spirit, so we are equipped to put into practice what Jesus has given us for such times.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church courageous in warning people of their sinfulness, and humble in confessing its own sin. Help it to graciously offer forgiveness to any who turn to you. Give it the lovely righteousness of your Son, and make it his dwelling-place, and an outpost of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your faithful people who suffer persecution, torture and death because of Christ. Do not let the waters of hatred overwhelm them; and grant them grace to persevere in faithfulness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with humility, gentleness, and wisdom. Help us to speak truth with so much love, that others eagerly seek the mercy, reconciliation and life that comes from Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families, congregations, and communities in which people have hurt one another. They struggle with betrayal and anger. They need humility, to confess and repent when they have done wrong. They need courage, to forgive when they have been wronged. They need hope, to relearn trust. Refresh them with your Spirit and nourish them with your Word. Give them the grace and mercy of Jesus, so they can heal and reconcile, to your glory and for the sake of their fellowship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give everyone the will and the opportunity to work, and give our society the generosity to assist those who cannot. Especially we ask you to strengthen and help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and all employees. Help us to value their contribution to our common welfare. Guide us in finding ways to help them prosper, for the good of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, courage, and right intentions to those in the military and law enforcement. Make them worthy instruments of your will. Use them to bring safety, freedom, and justice to those who suffer at the hands of evildoers. Heal them when they are victims of evil. By their labors, lay the groundwork for peace to flourish.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who suffer, including {List}. Grant them health, hope, guidance, and the joy of your presence in their lives. Fill all who care for them with compassion. Give your salvation to them all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your “little ones” who, have died to this world and now live eternally in your embrace. Give us the grace to live as your little ones, too.  Help us to trust and obey you. Help us to aid, warn, and forgive each other. Give us your mercy, and for Jesus’ sake, lead us into your Kingdom. Grant us the joy of seeing your face and of worshipping you in the company of all 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.

August 30: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 17, Lectionary 22

All: Jeremiah 15:15-21(Jeremiah laments; God promises strength, deliverance if he speaks what is precious)

All: Psalm 26 (I have lived with integrity; do not sweep me away with sinners)

All: Romans 12:9-21 (Live in harmony, respect, and mutual forbearance; vengeance is God’s)

All: Matthew 16:21-28 (Get behind me, Satan! Take up cross and follow me; what does it profit to gain world, lose soul?

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

Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

Hymn of the Day: Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

OR When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #649/975, ELW #656

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

Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead On: LBW #341, ELW #624

Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

OR Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

*******

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Peter! Last week we thanked you for his witness. Today we thank you, not because he stumbled, but because Jesus rebuked, loved, and forgave him. Lord, we know you will rebuke us when we are a stumbling block and unwitting agent of Satan. Give us grace to repent and humbly take up our cross again, following Jesus alone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church never be a hindrance to your Son nor a stumbling-block to those whom he came to save. Center its life and proclamation in the Cross of Jesus. Make it follow wherever Jesus leads, even unto death. Use the Church to draw many hearts to repentant faith in Christ. Through it, overcome the world’s evil with your great good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ whose cross-bearing is shaped by persecution. Let them not be overcome by evil. Keep them steadfast in their faith. Help us to speak in their defense, pray on their behalf, and provide for their needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to live out the words of Saint Paul: Let our love be genuine. Make us abhor evil but hold fast to the good. Teach us to love and honor each other. Let us serve you fervently. Make us joyous in hope, patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. Give us grace to be generous and hospitable, and to bless even our persecutors. Help us to rejoice with the joyful and to weep with the mourners. Teach us to live in harmony, and to not be wise in our own sight. Give us grace to repay no one evil for evil. Let us do what is honorable; and, so far as it depends on us, to live peaceably with all. And grant that we are not overcome by evil, but that in Christ, we overcome evil with good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your care victims of violence and injustice, especially when evil has been done to them in the name of religion. Stir us up to give them aid and comfort, for you are glorified by deeds of mercy, hospitality, and peace, not acts of violence or hatred. Deliver them from the hands of the wicked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give integrity, wisdom, and humility to those who have power and authority over communities, corporations, and nations. Help them to do what is honorable, just, and generous.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deal mercifully with all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of adversity. This day we pray for: {List}. Have pity on them and redeem them. Turn their sorrow into gladness and their pain into shouts of thanksgiving. Give them wise and compassionate caregivers, and reunite them with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, receive our beloved dead into your house with many rooms. Help us to love each other with true affection; to live peaceably and honorably; and above all, to cling to Jesus and his Cross. Lead us into your promised Kingdom, which you have prepared for all whom you deliver from sin and death. And there let us bless you and live together in your peace forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

