“For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13).

We each have our part.  If we spend our days wandering, we will never find the gate.  If we will listen to Jesus, we have found the gate.  Many seem to hang out at the gate.  It seems many who have the church habit do this.  Do not just hang out, but go all the way in.  Go through the door and begin the journey again.  If you have been going the wrong way, turn back and then go the right way.

Lord, this makes sense.  I know how to make plans and go on a journey to some place.  I do not just head out but have a direction I know I need to go to get to where I am going.  Yet in life, I often wander.  What You are saying is not foreign to my mind, but something I do all the time.  Lead me to see in You alone the way of everlasting life.  Help me to understand the need to be intentional in what I am doing and the direction I am going.

Guide me Lord Jesus in the direction of my life, for You know the way I need to head.  Let me never walk back out of the gate but stay on the narrow path that You have set before me.  May I always walk the course that You set before me.  You have shown me the gate.  I have walked through.  Now lead me far down the way so that I walk with You all the days of my life.  You are my pilot, Lord.  Lead me always to safe harbor.  Amen.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (Matthew 7:13).

The way of Jesus is one person wide. In this metaphor, Jesus reminds us to look to Him alone. So many are scrambling to find meaning and purpose when we have it right before us. The author of all life will take our hand and lead us. Why do you try to find purpose in lesser things? This does not mean you cannot enjoy the life Jesus has given you, but it does mean living as the Lord leads.

I have feared walking so closely with You Lord because I do not want my joy hampered. But I find the closer I walk with You, the more I see, experience, know, and above all else, find joy. I need to learn from You how life is meant to be lived. Guide me in the way of everlasting life and help me to live that life. Many do go the way of unthinking habits. You lead me in the way of truth and joy.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear the truth that You have spoken from the beginning. Guide me now and always so that I may look to You and walk the path that You have set before me. May I now and always be led in Your goodness and mercy to know that You have given me the words of eternal life and that I need not look to any other place. Help me to always look to You for all things. Amen.

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Do as you would be done by. Get out of your head and look at the other as equal to yourself. If the world would do just this, everything would change. But it does not. However, you are in the world, but not of the world. Do not live as one who lives for yourself but live as one who lives for the Lord. He is the author and finisher of your faith. Learn how to trust Him and love others.

Lord, I do this sometimes. Help me to move to the place where I really do care for others. Help me to have this attitude for my community and my nation. Especially in a time where even communities compete rather than cooperate, help all of Your faithful to learn to live in harmony and cooperate with one another.

Lord Jesus, You have had compassion upon us all. You ask that I learn how to treat others as I want to be treated. I often interpret that to mean that I want others to think like me. Lead me to respect all others around me as those for whom You died. Help me to get outside of myself and learn how to always care for others. Teach me the moderation I need so that I do this without sinning.  Amen.

“So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11)

Despite being evil? Me? Notice how Jesus just says this in a matter-of-fact way. Yes, we are separated from the Lord. We have all sinned and continue to do so. Our Lord is giving us instructions on how to move from being evil to the place where we give as we have received. Ask the Father for the fruits of the Spirit and He will grant to you those things that will move you forward toward the goal of becoming like Christ.

Lord, you know where I am and what the state of my heart is. You know that I give up and do not press on toward becoming like You all too often. You also know where I can give, but do not. Help me to repent and turn from what is evil so that I may give as You give. I give good things to those I love, but You have commanded me to love my neighbor. Help me to consider all as my family.

Lord Jesus, I know parts of those things which run contrary to what You are saying. I believe there is probably much more that needs to be worked on. Help me today to see what I need to see and where I am being stingy, help me to move on and be helpful to my neighbor. Help me to see that You are the One who is leading and then help me to follow You wherever You lead me. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Lessons, Suggested Hymns: June 9: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

Genesis 3:8-15 (The consequences of the Fall)

Psalm 130 (Out of the depths…)

2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (Outer nature wastes away, but prepares for weight of glory)

Mark 3:20-35 (How can Satan cast out Satan; who is my mother, brother, sister?)

Opening hymn: Built on a Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

Hymn of the Day: Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You: LSB #668 (Tune is “Wake, Awake,

For Night is Flying.” Words are powerful!)

