“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.  To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey” (Matthew 25:14-15).

We each have been given the talents we have been given.  What are you doing with what you have been given?  Look to the Lord and let Him be the One who directs what you do with what you have.  We love to compare ourselves to one another, but this is between you and the Lord.  He has purpose in what He has chosen you to do.  Will you live for the purpose that the Lord has ordained?

Lord, You know, as we look around and compare ourselves to others, some have more and others have less.  Only You can teach us how to live with what You have given us.  Guide us in Your goodness to look to You for all guidance and direction.  Lead us according to Your purposes to live into the life for which You have uniquely created each one of us.  Help us to look nowhere else but to You for all things.

Lord Jesus, through the water of my baptism, You called me to follow You.  It does not matter the amount I do, so long as what I do is faithful to Your call.  Teach me what this means so that I may learn how to be faithful.  Guide me into this life of faith.  Continue to be the light that illumines my footsteps.  Keep me from stumbling along the way.  Through all things, help me to continue becoming what You are making of me.  Amen.

“Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’  But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’  Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:11-13).

If salvation were about works, both type of virgins showed some effort.  But look at the response, “I never knew you.”  Being prepared is not about works, but about relationship.  If one spends time growing in the relationship, there will be evidence through what you do, but it is not about what you do.  The Lord has invited you into a relationship of mutual love.  Come into the life of love the Lord offers and live in His love.

Lord God, You know.  We do what we do for all kinds of reasons.  Sometimes we do not even know why we do what we do.  We need Your salvation to live in the relationship You have offered us.  Lead us according to Your word that Your people may hold fast to the truth You have delivered once for all.  We do not know when our time here will be finished.  You alone can enable us to run the course to win the prize.  We are all in a run for the glory which is ours only in You.  Help us to not stop running but endure to the end.

Lord, I become tired of this world.  There are so many things that are going on around me.  Lead me out of the pit of despair to run the course that has been set before me.  Everything You set before me has a purpose.  Help me to press through so that I may become what You are making of me.  Continuously guide me in the upward call You have given me.  Grant that nothing would hinder the faith You have given me.  Amen.

“However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’  But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:9-10).

I cannot prepare for you.  I write these devotions to be prepared, and I share them with You to urge you to prepare, but I cannot do it for you.  My desire is that you be strong in the faith, but I too must go through the daily struggle to be prepared lest our Lord find me asleep.  Even if I do fail, will that keep you from preparing according to the word of the Lord?  We each have our part, and yours will fall upon you, for you alone will stand before the Lord to give an account.

Lord, in this world we look around and too often do what we see others do.  Help me to narrow my focus so that I do what You have shown me to do.  You alone are the author and finisher of my faith.  Continue to lead me and teach me to keep my eyes upon You.  Through all things, aid me to not be distracted by those around me, but to be faithful no matter what may come upon this life here and now.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior, and I must be saved.  Guide me in the salvation You have given me.  Help me to prepare and in preparing, be prepared for whatever may come.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy so that I humbly listen to You and heed Your direction.  Lord, thank You for being tenacious with me.  Keep me standing firm in this faith You have given me knowing that it leads me to forever with You.  Amen.

“Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.  But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out’” (Matthew 25:7-8).

Are you ready to meet the Lord?  Many say, “I am Christian,” but they are not living the new life they have been given.  They do not prepare to be able to give an account of the hope that is within them.  Others do what they do.  What about you?  Are you taking advantage of, and learning how to live, this new life?  Are you studying to show yourself approved?  Are you praying constantly — beyond just asking for stuff?

Lord, You know where I have a kindergarten-level faith.  Help me to move away from childishness and into a life of faith that seeks You every day.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to not be lazy with this faith that You have given me.  Lead me in the way of life that You intend for me to live.  I do not always know what to do, but You do.  Help me to draw closer to You each day so that I may be ready for whatever may come.

Lord Jesus, You have given us warning upon warning and I see the signs all around me.  Lead me into this life of faith that You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to stand firm in the truth, for You have spoken the words of eternal life.  Help me today to be diligent in doing what You give me to do.  Keep me holding fast to the truth.  Amen.

“Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep.  But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him’” (Matthew 25:5-6).

The Lord does not play tricks with us.  He does want us to always be ready to meet Him with the hope that He has given us.  Being ready is tied to being diligent.  If we are to become like Christ, we cannot stop until we are stopped.  Some become weary of the journey.  Ask the Lord to give you more stamina to continue the journey.  Be on the alert, for the wicked one is on the prowl.  Be aware and see the signs.

Lord, this age is filled with sign after sign.  I watch those whom I thought were faithful seemingly falling to my left and right.  Sucked in by the whims of this world, they seem to be asleep to You.  Help me to have the eyes to see and the ears to hear so that I do not fall asleep or get caught unaware of all that is going on around me.  You are my provider, Lord.  Guide me to prepare for what You know is ahead.

Father in Heaven, all things are in Your hands.  Through Your only begotten Son, You have given me new life.  Help me to live that life.  Keep me close to You, drawing ever more near so that I may see what You show me and not fall into the slumber of this world.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me now and always to hold fast to the salvation You have given me.  Amen.

“For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps” (Matthew 25:3-4).

Are you prepared to give an account of the hope that is within you?  It is tempting to simply rely on the idea of the grace of Jesus and do nothing.  That is not wise.  Come, the Lord says, let us reason together.  You are diligent about earthly things, so why are you not equally diligent about your eternal life?  Forgive me for saying this if you are.  Jesus wants to awaken you to the urgency of His kingdom.

Lord, You know how lazy I can be.  I spend my time the way I want to spend it.  I am often frivolous with important things and focus upon things that do not matter.  Lift me out of the indifference of this life to see things as You would have me see them.  Continue to lead me up and out of this world’s thinking to put on Your mind and see things the way You know I need to see them.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save me.  Beyond knowing that my sins are forgiven, help me to live this life which You are offering me.  Take the energy I pour into temporary things and help me to pour them into the life You intend for me to live.  Take me ever deeper into the mystery of the faith You have revealed to me so that I may continuously grow into Your likeness.  Amen.

July 27: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12)

Genesis 18:17-33 (Abraham pleads with God: don’t destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous people are found)

                ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:20-32 (Eliminates God debating whether to tell Abraham what he is about to do, and a concluding verse)

Psalm 138 (God is holy; his love endures; he regards the lowly, sends the haughty far away)

Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) (Live rooted in Christ; in Baptism, you are dead to trespasses, alive to Him. Don’t get fussed about non-essentials; cling to Christ, the Head!)

Luke 11:1-13 (Lord, teach us to pray; Lord’s Prayer; ask-seek-knock)

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Opening Hymn:   Holy Majesty, Before You: LBW #247

OR Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

OR Our Father, God in/Who From Heaven Above, v. 1-3: ELW #747, LSB #766

Hymn of the Day: O Thou, Who Hast of Thy Pure Grace: LBW #442 (Same tune as for these other hymns; yet another, abbreviated paraphrase of Lord’s Prayer)

OR Our Father, God in/Who From Heaven Above, v. 4-6: ELW # 747, LSB #766

OR Our Father, God in Heaven Above: ELW #746 (this is a 4-verse version of the longer hymn, using the same tune. Use this if you want to use other hymns opening and closing service).

Communion Hymn #1: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW #439, ELW #742, LSB #770

Communion Hymn #2: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, ELW #402, LSB #769

Closing Hymn:  Our Father, God in/Who From Heaven Above, v. 7-9: ELW #747, LSB #766

                OR Abide With Us, Our Savior: LBW #263, ELW #539

Abide, O Dearest Jesus: LSB #919

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

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw the people of this congregation into a life of prayer with you. Help us to ask for your mercy; to seek your guidance; and to knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends, and neighbors into a closer walk with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver your persecuted servants from evil.  Help them to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use ways to introduce unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in paths of righteousness. Help us to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Give health and safety to all people; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion, and other evils. Transform them, and conform them to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal all our hearts, so that we reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut. Today we remember before you: {List}. Graciously answer them from the wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care all who died clinging to the promises which have their Yes in Christ. Comfort those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

July 20: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11)

Genesis 18:1-14 (Abraham and Sarah entertain 3 divine visitors; they’re promised a son)

                ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:1-10 (Eliminates Sarah laughing)

Psalm 27: (1-6), 7-14 (The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?  I’ll seek his face.)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 15 (Those who are blameless dwell with God)

Colossians 1:21-29 (The mysteries of God now revealed, including to the Gentiles; for His sake, Paul suffers, teaches, prays, warns, works to present Colossians as mature believers)

                ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:15-28 (Adds description of Christ, “firstborn of creation”)

Luke 10:38-42 (Mary and Martha entertain 1 divine visitor!)