August 23: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16, Lectionary 21

All: Isaiah 51:1-6 (Listen for God’s teaching, wait for his deliverance)

All: Psalm 138 (God is faithful; he listens to the lowly)

Sola/LSB: Romans 11:33-12:8 (The depth and riches of God’s wisdom! Present bodies as living sacrifice to him; do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 12:1-8 (Present your body as a living sacrifice to God; do not be

conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)

All: Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter’s confession; on this rock I will build my Church)

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

Opening Hymn:  Listen, God is Calling: WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833

OR Father of Mercies, In Your Word: LBW #240 Note: do try this nice hymn; same tune as

                           “Forgive our sins as we forgive” – early American.

Hymn of the Day: Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

Communion 1: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685

Take My Life and Let it Be: LSB #783/4

Communion 2: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

Closing Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909

LBW #367, same words, different tune. I recommend using the WOV version if you can.

*******

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Peter! He was so very human, and yet you gave him faith to confess Jesus as your Son and Messiah. As you used him, please use us to do your work of forgiving, confessing, and proclaiming Jesus as Lord to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish the Church upon the solid rock of Christ, and on the faithful witness of your apostles. Make the Church truly the one body of Christ upon this earth. Do not let the gates of hell prevail against its faithful proclamation and teaching. By your Holy Spirit, make it wise, gracious, and steadfast in rightly forgiving and retaining sin. Use it to bring many to faith in Jesus their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe your servants who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Christ and God. Visit them with your righteousness and draw near with your salvation. Let our words and deeds never tarnish their witness. We also pray for missionaries, seminarians, and theologians entrusted with proclaiming your word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform this congregation to your good, acceptable, and perfect will. Help us to not think too highly of ourselves, but with sober judgment to use our talents according to the grace you have given each of us. Build up the body of your beloved Son among us through sound preaching and teaching, generous giving, cheerful service, and loving kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all those who have instructed and shaped our faith – parents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, and everyone whose love for Jesus shines brightly in word and deed. Thank you for the saints whose confession of Jesus as Lord has been a blessing to others, and has formed the unseen foundation of our own faith. Use us to encourage, instruct and guide others in lives of discipleship and service, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach the world’s rulers listen to you, the giver of justice and the author of salvation. Conform their decisions and deeds to your righteous will, so that they care for the lowly and give hope to all who cry out to you. Heal the divisions that fracture families, communities, and nations; and help us to live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who risk their lives to protect, defend, and rescue others. Give them valor, loyalty, wisdom, and competence. Help them to act according to your will and for the benefit of your people. Heal their wounds; reunite them swiftly with loved ones; and crown their labors with the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer the prayers of all who call upon you for help, including: {List}. Keep them safe in the midst of suffering and sorrow. Increase their strength and faith. Let them see the light of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, your love endures forever. In your mercy, draw near and fulfil your purpose for us. Keep us steadfast in faith, bold in witness, generous in sharing, cheerful in helping, gentle in exhorting, frequent in forgiving, and constant in thankfulness to you, our rock, and our salvation. Lead us into presence of Christ our Lord. Give to us, and to all whom he has redeemed, eternal joy and gladness; thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

August 16: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 15, Lectionary 20

All: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples)

All: Psalm 67 (God judges the nations with equity and guides all the people of earth)

All: Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 (God’s election of Jews irrevocable; he will show mercy!)

