Prayers and Hymns, December 21, 2025: Advent 4, A

SOLA/LSB: Isaiah 7:1-17 (2 assurances to King Ahaz of God’s presence: the second is that Emmanuel shall be born of the virgin)

            RCL/ELW: Isaiah 7:10-16 (2^nd promise)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 24 (Lift up your heads, that the King of Glory may come in)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Restore us; let your face shine, so we may be saved.)

ALL: Romans 1:1-7 (Promise of the Messiah, coming from David’s line)

ALL: Matthew 1:18-25 (The annunciation – to Joseph)

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Opening Hymn: Fling Wide the Door: LBW #32, ELW #259

OR Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates: LSB #340 (same tune!)

Hymn of the Day: Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250

OR my very own hymn paraphrase, sung to “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!

Communion 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279; LSB #361

Communion 2: Once in Royal David’s City: WOV #643, ELW #269; LSB #376

Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Yes, even if you did it Advent 1. Find a version with all the verses and belt it out!): LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

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As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O come, Emmanuel, our Lord and God, our King and Brother! Come with healing and blessing, with light and life. Come and save us all from sin and evil and endless death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its worship, proclamation, and works of charity, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the lives and works of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Look with favor upon all who seek to be your disciples in this place. Come with your outstretched arm to redeem us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver your persecuted servants from torment this day also. Keep them faithful and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine on all who are overwhelmed by despair, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us the things that make for peace. Come and save us, whom you formed from clay.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free all who suffer and are imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death: especially {List}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death, and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Prayers and Hymns, December 14, 2025: Advent 3, A

ALL: Isaiah 35:1-10 (The wilderness rejoices when God comes to it)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 146 (The Lord sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind)

            RCL/ELW: Ps. 146:5-10 (omits “do not put trust in rulers”)

or Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)

ALL: James 5:7-11 (Be patient until the Lord comes)

SOLA/LSB: Matthew 11:2-15 (Jesus addresses John’s disciples: blind see, poor hear the Gospel; violence attends coming of Kingdom)

            RCL/ELW: Matthew 11:2-11 (Omits verses about violence)

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Opening Hymn: Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn: WOV #633, ELW #242

OR Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (may be sung to tune for “The Church’s One Foundation):

LBW #87, ELW #311 LSB #398

Hymn of the Day: Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488, 489 (489 is a pretty Hispanic tune)

OR All Earth is Hopeful: WOV #629, ELW #266

Communion 1: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

Communion 2: Hark the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

Closing Hymn:  Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB #338

OR (especially if Magnificat is read) My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness: WOV #730, ELW #251

OR (ditto) My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934

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As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

How sweet are your words today, dear Lord! Thank you for refreshment along life’s often-dusty road. Thank you for hope that dawns unexpectedly in our heart’s wilderness. Thank you for Jesus, your sweetest Word of forgiveness, compassion, and life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that in many and various ways, your Church constantly preaches the Good News of what Jesus has done: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news preached to them.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish this congregation, O Lord, in words and deeds of patience, mercy, and goodness. Help us to refresh the heavy-hearted, to heal those wounded by sin and sorrow, and to enlighten the innocent and the ignorant. Make this place a haven of safety and joy for all who trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your persecuted Church, and keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Teach us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deepen the faith and increase the wisdom of your apprentices and journeyman in the art of discipleship. May all they learn from you may bring joy and enlightenment to others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform our earthly rulers to your holy will. Let them give justice to the oppressed, and food to the hungry. Make them set free the unjustly imprisoned, and lift up those who are bowed down.  Teach them to love the righteous, care for the stranger, sustain the orphan and widow, and frustrate the way of the wicked. Use the valor and competence of our military and first responders to accomplish your will in dangerous places. Speed the day when everyone may walk in safety and tranquility throughout this world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shed the light of your merciful healing upon those whose lives are shadowed by sorrow or suffering, including: {List}. Give us grace to touch their lives with gentleness and hope.  Give us words of forgiveness and encouragement. Give us strength to accompany them in their wilderness. And fulfil your promise to embrace us all in your everlasting arms.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Happy are those who, in this life, put their trust in you, dear Lord. Their hope has been fulfilled. Comfort all the bereaved whose grief runs deep. And we pray: Save us from folly and defend us from evil. Strengthen our faltering hands and make firm our feeble knees. Establish our hearts in steadfast patience and the spirit of encouragement. Lead us into Zion, where, with all the redeemed, we shall praise your glory, delight in your love, and see you face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Prayers and Hymns, December 7, 2025: Advent 2, A