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Opening Hymn:   Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now: LBW #253, ELW #527, LSB #902

                OR How Firm a Foundation, You/O Saints of the Lord: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

Hymn of the Day: Come, Risen Lord, and Deign to be Our Guest: LBW #209

OR Be Present At Our Table, Lord: LSB #775

Since words and melody aren’t copyrighted, here they are. Sing to the Doxology.

Be present at our table, Lord;

Be here and everywhere adored.

Thy mercies (or creatures) bless, and grant that we

May feast in paradise with Thee.

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

Communion Hymn #1: You Satisfy the Hungry Heart: WOV #711, ELW #484, LSB #641

Communion Hymn #2: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

Closing Hymn: Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

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

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, thank you for the gift of hospitality. You let us entertain angels unaware! Give us generous hearts, so we may refresh and gladden the hearts of others. Fill us with your Spirit, so that by faith, we may gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven, given to us in your well-beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up your Church in mature faith, patient suffering, generous service, and gracious hospitality. Use it to reveal the mysteries of your love, so that many people seek your face, and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Let all we say and do to lead our neighbors to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your servant Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as do many Christians in this day. Make them desire to glorify you. Help them encourage one another to be witnesses to their Savior, who prayed even on behalf of his persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for all the people and nations on earth. Let your holy presence dwell with us. Grant that we may know your will, and seek your peace. Teach us to sit at your feet; to love your Law; to display your mercy; and to share your blessings with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strength and shield of all who stand in harm’s way to protect life and liberty. Give them courage and competence. Heal wounds of body, soul, and mind. Restore them to their loved ones. And help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their duties have ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Strengthen their bodies, refresh their hearts, take away their fears, and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness and competence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our departed loved ones who now receive that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn. Help us to nourish all who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Welcome us, and all whom you have redeemed, into your spacious House. There, let us no more be strangers, servants, or guests, but your dear children, who see you face to face forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

July 13: 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10)

Leviticus 18:17-19; 19:9-18 (you shall not be sexually impure, nor lie, cheat, or show partiality; you SHALL reprove your neighbor; love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord your God)

                ELW/RCL: Deuteronomy 30:9-14 (God will prosper those who obey his commands. His word is very near you)

Psalm 41 (Love the poor; Lord, defend me from my enemies)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in truth, remember me in mercy)

Colossians 1:1-14 (You are bearing the Gospel’s fruit; lead lives worthy of Christ; clothed in his power, you shall endure, be joyful & give thanks)

Luke 10:25-37 (Who’s this neighbor I’m supposed to love? Parable of Good Samaritan)

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Opening Hymn:   Jesus, Thy Boundless Love To Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

OR Beloved, God’s Chosen (easy tune, and I like Susan Palo Cherwien’s words): ELW #648

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

OR O Praise the Gracious Power: ELW #651 (Tom Troeger words. Don’t know the tune, looks easy)