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

OR A Mighty Fortress: LBW #229, ELW #504 (505 has dorky words, avoid)

Communion Hymn #1: Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

Communion Hymn #2: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

Closing Hymn: My Life Flows on In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

OR Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

THE PRAYERS 

Let us come before the Throne of Mercy with our prayers for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for having mercy on us, even when we rebel against you. Thank you for sending us your dear Son, to free us from the devil’s tyranny. Thank you for preparing us to bear the weight of your glory in our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and renew your Church. Strengthen all who are baptized to do your will, speak your word, care for your people, and live as true sisters and brothers of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cast out the forces of evil which try to destroy your people. Gather in your care all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Soften the hearts of their enemies, so they repent and strive to do your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the people of this congregation day by day. Give us generous and willing hearts as we seek ways of serving you and sharing your love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen bonds of affection, respect, and care in all families. Heal those afflicted by discord, abuse, or grief. Help us to believe that in loving you, our heavenly Father, we also draw closer to one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the elected and appointed leaders in our nation and communities. Despite the brokenness of creation and the suffering inflicted by sin and evil, give your people a foretaste of the freedom, justice, and peace that only you can bestow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Equip those who stand harm’s way on behalf of others with courage, wisdom, and skill. Bless all they do which is in accordance with your will. Shield them when they fall, and give patient hope to their loved ones. Bring them home swiftly and safely when their task is done.

We remember before you all who suffer, including: {List}. Refresh them with the healing power of your life-giving Spirit. Help us to minister to them with compassion and patience. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for our loved ones who have died in your embrace. Grant comfort to all whose grief runs deep. Keep us safely in your Son’s faithful care. Cheer us with your Holy Spirit. Guide our steps and shape our lives in accordance with your will. And give us a joyful reunion with all whom Christ claims as sister and brother, mother, and friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers as may be best for us and give you the greatest glory, for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?” (Matthew 7:9-10)

We know how to be gracious and kind to those we love. If someone in our family has need, we help within our ability. The gift of charity is already in us. Jesus wants to take what He has created in us and expand it so that we have charity for our neighbor. This does not mean that we give away the house, but it does mean being charitable, which seeks for us to invest our lives in our neighbor.

Seek what your neighbor truly needs. Often, we just pass by without a thought to the needs of our neighbor. You who live in neighborhoods with folk who may not seem to have physical needs often need much more than those who are struggling to get by. This is not just a monetary thing but gets to the heart of the matter. How is your neighbor’s spiritual well-being? Are they walking with the Lord as you are?

Lord, I am often timid in really investing in my neighbor. Help me to have a heart that truly cares for my neighbor. Guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I truly seek to care for others as You have cared for me. Grant me a heart that is wise, gracious, merciful, and charitable. May I grow a little more to be like You through what You have me do today. Amen.

Prayers, Lessons, and Hymns, June 2: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 4

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (You were slaves, God freed you, so let everyone rest on Sabbath.

Psalm 81:1-10 (Sing to God, listen to him who freed you, eased burdens, admonishes you. You shall have no other god than him!.

2 Corinthians 4:5-12 (Apostles proclaim Christ crucified, not themselves. They contain treasure in clay pots, carrying death of Christ so that his life may be shown to others)

Mark 2:23-28 (3:1-6) (Son of Man is Lord of Sabbath, which was made for man. Jesus heals man with withered hand)

Opening Hymn: Morning Has Broken: WOV # , ELW #556

OR We Praise You, O God: LBW #241, ELW #870, LSB #785

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

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

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: This is the Day the Lord Has Made: LSB #903

OR God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907

OR Jesus, We Are Gathered/Come and Fill Our Hearts: ELW #529 and 528 (Note, these are 2 very short, 1 verse hymns. During Communion, you could alternate them repetitively, or do one a few times before going to the other. Note, however, key signatures may be awkward! Feel free to use just one!)