ALL: Isaiah 11:1-10 (A shoot springs up from Jesse’s root; God’s Spirit is upon him)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 72:1-10 (Prayer for the King’s son to rule with justice)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

ALL: Romans 15:4-13 (Live in harmony; Gentiles have also received God’s mercy)

ALL: Matthew 3:1-12(John the Baptist: prepare the way of the Lord!)

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Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

OR Lo, How a Rose is Growing:  LBW #58

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (familiar translation): ELW#272, LSB #359

                                Yes I KNOW it’s a Christmas hymn, but it ties directly to the Isaiah text!

Hymn of the Day: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

OR When All the World Was Cursed (familiar tune): LSB #346

OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255

Communion 1: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry: LBW #36, ELW #249, LSB #344

Communion 2: Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Closing Hymn:  Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

YES I KNOW it is a Christmas hymn, but our brethren at Concordia suggest it because of its link to the Isaiah text. Plus it’s pretty. So there.

OR Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347

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As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come quickly, Lord! Thank you for promising to deliver us from sin, evil, and death – but even so, come quickly! Thank you for being our King, Savior, Healer, and Redeemer – but come quickly to establish your reign, perfectly and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, righteous Branch from Jesse’s root. Make your Church holy, faithful, and tireless in proclaiming your coming. By its words and deeds, lead many to repentance and faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, King foretold by prophets. Rule in our hearts and in this congregation. Grant us your gracious Spirit. Help us to show your mercy to fellow sinners, and to live in your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, righteous and faithful Savior. Vindicate those who are persecuted on account of your holy Name. Decide with equity on their behalf. Lay low the wicked who refuse to repent. And hasten the day when no one shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, wise counsellor. Bless seminarians and all who are called into holy ministry. Grant them right judgment, godly actions, and joy in your presence. Bestow your Spirit upon them, and upon missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and theologians, until the whole earth is full of the knowledge of your saving mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, Ensign and signal to all peoples. Establish your glorious and gentle rule among the nations. Teach our earthly leaders to judge with righteousness, to deliberate with equity, and to care for the poor and needy in their charge. Give us grace to live in peace and to be merciful, even when that is hard.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, gentle Savior. Protect our little ones from every danger and harm. Keep them safe from the fangs of predators and abusers, the poison of sickness and despair, the venom of lies and hateful words, and the claws of warfare and every form of violence. Protect their innocence and help us raise them in knowledge, fear, and joy in the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, King of Mercy. Banish those things which trouble your people in body, mind, heart or soul. We lift before you all who crave your healing touch, including: {List}. Keep them safe from every evil. Restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come quickly, Lord of Life. Reunite us with all the saints who from their labors rest. Bestow on us your righteousness, wisdom, and mercy. Help us withstand the bitter challenges we face, and support one another along our pilgrim road. Bring us to your holy mountain, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in your presence and sing of your mercy and love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Prayers and Hymns, November 30, 2025: Advent 1, A

ALL: Isaiah 2:1-5 (Nations stream to the house of the Lord)

ALL: Psalm 122 (I was glad when they said to me Let us go up to the house of the Lord)

SOLA/LSB: Romans 13:8-14 (Keep the commandments. Behave as children of the day)

            RCL/ELW: Romans 13:11-14 (Omits part about commandments)

 SOLA/LSB: Matthew 21:1-11 (Jesus enters Jerusalem)

OR Matthew 24:36-44 (which is RCL/ELW text) (Signs of the end; coming of Son of Man)

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Opening Hymn: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding!: LBW #37 (This is an awful tune! If you have an SBH, or ELW or LSB, PLEASE use the familiar tune “Merton,” which for some idiotic reason is not in LBW. The words go so well with the epistle that it’s a shame to not use this hymn.), ELW #246, LSB #345, SBH #1

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247 (simple Asian tune)