All: Matthew 15:21-28 (Healing of Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter)

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Opening Hymn: Both go well with Romans text. Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250

OR Bless Israel’s God Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: Angelic Songs (O Zion, Haste)

1. Bless Israel’s God; he has redeemed his people:

Raised up a Savior born from David’s line;

Promised of old, through prophets’ proclamation,

To save from deadly foes with pow’r divine;

Promised to show our fathers mercy sure;

Promised his covenant forever shall endure.

2. Through Abraham, God swore an oath to save us

From hands of foes, to serve him fearlessly

In holiness and righteousness before him,

There to adore and bless him constantly.

You, child – God’s prophet, go before his face,

Give saving knowledge of forgiveness and God’s grace!

3. Tenderly, God bestows his love and mercy,

His heav’nly Dayspring shines upon our plight.

Darkness and death no longer can confound us:

In paths of peace, he guides us by his light.

Glory to Father, Son, and Spirit – Lord

God who through the ages ever is adored!

Hymn of the Day: In Christ There is No East or West: LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

OR How Wide the Love of Christ!: LSB #535 (Simple tune. Another Herm Stuempfle gem ignored by many Lutheran hymnals. I’d recommend you get a one-time license from CPH to use this.)

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

Communion 2: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW #439, ELW #742, LSB #770

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434,  LSB #832

*******

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, we are slow to see others as your beloved children! Soften our hearts to lead them into Jesus’ presence. Help us to discover that at the foot of his Cross, we truly are sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fashion your Church into your house of prayer upon the earth. By your Holy Spirit, show it how to rightly welcome all people into its midst.  Through your Word and holy Sacraments, draw many close to your beloved Son. Let them receive his promised mercy, forgiveness, healing, and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are many who refuse your mercy, reject your Son, and persecute your servants. Forgive them and soften their hearts. Strengthen Christians who suffer because of Jesus, to witness to him with humility, boldness, and steadfast endurance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a house of prayer. Fashion us into people of prayer. Transform our ministries into expressions of prayer, offered to you on behalf of our neighbors and our world. Help us to welcome fellow sinners. Give us grace to walk with them on the lifelong journey of repentance and obedient faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we pray for your people Israel. Grant to the Jews lively faith in you, fervent love for others, and joyful obedience to your holy Word. Let us together receive your promised mercy, entrusted to Abraham and ratified in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal the hatred and violence that destroy peace, justice, and goodwill. Teach our rulers diligently seek the good of everyone entrusted to their care. Increase understanding, cooperation, and kindness between those of different backgrounds or beliefs. Teach us all to look beyond those things which divide, and to cling to your merciful will to heal and save all who will receive you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As the school year starts, we pray for students, parents, teachers, and aides. Let them teach, learn, and share all useful knowledge, and cherish truth, wisdom, and righteousness. Bless seminaries and Christian colleges and schools with faithfulness to Jesus, love of neighbor, and the practice of virtue.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In Christ, your mercy and salvation are for all who call upon your name. Thus we pray for all who suffer – including: {List}. Be gracious to them, and bless them. Show them the light of your countenance. Draw them, and all who care for them, closer to your Son. Bestow upon them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for giving your fullest healing to the faithful departed. We commend them into your care, especially those dearest to us. Keep us united with them and with each other, by uniting us all with Jesus, and filling us with your Spirit. Grant us the unmatched joy of life in your house – not as pet dogs under the table; nor as strangers or as guests; but as your children, at home with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

August 9: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 14, Lectionary 19

Sola/LSB: Job 38:4-18 (Where were you when I laid out the foundations of the earth?!)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (Elijah encounters God as still small voice)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 18:1-16 (“His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is his path on the wings of the storm!”)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 85:8-13 (God speaks peace to his people; righteousness, peace kiss)

All: Romans 10:5-17 (Righteousness of faith comes through hearing the Gospel preached)

All: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus and Peter take a watery walk on the sea)

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Opening Hymn: O Worship the King, All-glorious Above: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

Hymn of the Day:, Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717

OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #534, LSB #715, ELW #755

Communion 1: Precious Lord, Take My Hand: WOV #731, ELW #773, LSB #739

OR I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

Communion 2: Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768 LSB #721

OR Calm to the Waves: ELW #794

OR My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

*******

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence is kept.

