“As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here” (Mark 11:1-2).

How does our Lord know these things?  Think about this for a moment.  He who was, is, and is to come knows the outcome of all things.  The Son is always listening to the Father.  The Father knows not only what we will ask, but what will come.  He knows.  He saw Nathaniel under the fig tree.  He sees you now.  He sees all the days in front of you and what you are doing now.  He who knows calls you to come with Him.

Lord, the disciples did not know whether the donkey had been ridden upon, but You did.  A seemingly trivial matter, but You know all things.  You do not coerce or control but beckon us to come with You on an eternal journey.  Lead us away from always worrying about circumstances to follow You who knows all things.  Guide us to live according to Your never-failing word.

Thank You Lord Jesus for marching forward to Jerusalem.  You knew what awaited You and You went anyway.  You will lead us through all the crosses that come our way in this age.  Help me to trust You above every circumstance and live into the life which You are giving me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to see that my hope is truly in You and what You have done and will do.  Amen.

“Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.  And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”  And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road” (Mark 10:50-52).

Ask the Lord and He will ask you.  What is it you want?  This man wanted to see.  When we have faith in the One who created us, we do receive sight and perceive as the unbelieving do not.  We see that this is the Father’s world and that all that is in it belongs to Him.  He made you and me.  Follow the One through whom all things have their being.  Be led by the One who created all things.

Lord, You are my Creator and teacher.  I have learned from the world, but I need to learn from You.  Guide me, Lord, so that I live into the life You give knowing that in You alone is true life.  You know, and there are things You can teach me.  Lead me in this life that You give so that I humbly submit to You.  Lord, give me sight so that I may see things as they are and not as I imagine them to be.

Lord Jesus, healer of my soul, guide me in the way of everlasting life.  Grant me eyes to see and ears to hear the truth of this reality which You have created.  You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me into this new life which You give and help me to live according to Your word.  Teach me this day the things I need to know and help me now and always to follow You wherever You lead.  Amen.

“Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you” (Mark 10:48-49).

Oh, how we place propriety over reality so often.  “This is neither the time, nor the place.”  But the Lord says, “This is the time and this is the place.”  He comes to save and our sense of timing is not the Lord’s sense of timing.  What they said to Bartimaeus they say to us, “Take courage, He is calling you.” The Lord wants you to be with Him.  He calls over the tumult and desires you be with Him.

Lord, this world often tells me what to do and what not to do.  It must look good.  Amidst the clamor of this world, guide me to see that You have come to call all who will hear Your voice to come to You.  Guide me in Your goodness so that I may humbly stand up and come to You.  Thank You for the abundance of grace and mercy which You give to us all.  Lead me always above and through the noise of this world.

Lord Jesus, You are the One who calls.  I have heard Your call.  Guide me, O Lord, to humbly follow where You lead.  Lift me up and give me eyes that see things as You see them.  Help me to be willing to reach out to others as You reach out to others.  Take from me worldly propriety and grant me a heart that willingly loves my neighbor.  Be the One who is always leading me, and teach me to follow.  Amen.

“Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.  When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:46-47)

Not knowing who He is, but hearing of the healing that happened through Him, the man cried out.  Our Lord hears the pleas of all.  He knows.  Our Lord hears you when you pray.  He will do what He will do, so do not be conditional with the answer, but trust unconditionally that our Lord will hear you when you pray.  Lord, have mercy is the humble cry.  Our Lord is compassionate and is always merciful.

Lord, there are so many times when I am conditional with my prayers.  If You give me what I want, I believe.  If You do not give me what I want, I struggle to believe.  Take this conditionality away from me so that I trust You no matter what the answer is that You give.  Guide me in Your goodness to trust that You know all that is needed.  Give me courage to come to You, first and always, in prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and minister to my heart.  Let my cries come before You day and night.  Help me to see that only in You can I trust, knowing that You are my constant companion.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to receive every answer You give with joy and thanksgiving.  I thank You for all of the healing You have brought into my life.  You are leading me to become like Jesus.  Thank You Lord.  Amen.

“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-44).

I believe that God made me.  This is what Luther gave in the explanation of the meaning of the first article of the creed.  God made you and me to be where we are, as we are, who we are, and will make us to be whom we will be.  We are in God’s hands.  We are servants of the Lord.  Whatever you do, do it as serving the Lord.  Our Lord came to serve, and we too should serve when and where He calls us to serve.

Lord, this world promotes getting ahead, being on top, accumulating, and sees leadership as belonging to the one on top.  Teach me to serve You.  You served me first and You have called me to be like You.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live into the life You have given me so that I may humbly walk in Your ways.  Let me not worry about position but be humbly  thankful for the life You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You have served us all.  You, through whom all things were made, have come into the world bringing life and hope.  Teach me what it means to serve You by serving others.  Lead me to not be concerned with where I am or what position I hold, but serve with all that I am.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that others may accept the opportunity of coming into Your kingdom of love.  Amen.

“Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John.  Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them” (Mark 10:41-42).

This world has the habit of encouraging us to crawl over each other to get ahead and be on the top of the heap.  Some want to be number one and when they get there, others become indignant.  Jesus strips the nonsense of this world away to reveal that we are not to exercise our authority unjustly, one over the other.  Yes, Jesus gives authority, but it is for His purpose and not for our own.  We are called to serve both the Lord, and our neighbor.

Lord, the infection of self-centeredness runs deep in me.  I want to get ahead and I am jealous of others who have more authority than me.  You have come to redeem me from the pit of this wickedness.  There is only One who is Lord and that is You.  Come into my heart and clean out all the false things that are in there.  Let me understand that You appoint whom You appoint to all positions.

Lord Jesus, You have come to redeem all who believe.  You are the Lord of my life.  You have appointed me to the place where I am to do what You give me to do.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life so that I may humbly walk in the way You are leading me.  Guide me according to Your goodness and mercy to know that in You alone will I be led in the right direction to do what is right according to the Father.  Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, May 24, 2026, Day of Pentecost, A/Memorial Day weekend

All: Numbers 11:24-30 (The Spirit descends on 70 elders)

                OR RCL/ELW:  Acts 2:1-11 (the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 25:1-15 (Good and upright is the Lord; so he instructs sinners in the way.)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (The Spirit renews creation)

Sola/LSB: Acts 2:1-21 (The Holy Spirit descends; Peter comments)

RCL/ELW ditto; or if that was 1^st reading, then 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13(gifts of the Spirit)

ALL: John 7:37-39 (The Spirit wells up like living water in believers’ hearts)

                OR RCL/ELW: John 20:19-23 (Jesus breathes Spirit on disciples)

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Opening Hymn: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: LBW #472/473

Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove: ELW #577/578

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: LSB #498/499

(All of these are basically some version of the Latin hymn!)

Hymn of Praise: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind: ELW #400

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

Hymn of the Day: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

OR Holy Spirit, The Dove Sent From Heaven: LSB #502

Communion Hymn 1: Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #404

Communion Hymn 2: Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine: LBW #257, ELW#398, LSB #496

OR O Spirit of Life: WOV #680, ELW #405

Closing Hymn: O Day Full of Grace: LBW #161, ELW #627, LSB #503

OR O Day of Rest and Gladness: LBW #251, ELW #521, LSB #906

*******

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

Abba, Father! For Jesus’ sake, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may call you Father. Thank you for giving us the same Spirit that filled your beloved Son. Thank you for the gifts of that Spirit, given so we may bless and praise you, and proclaim your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your Spirit upon the Church. Kindle in it the flame of truth, holiness, and goodness. Make it steadfast in suffering, faithful in witness, generous in service, and ardent in worship. Conform it to Christ, so that, through your Spirit, many are drawn to faith in Him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When they were persecuted, the martyrs’ joyful faith softened stony hearts. Do this also for your servants who suffer on account of Christ. Sustain them with your life-giving Spirit. Let their faithful suffering bear rich fruit, feeding even their tormentors with repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the hearts, minds, worship, and life of this congregation. Make us lovely and loving, joyful and kind, faithful and forgiving, generous and patient, humble and valiant. Make us look like Jesus, and use us to draw others into his nearer presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through your Spirit, you gave the apostles words to proclaim your saving truth to pilgrims from many nations. We pray for translators, editors, commentators, authors, and narrators; for speech therapists; for teachers, tutors, and theologians; and for all of us. Let us use words wisely and well. Give us a passion for speaking truth in love. By that same Spirit, discipline our tongues to refrain from words that hurt without cause, from convenient lies, and from rhetoric that inflames base passions. And to those who cannot speak, impart your Spirit who searches the heart and intercedes before you with sighs too deep for words.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Instruct the leaders of the nations in your ways, O Lord. Give them the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, their Lord; so that they, and the people in their care, may have joy in your presence. Teach all of us the things that make for peace; and give us a spirit willing to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we lovingly commend into your care all our beloved dead, especially those who gave their life in service of their country. Keep their memories fresh and bright. Spur us to deeds of faithfulness, generosity, and self-sacrifice. And hasten the day when wars shall cease, evil is vanquished, every tear is wiped away, and you are truly all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope also to everyone who has been afflicted by suffering, and who needs the grace of your life-giving Spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Your Spirit brings renewed life to all creation. Grant that renewal to your servants, and to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for receiving our beloved dead into your arms. Thank you for the life, death and resurrection of your dear Son, who has bestowed the Spirit of life upon all who trust in him. Breathe that Spirit into our lives, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Raise us up in the power of the Spirit and in union with our dear Savior, so that with the whole redeemed and renewed creation, we may forever adore and worship you, the Lord of heaven and earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers May 17, 2026, 7^th Sunday of Easter or Ascension (Transferred), A

7^th Sunday of Easter

Note: some petitions echo language in the hymns “O God Beyond All Raising” and “Beautiful Savior. Consider using either or both this Sunday!