OR The Advent of Our God/King: LBW #22, LSB #331

Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 (no dull hellfires), LSB #332

Communion 1: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

Communion 2:, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357 (latter two have

all verses)

Closing: Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (odd translation), LSB #516

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

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As we await the coming of Christ, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Lord, for your promise to visit your people with judgment and forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus, your final Word and the Yes to all your promises. Make us ready to receive him into our hearts, homes, and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and purify your Church. Make it a holy dwelling, fit for your Son. Make it the New Jerusalem, the home of all whom you have redeemed. Make it your house of prayer for all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and cleanse the hearts of all who worship here. Fill us with love for you, and charity for our neighbors – especially those most in need of your mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come to the aid of your persecuted Church. Lift up their heads, strengthen their faith, and deliver them from their enemies. Set free those who hate you from bondage to sin; and give all of us grace to bear witness to Christ until he comes again in glory.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and guide all who walk the path of discipleship. Give them grace to listen, ponder, and obey your Word. In all they do, help them prepare your Way into the hearts of others, especially those who walk in the darkness of doubt or despair.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and grant your Spirit to the leaders of all nations. Give them wisdom, humility, prudence, and integrity. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship of authority to you, the Lord of the nations and their King and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and banish violence, injustice, and hatred from this death-shadowed world. Give your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might to all who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. Grant success to all they do that serves your will. Restore them to their loved ones, and speed the day when they may serve you in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and bring healing and hope to all whose need is great. Today we lift before you: {List}. Deliver them from all that darkens their lives. Give patience, gentleness, and respite to caregivers, and shine the light of your love upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and raise from the shadows of death all who have fallen asleep in you. Help us to comfort those who grieve in this season of feasting and joy. Give us grace to be children of the day, filled with the light of your love. Help us to encourage one another in steadfast faith and deeds of charity until Jesus returns in glory. Then, by your mercy, bring us safely into your eternal Kingdom, which you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

“These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (Mark 4:15).

“I do not agree with that!”  How many times do you see someone saying this as if their opinion were equal to God’s declared truth?  Pride gets in the way and we think more of ourselves than we ought.  Satan feeds this.  God’s word falls on our ear, but the self will not receive what the Lord gives us.  Which is true?  Is it what the Lord has said or what you think?  The word of the Lord is the Word of the LORD.

Lord, in the absurdity of this sinful world I act as though I can negotiate with You.  Either I go to the place where I am harsh with others or else I say to myself and others that Your grace is sufficient –  the devil may care –  and You will sort it out in the end.  Take me away from either being the sin police or being uncaring about consequences and instead help me reside firmly in the word You give.

Lord Jesus, You have given me the words of truth in a world filled with lies.  The world, the flesh and the devils come along and tell me what I want to hear and Your word falls off me.  Do whatever it takes so that I am receptive to the whole of Your counsel.  Guide me ever deeper along the narrow path of salvation so that I live into the life You are giving me by faith.  Save me, Jesus, from the insanity of this world and help me to hold fast to the truth You have spoken.  Amen.

“And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?  The sower sows the word” (Mark 4:13-14).

In the beginning was the Word.  The Word Incarnate has come and sown the word in us.  We are to become like Christ, sharing the Word with our lives.  In sowing you see where the seed lands and what happens to it.  When you participate in a Gospel life, You see the Lord at work.  Christ has sown His word in You and desires that You go out and sow His word in others.  This is how the word is spread.

Lord, is it really as simple as this?  Yet, I know that it is in the doing that I learn.  It is in seeing the truth that I believe.  It is in hearing that I begin to comprehend and understand.  I do this with worldly things.  Help me to see the pattern that You have created and teach me to be steadfast on the path which You have set before me.  Guide me so that I may grow in this faith which You have given me.

Lord Jesus, I need Your help.  In one moment, I become arrogant and think I know all there is to know.  In the next moment, I act as if I know nothing.  I am depending upon what I know.  Help me so that I do not do things on my own power, but lean wholly upon You for all things.  You have sown Your word in me.  Grow the roots deep and grow in me what You intend.  Lead me to trust You above all things.  Amen.