Holy Father, we bow in adoration before your majesty. We stand in awe of your wisdom, power, and goodness. And we thank you for your strong saving love, made real for us in your dear Son. Send us your Spirit, so we boldly obey his commands and humbly crave his mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send your Church into every corner of the world to preach the Gospel of salvation through Christ alone. By your Spirit, give it humility, faith, and courage to proclaim your holy Word with clarity and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give such endurance and faith to all who are persecuted for being Christians, that even their tormentors might repent, call upon your name, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect this congregation from storms of contention, controversy, and confusion. Shelter us, and help us trust you. Help us to say in word and deed, “I love you, O Lord my strength, O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven. My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge; you are worthy of praise!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look kindly upon those who are overwhelmed by winds and waves of grief and suffering. We know they sometimes feel abandoned by others – and even by you. Help us to encourage, strengthen, and aid them. Help us to take their hand and walk with them across their stormy seas, towards the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, who alone can lift them up and save them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shield us from natural disasters and from human malice and stupidity. Come down, O Lord, on the wings of wind. Scatter our enemies and deliver us from our anguish! Speak your word of peace upon the troubled earth and every human heart; and reign undisturbed as King and Lord of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe with righteousness and wisdom all your servants who risk their lives in defense of life and liberty. Be their stronghold, shield, and refuge. Make them models of justice, integrity, and service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Many people can say with the Psalmist, “The breakers of death rolled over me, and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.” We lift them before you – including: {List}. Save them from everything that threatens to undo them. Lead them to a place of shelter, healing, and hope. Bless everyone who cares for them in any way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for your servants who now rest from their earthly labors – especially those whose death touches us most closely. Give to us, who still sail life’s stormy seas, faith to call upon you in confidence and hope. Give us love to encourage and help our neighbor in distress. And give us hope, that clinging to your Son for dear life, we come safely into your embrace. Grant that we, with all whom you have redeemed, may sing with joy and worship you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

August 2: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 13, Lectionary 18

All: Isaiah 55:1-5 (Buy wine and milk without money; don’t spend for bread that doesn’t satisfy)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 136:1-26 (God’s mercy endures forever!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 (God is gracious, merciful, opens his hand, feeds every living thing)

Sola/LSB: Romans 9:1-13 (Paul’s anguish for fellow Jews who do not have faith in Christ, expanded version)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 9:1-5 (Ditto, but short version)

All: Matthew 14:13-21 (Miracle of feeding 5000)

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

Opening Hymn: All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

OR Glories of Your Name Are Spoken: LBW # 358

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken: LSB #648, ELW #647 (NOTE: ELW DOESN”T USE

 THE FAMILIAR TUNE “AUSTRIA!” Please substitute that familiar tune! It’s used at ELW #843.)

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

Communion 1: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

OR What is This Bread: LSB #629

Communion 2: Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

OR O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing: LSB #635

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #533/534, ELW #839, 840, LSB #895