All: Acts 1: (6-10), 12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)

All: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (The holy God is also the protector of orphans and widows)

All: 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11 (Christian suffering; God of grace support, strengthen, establish you)

All: John 17:1-11 (Jesus’ High Priestly prayer; glorify yourself in them as you have in me)

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

Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

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

OR Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

Hymn of Praise:  Give to Our God Immortal Praise: LBW #520, ELW #848

OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday

Hymn of the Day: O One With God the Father (Use tune for “The Church’s One Foundation”): LBW #77

OR Hear Us, Father, When We Pray (Great words, ok tune): LSB #773

Communion Hymn 1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

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

Closing Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880

OR Crown Him With Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

#####

Ascension (Transferred)

All: Acts 1:1-11 (The Ascension of Jesus)

All: Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)

All: Ephesians 1:15-23 (The power of grace put into effect when God exalted Jesus

above every authority and power)

All: Luke 24:44-53 (Shorter account of Ascension; conclusion of the gospel)

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

Opening Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880

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

OR Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

Hymn of Praise: Look, the Sight is Glorious:  LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday

Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

OR Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts To Heaven: LSB #477 (Note: tune is “Ode to Joy!)

Communion Hymn 1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)

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

Closing Hymn: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing: LBW #157, ELW #393, LSB #493 (which mercifully has left off excessive exclamation points)

OR Crown Him With Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

*******

With joyful confidence, let us approach our Lord’s throne of grace, there to pray on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore you. You have revealed your glory through your Son, who has risen and ascended and who reigns at your right hand forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church abide in Jesus, as he abides in you. May it always preach the Gospel of salvation and celebrate the Sacraments in accordance with that Gospel. Let it proclaim to the whole world your blessings without number and your mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been 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.

Unite our hearts with fellow disciples of your Son, and with missionaries of your Gospel. Let us all be so united to your beloved Son and with one another, that in everything, we glorify your Name and spread the bounties of your mercy throughout the world.

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. Draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who stand in harm’s way to right wrongs, establish safety, and protect life and liberty. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring them home safely and soon. Heal those who are wounded. Help us value their skills and insights when they return to civilian life.

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. Grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, those who have died trusting in your promises now see their Beautiful Savior face to face. Thank you for bestowing this blessing upon them. Continue to show to us your love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us into that endless life and light you share with all whom you have redeemed. Grant that into eternity we always sing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, most holy Father; we entrust our prayers and petitions to you in the strong name and for the dear sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, Prayers, May 10, 2026, 6^th Sunday of Easter (Also Mother’s Day), A

Sola/LSB: Acts 17:16-31 (Paul in Athens: What you worship as unknown, I proclaim to you)

            RCL/ELW: Acts 17:22-31 (Omits “setting the scene” with the Greek philosophers)

All: Psalm 66:8-20 (God has tested, delivered us; we will offer sacrifices and extol him)

All: 1 Peter 3:13-22 (Give account of hope within you with gentleness; suffer for doing

            good, as Christ did; baptism an appeal to God for good conscience, through

            Christ’s resurrection and exaltation)

All: John 14:15-21 (If you love me, keep my commandments; I will pray the Father,

            who will send you the Spirit)

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Opening Hymn: Christ is the King! O Friends, Rejoice: LBW #386, ELW #662

OR All People That On Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

Hymn of Praise: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday

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

Communion Hymn 1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Communion Hymn 2: Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak: LBW #403, ELW #676