Communion Hymn #1: Bind Us Together, Lord: WOV #748

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

Communion Hymn #2:  Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708

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

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

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Lord, for giving us the ministry of showing mercy to others. We confess that sometimes we are distracted or self-absorbed. We make excuses for “passing by on the other side.”  Forgive us, Father, and kindle your Holy Spirit within our hearts. Make us signs of your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When your Church lies wounded and bleeding, and its leaders pass by on the other side, send your dear Son to be her Good Samaritan. Anoint her with the oil of healing and gladness. Feed her with the medicine of immortality, the Body and Blood of her Savior. And raise her up to be your “Mercy Hospital” for a hurting and hurtful world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the hearts of everyone in this congregation with kindness and mercy. Make us holy and humble, gentle and good, courageous and compassionate, all in equal measure. Make us into your kindly beasts of burden who bear wounded and dying souls to the healing presence of Jesus, their Good Physician.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our persecuted sisters and brothers cry to you for help. Give them strength, hope, and courage in their suffering. Do not let us ignore their plight. Forgive and transform evildoers who have wounded them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give sharp eyes, wise hearts, and generous hands to our elected and appointed leaders, wherever they are given authority and power. Help each of us to notice our neighbor’s distress. Give us all the grace and the willingness to show them mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect the farms, businesses, and homes of those affected by flood, fire, wind, or drought. Keep safe all who work to repair and strengthen bridges, roads, dams, and levees. Open wide the hands of all your people, to help provide for those whose homes and livelihoods have been washed or shriveled away.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the healing balm of Jesus’ grace and mercy to all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit, including those we name before you now. Bless all who act as Good Samaritans to them. Let all that is needed for health and hope be provided, and restore them to full fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving your fullest healing to our beloved dead. Bind up the hearts of those still wounded by grief. Help us to show kindness and mercy to everyone we meet throughout our earthly pilgrimage, for we do not know the burden of suffering they bear. Fill us with your life-giving Spirit. And, by your grace, bring us into your house of healing, life, love, and peace, which your Son has prepared for all whom he has redeemed, and where we shall abide with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

July 6: 4^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9; closest Sunday to Independence Day)

Isaiah 66:10-14 (All who love Jerusalem, rejoice; as mother comforts children, so God will comfort you)

Psalm 66:1-9 (Sing praise to God for his awesome deeds!)

Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18 (Correct sinners in spirit of gentleness; sow to the Spirit, not the flesh; reap harvest of salvation in Christ)

                ELW/RCL: Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16 (Optional correction, burden bearing; eliminates Paul’s final words)

Luke 10:1-20 (The mission of the seventy)

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Opening Hymn:   Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893

Hymn of the Day: LBW #384, Your Kingdom Come, O Father (very singable; Finnish folk tune)

OR Spread, Oh Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord (same basic hymn): LSB #830

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

Communion Hymn #2: Sent Forth By God’s Blessing: LBW #221, ELW #547, LSB #643

Closing Hymn: God of Our Fathers:  LBW #567

OR Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: LBW #332, ELW #890

OR This is My Song: ELW #887 (Tune is Finlandia. Words are heartfelt and timely)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting us with the mission of spreading the Gospel throughout the world! Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of everything Jesus has taught. Thank you for your Son’s grace and forgiveness when we fall short. And thank you for his promise to give us his strength and authority, which is sufficient for all our needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son sent the Seventy to announce your Kingdom’s close approach. We pray for the Church across the earth. Grant that, in the power of the Spirit, it sows your Word in many hearts. Let it correct, encourage, comfort, and instruct sinners gently. May it reap a harvest of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation eager to worship, pray, and serve. Help us to endure rejection and to focus on the joy in heaven over each sinner who repents and turns to Jesus in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As a mother comforts her children, we pray that you would comfort your persecuted Church. Give it gentle and valiant faith, so the hearts of its tormentors may be softened with repentance and remorse.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for our country, especially as we celebrate the blessings of independence, liberty, and justice for all. Guide us, especially our elected leaders, in pathways of righteousness and truth. Let us continue to be a beacon of freedom to the world. Grant the blessings of justice and peace throughout the world, so that all people may live, work, and serve you with glad and quiet hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guard and protect all who travel this summer, especially families enjoying time together on vacation. Grant them refreshment and relaxation; and renew their love for each other, for you, and for the loveliness of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that all who suffer in body, mind or spirit may know that your Kingdom has indeed drawn near to them. Today we remember: {list}. Give wisdom and competence to their doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Grant them healing and hope, so they may praise your awesome deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, comfort your children who mourn the death of a loved one. Turn sorrow into rejoicing, and despair into confident hope. Give us such a spirit of gentleness, that through our witness, those who have strayed are encouraged to return to your forgiving and merciful care. Lead us into the full splendor of your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in praising and worshipping you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.