“As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables.  And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that while seeing, they may see and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear and not understand, otherwise they might return and be forgiven” (Mark 4:10-12).

For those who believe and are willing, He will open their minds to the Word, He will give understanding.  The Holy Spirit brings wisdom.  Receive the Holy Spirit and become one who lives with understanding.  As you read Scripture, the Lord will open your eyes, heart, and mind to learn from Him.  He is sifting the hearts of all so that those who will be a part of the kingdom will willingly bow to the One who made all things.

Lord, I know that there are many mysteries in faith, but I also know that You have revealed truth.  In this world of opinions and self-will, help me to move beyond myself and see things as they are.  Guide me in Your goodness and take away from me my opinions as the basis of truth.  You are the One who made all things and You alone know how they are made to be.  Help me to be in Your will now and always.

Lord Jesus, whatever it is that causes me to insist on things being the way I want them to be, take them away so that I live in truth.  You have planted Your seed in me.  Help me to grow according to the Father’s will and not be hampered by my will.  Lead me forward in faith to grow the way You know I need to grow.  Nurture, prune, fertilize, and do whatever else is needed so that I may be with You forever.  Amen.

“And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).

You have ears, but do you have ears to hear?  Some listen but never hear.  The Lord wants us to hear and understand.  Our Lord wants us to have the life He is offering, but we are not forced to live a life of faith.  Love is not forced.  He loves us and He wants us to learn to love Him.  Love must always be the giving up of the self for the other.  You have ears, are you listening to what our Lord says?

Lord, You know that there are many times when I did not listen even though I heard.  You have told me the same thing in many ways, but I am often slow to learn.  Lord, heal my hearing so that I hear You when You speak.  Open my heart to receive what is right and true, and grant wisdom that I may understand.  You have spoken the words of truth in a world of lies.  Let me receive the truth and live in it.

Lord Jesus, You have spoken in such a way that in every time and place, there is understanding if we hear and obey.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may hear what You say and understand.  Open my eyes to see and believe, for You speak words that are eternally true.  Lord, You are the author of my faith; help me to understand and believe.  Amen.

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Pastor! Pastor! I saw a king this morning!

Pastor: Sammy, how do you know he was a king?

Sammy: Well, he was wearing all of the king clothing. I don’t remember the names of all of his accessories.

Pastor: Boys and girls, can you name some things that a king would wear?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Those are all great things that a king might wear. Did you know that Jesus is a king?

Sammy: Pastor, Jesus is the King of Kings. That’s who I saw this morning. I saw Jesus as I was coming into church.

Pastor: Where was he? I didn’t see him.

Sammy: He’s right there, Pastor. He’s on the stained glass and the banner and the bulletin. And he’s in our hearts. He’s everywhere!

Pastor: I guess you’re right, Sammy. I wasn’t looking close enough.

Sammy: Pastor, I know I told you that Jesus is the King of Kings, but what does that mean?

Pastor: That means that he is the king above all kings. And all people bow down to him. That includes kings, presidents, and other world leaders.

Sammy: Wow! Jesus must be a really great king.

Pastor: Yes he is. Boys and girls, can you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, Thank you for being the King of Kings. Thank you for being kind and generous with your love. We love you. Amen.

“Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.  Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (Mark 4:7-8).

This world is filled with hostility.  The thorns of this world will choke us if we let them.  You have within you the ability to grow.  Prepare yourself by reading scripture so that you are willing to receive every lesson the Lord will give.  Learn to rid yourself of the resistance which is based upon your self-will so that the Lord’s will may be done in you in all circumstances.  The Lord will not stop until He makes of you what He will.

Lord, even in this I do not know many of my setbacks because I am unwilling to walk in the way You have set before me.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I do not resist Your leading.  Teach me to resist the devil and welcome You, and not do things the other way round.  Through all things, grow Your word of truth in my heart so that I produce what it is that the Father intends with my life.

Lord Jesus, You came to redeem all who believe.  You are the author of my faith.  Help me to give up my self-will so that the Father’s will is done in me.  Guide me according to Your purpose so that I may see the growth of the seeds You have planted in me.  Through all things, do not allow the worries of this world choke the faith You have given me.  Increase my faith according to Your wisdom and keep me humble.  Amen.