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

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

*******

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for your faithful servants who have openly proclaimed the greatest mystery: that you are true God and true man, crucified and Raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sin unto eternal life. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and guide us in your Way forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, grant that your Church always adores and proclaims you as the Redeemer of the world. Fill it with your Spirit. Equip it to defend the faith, even to nay-sayers, with gentleness and respect. Kindle such love for you that it beautifully keeps your commandments and draws many to faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly to help your persecuted disciples throughout the world. Fill them with faith, hope and charity. Let those who revile their hope in you be put to shame.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give a double portion of your Spirit to missionaries, evangelists, and theologians. Raise up a new generation of pastors and other faithful witnesses to the Gospel. Give wisdom to all who teach the faith to the next generation of believers. Bless all they do that glorifies your name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the members of this congregation the keen eye and quick wit of St. Paul, who proclaimed your Gospel to skeptical Greek philosophers. Though we may speak more simply, help us to relate to people around us with words and stories that help them draw closer to you. Help us to share the hope that is in us, and the love you bear for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all mothers, and everyone who acts with a mother’s care. Grant wisdom, a firm yet gentle hand, infinite patience, and plenty of sleep. Comfort those whose child is estranged, suffering, or deceased. Forgive and give new hope to women who have had an abortion for any reason. Shower your mercy on those who long to have children but cannot, who have miscarried, and upon all who grieve the loss of their own mothers. Give all of us grace to rightly honor them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The nations do not know you, dear Lord. They suffer because they are starving for your Word of life, truth, and salvation. Bestow your Spirit on the world, so that our leaders seek to obey your Father’s will. Let all who blindly serve “an unknown god” learn to love and serve you, their Redeemer and Lord. Teach all of us to walk in your pathways of life and truth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deal gently with all who are afflicted by pain, confusion, sorrow, remorse, or despair, including: {List}. Heal every hurt they have sustained. Bring them into a place of refreshment, health, and hope. By your gracious Spirit, give compassion and patience to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Savior, we bless and adore you. We commend to your care our beloved dead. Do not leave us as orphans, grieving as those who have no hope. Draw close to us and keep us in your care. Fill us with your Spirit. Make us abound in faith and good works. Help us to share these gifts with gentleness and respect. Gather us with all your saints into your arms. Lead us into the life, light, and love you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, May 3, 2026, 5^th Sunday of Easter, A

Sola/LSB: Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60 (Deacons, including Stephen, are chosen; excerpts from

                Stephen’s speech; the stoning of Stephen)

                RCL/ELW: Acts 7:55-60 (The stoning of Stephen)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 146 (Happy are they whose help is from the Lord, who executes justice

for the poor)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 31: 1-5,15-16 (Prayer for deliverance from enemies)

All: 1 Peter 2:2-10 (Come to Christ, the living Stone who will cause many to stumble;

                but you are his own people, a royal priesthood)

All: John 14:1-14 (I am the Way, Truth and Life; believe that the Father is in me, I am in him)

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

Opening Hymn: From God Can Nothing Move Me: LBW #468, LSB #713

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

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

Hymn of Praise: Make Songs of Joy to Christ Our Head (easy tune!): LBW #150, LSB #484

OR Soli Deo Gloria: ELW #878

OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday

Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526

OR Give Me Jesus: WOV #777, ELW #770

Communion Hymn 1: My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

Communion Hymn 2: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

OR Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life: LBW #513, ELW #816

Closing Hymn:, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: LBW #553, ELW #873

Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LSB #813

*******

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for being the Way to your Father’s house, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life which frees us from sin and death. Thank you for being the Love that never lets us go. Give us grace to share your love with everyone we meet, especially those who have lost their way, strayed from the truth, and are haunted by death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the whole Church your house of living stones: holy, precious, your prized possession and beloved Body. Let its words and deeds proclaim the excellence of your salvation. Use it to call many people out of darkness into your marvelous light.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Stephen, even today Christians are tortured for proclaiming you as Lord. Give them the grace and strength that you gave Stephen: to fearlessly speak your truth in love; to forgive and pray for their enemies; and to remain faithful to the end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we want to be your disciples! But we’re afraid of ridicule, rejection, or persecution. Give us grace to be like Stephen, always praying for others to repent and believe in you. Let us always build up faith in you alone, our Head and Cornerstone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for everyone in this congregation who supports the ministry of Word and Sacrament through their faithful work. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Prosper all they do to share the Gospel. Give them joy in serving you and your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, there are so many who have lost their way in life. There are so many who insist there’s no such thing as real truth. There are so many who are dying without knowing your love. Please help us to notice them, walk with them, and find ways of slipping their hand into yours.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remind our earthly rulers that you alone are King of the nations. Teach them to use authority and power to care for the poor and needy, to do justice and love mercy; and to walk humbly before you. Frustrate the way of the wicked. Make us all lovely with your righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, protect, and strengthen all who defend life and liberty here and abroad. May they walk in pathways of integrity and justice. When they are wounded, bring healing, hope, and peace to them and to their loved ones. When their task is done, bring them home in honor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort, and sustain everyone who cries out to you for help, including: {List}. With the Psalmist, cause them to say, “Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help; whose hope is in the LORD their God; who keeps his promise forever.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we hear your promise at funerals: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”  Therefore we entrust into your keeping our beloved dead. Give us grace to believe your promise. Help us grow in holiness. Strengthen us in compassion and service. Be for us, and for all whom you love, the Way to your Father’s house; the Truth which sets us free from bondage to sin, evil and death; and the Life which eternally transforms us into your likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.