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534; LSB #917

Let us come before the Throne of Mercy with our prayers for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting us to share your Sabbath rest. Thank you for healing, refreshment, and your own dear presence in your precious Son. By your Holy Spirit, give us grace to cherish the Sabbath and gladly draw nearer to you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a place of rest and gladness, forgiveness and mission, fellowship and faithfulness. Use it to teach all people words of prayer, praise, and thankfulness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant refreshment and strength to persecuted Christians and Jews throughout the world. Ease their burdens and soften the hearts of their enemies, for your Name’s sake.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Adorn this congregation with the beauty of holiness and the glory of Jesus’ amazing grace. Help us invite and lead many friends, neighbors, and family members to share a closer walk with their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you everyone whose work is difficult, dangerous, long, and undervalued in the eyes of the world. We pray especially for those who even this day experience forms of slavery and forced labor. Protect them from harm. Deliver them from evil. Free them from bondage. Grant them a just reward for their work. Help us to work for these great good things, as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give integrity, honor, wisdom, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders, in this country and throughout the world. Establish them – their thoughts, words, and actions – in righteousness, justice, and truth. Remind them that they shall account for their stewardship of authority and power before you, the Lord of all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant release, refreshment, and healing to everyone held captive to suffering of body, mind, heart, or soul. This day we remember before you: {List}. Deliver them from whatever afflicts them. Let them fulfil the work you would have them do, and rejoice in the rest you bid them share.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for gathering our beloved dead into the eternal Sabbath of your Kingdom. Refresh and comfort all who are burdened by sorrow. Grant us strength and faith to be workers in that same Kingdom throughout our mortal days. And according to Jesus’ promise, open to us the doors of your heavenly home, where with all the faithful we will rest in your love and where knowing and worshiping you will be our joyous work forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers as may be best for us and give you the greatest glory, for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

Press on, press on! How easily we give up. The Lord wants us to learn how to flex our spiritual muscles. Every athlete knows that just beyond fatigue is often the best performance. The lazy never get anywhere, but those who persevere go a long way. You learn by pressing through what is difficult. Continue knocking. Continue seeking. The Lord is bountiful in giving to those who seek. He who endures to the end will be saved.

Lord, You know I need right priorities. You are not going to make me rich by winning the lottery. Oh sure, some faithful have won, but the point is that You want me to exercise my spiritual muscles. Help me to learn how to press on, continue seeking, and being persistent for what is right.

Lord Jesus, I hear these words and the first thing I want to do is think how I can do these things. You know all those places where I am deficient. Help me to knock at the door of my own limitations so that I seek You always to the fullest extent for which You have enabled me, according to Your grace. Lead me, Lord, in the way You know I need to go and help me to not give up. Amen.

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).

We are not to be all things to all people, nor are we to become a door mat for others. You who are faithful are to revere what is holy and pure. Do not let others make a mockery of what has been entrusted to you. What this means is that we are to hold fast to what is true and if another will not honor what we believe, then do not share with them what has been given to you.

Lord, here is another paradox that I find difficult to live. You have entrusted me with holy things and I am not to let others make a mockery of them. But also, I am to love my neighbor and seek for their good. Without Your Holy Spirit keeping these things in balance, it would be impossible. Under Your guidance, all things are possible. Lead me in the way of upholding and protecting what is holy and pure.

Lord Jesus, You are teaching us many difficult things. Guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I may both keep holy what is holy, but also share what is holy with others without allow them to desecrate what is holy. You know what is before me Lord, so lead me in the way You know I need to go. Guide me by Your grace and mercy to live out all that You are teaching me. Amen

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!” (Matthew 7:5)

With a lack of humility, we often think ourselves better than another.  This is especially true when we uphold what we consider the correct behavior while another is doing what we deem incorrect.  But how do we know that we are not doing the same thing in another way as Romans, 2 tells us?  We are all hypocrites and need the grace of Jesus.  If another truly needs more grace than us, then we are under orders to love them.

How often do I want to feel superior to another rather than living in the truth of the grace which You have given me?  Lord, soften my heart to see in all others that we all need the grace which You so freely give.  Guide me in Your grace and mercy to be one who freely gives to others what You have first given to me.  Guide me by Your goodness to know that in You alone do I live, breath, and have my being.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the grace You have lavished upon us all.  Help me now and always to see the trees in the forest, beginning with the logs in my own eyes.  Guide me to love others as You love me.  We each have our story.  May I now and always be led by the truth in and through the Holy Spirit to see the world through Your eyes.  Guide me today on the journey You have planned for me.  Amen.