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for daily bread that nourishes soul and body. Thank you for the Bread of Life, Jesus your Son. Give us this bread always. Help us share with those who are famished.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed your Church with the Bread of Heaven. Refresh it with living water. Heal it with the wine of forgiveness. Nourish it with the milk of your kindness. Then, send the Church into the world. May it invite those who do not know you to drink from the waters of salvation and feast on the bread of life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for Christians around the world who are imprisoned and killed because they name Jesus as Lord. Bestow on them your steadfast love and, so that they may be bold, faithful, and gracious in their witness to their Savior. Help us to serve, defend and provide for them however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the people of this congregation hungry for your truth and thirsty for your mercy. Let us feast upon Jesus in Word and Sacrament. And then, make us overflow with holy love, so we eagerly share him with those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are so many hungry people! Bless every food pantry, community garden, meal program, and aid organization that feeds the hungry. Help us to endow poor communities with skills and resources, to feed themselves and be a blessing to many others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach the leaders of the nations to incline their ears to you; to rightly lead their people; and to seek that good which endures. Give them the desire and the means to provide food, jobs, education, and safety for those entrusted to their care. And grant to all people those good things which sustain life and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus’ disciples learned his power by obeying his command to feed the people. We are his disciples, too. We’re sometimes overwhelmed by the size of the task, or daunted by our puny resources. Give us the obedient hearts of the first disciples. Help to follow Jesus by little steps. Remind us that Jesus will take, break, and bless our small gifts, and use them to feed a world starved for him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant refreshment, strength, and healing to everyone who suffers. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Give compassion and competence to all who care for them. Hasten the day when they may joyfully say, “You remembered us in our low estate, for your mercy endures forever; and delivered us from our enemies, for your mercy endures forever.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, keep in your care all who have died trusting in your promises. Turn our sorrow into joy, and our tears to laughter. Have compassion on us. Nourish, sustain, guide, and protect us. Teach us to care for each other. Gather us around your Son. Let him lead us, and all your people, to the banquet you have prepared. There may we eat and drink and gaze upon him, our heart’s desire, forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: How are you doing, Sammy?

Sammy: I am doing great, Pastor. 

Pastor: That is good to hear, Sammy. 

Sammy: Pastor, I was listening to the parable this morning. Jesus was talking a lot about seeds.

Pastor: Yes, Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. A parable is a story, and a sower is someone who spreads seeds in the ground.

Sammy: And then the seeds grow up into plants!

Pastor: Most of the time, yes, the seeds do grow into plants. Boys and girls, what kinds of plants do you have in your garden or yard?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you all for sharing with me. I have another question for you: How many of you have ever planted a seed that didn’t grow? What do you think happened?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I watch Farmer Matthew plant seeds. A lot of his seeds do grow, but sometimes there’s weeds that take over part of the farm. Or sometimes birds eat the seeds. And sometimes Farmer Matthew misses the part of the farm that he plowed, and the seeds just fall on a bunch of rocks. That’s so silly.

Pastor: I think you are onto something, Sammy.

Sammy: I am?

Pastor: Yes–you really were listening to the parable of the sower that Jesus shared with his disciples. When we hear our families read the Bible to us, we need to remember that we have to ask questions if we don’t understand something. That way nobody can take away our faith.

Sammy: That makes sense to me–I have lots of questions.

Pastor: And when the seeds are sown on rocks, that is like when people lose their faith when something bad or difficult happens in their lives.

Sammy: You know, I tend to pray more when bad or difficult things happen in my life. I look at those times as a chance to listen more closely to what Jesus is saying to me.

Pastor: That’s a great way to pray. We want to be good soil; we want to hear the Word of God and stand firm in our faith. When we love Jesus and listen to what he is saying to us, we can grow and produce fruit.

Sammy: I love fruit! 

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Jesus wants us to share the Gospel with everyone we meet. That’s what bearing fruit is all about. Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, Thank you for teaching us through parables. Help us to produce good fruit. Thank you for your Word. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any.  For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent” (Mark 14:55-56).

The wicked will seek to do whatever they can to promote their cause.  Yet even they need to provide a trail of legitimacy.  Evil must use good and pervert it in order to move to judgment.  Good can be good for its own sake, but it never uses evil.  There are those who will lie for the sake of wickedness.  Be wary of what you hear.  The Lord always speaks truth.  Learn from Him.

Lord, even with the exaggerations I learned to use as a child, I too have the problem of false testimonies which come off of my tongue.  Lead me to understand where I am not being absolutely truthful.  Guide me so that I may neither give false testimony, nor listen to that which is false, and learn to discern the truth when it is spoken.  Teach me the way of purity so that I know what is false because I know what is true.

Lord Jesus, You walked in the way of righteousness.  Teach me Your way.  Help me to see the consistency of what is true so that I may clearly understand when testimonies are not consistent.  Your word is truth and it is consistent.  Lead me to understand that through You alone can I move in the way of righteousness.  Guide me in the way of life that is pleasing to the Father.  Aid me to be like You.  Amen.