“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the
unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise
your children are unclean, but now they are holy. Yet if the unbelieving one
leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases,
but God has called us to peace” (1 Corinthians 7:14-15).

One never knows the influences
the Lord uses between those who believe and those who do not believe.  In our sinful humanity, we often try to
figure things out like a three year old telling the world how things are, but we
are too limited in understanding.  Faith
trusts the Lord and we are called to trust. 
Trust the Lord above all things and know that He is always working to
bring about salvation to those who will be with Him forever.

Lord, take away from me the desire to figure all things out.  Guide me instead to see that in You is the
hope for all people.  You have brought
salvation that all who turn to You will be saved.  You know who they are and the circumstances
in which they live.  Help me to trust
that all things are in Your hands, for You will work all things together for
good for those who love you.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we
may have life.  You are the author and
finisher of our faith.  Guide me, O Lord,
in the way of truth that I may now and always abide in You.  Keep me from the pride that thinks I can
figure these things out.  Lead in the way
of humility that I may now and always trust that You are at work always; through,
in and around me accomplishing the Father’s will.  Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! We are challenged,
humbled, and empowered by his Beatitudes. Give us a double portion of your Holy
Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to
your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it constantly loves justice, does mercy, and walks humbly before
you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends,
families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

As today also commemorates the Presentation of our Lord,
let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted his life into God’s
keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been
fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the
sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of
your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

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.

“But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife
who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce
her.  And a woman who has an unbelieving
husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away”
(1 Corinthians 7:12-13).

Paul gives his opinion.  The Lord has already spoken about making two
one flesh.  But what is the purpose of
this?  Is it not for building one up to
become like Christ?  We often make laws
of what is meant as something to individually drive the sinner into repentance.  Do not be driven by any law (other than to
die to sin), but be driven by the upward call of the Lord into your eternal
purpose.

Lord, help me to not be reactionary. 
It is You who calls me to what You call me.  Lead me in the way You call that I may follow
according to the Father’s will.  Let me
not be tossed about by human opinions – even good ones – but stand firm in the
peace You give to those who believe.  If
in hardship, then with joy, if in plenty, then with thanksgiving; In all
things, lead me to be in You.

Lord Jesus, You alone are able to save us.  Sometimes it is tempting to think that I can do the right thing to gain merit.  But it is grace, not  the merit I truly seek.  Let me be content with whatever You would have me do.  Guide me according to Your goodness to seek what is the better part for my life, not as I see it, but as You know it must be.  Lead me Lord in the way of salvation.  Amen.

“But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better
to marry than to burn with passion.  But
to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should
not  leave her husband (but if she does
leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and
that the husband should not divorce his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:9-11).

This is not a law or even
instruction against marriage as has been interpreted from time to time.  This is an instruction about asking where
your priorities are and whether or not you are working on self-control.  This is speaking to one of the fruits of the
Spirit which Paul speaks of in Galatians. 
Become one who is self-controlled in all circumstances knowing that this
is from the Lord.

Lord, I live in an age with little self-control.  Help me to reflect Christ and not the world
in my self-control.  Guide me to see that
only in You is there hope for the eternal life that comes through You.  Guide me to become one who is self-controlled
and not tossed about by the winds that blow around me.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I
may now and always be guided by You.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the
grace You give.  Lead me this day that I
may see those places where I am tossed about by the chances of life.  Guide me in the ways You know I need to go
that I may be guided by Your goodness. 
Teach me what I need to know and remind me where I am acting like the
old Adam and not like You.  You are the
One who saves, but teach me to do my part in sanctification.  Amen.

“Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man
has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.  But I say to the unmarried and to widows that
it is good for them if they remain even as I” (1 Corinthians 7:7-8).

What are your priorities?  Are they what the Lord would have of
you?  Look to the Lord and allow Him to
lead your life in the direction it needs to go. 
Be guided in His knowledge of all things and be as He would have you
be.  Live in the grace which is yours and
know that the Lord is leading you where you need to be.  Be content in all circumstances and know that
the Lord has plans for you.

Lord, reveal to me the truth that You know all that is needed.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see
that only in You is there hope for the ages. 
May I have a passion for walking in Your ways and leave behind all
earthly passions that move me away from You. 
Be the One who leads, O Lord.

Lord Jesus, You know all that is
needed and Your grace is sufficient. 
Guide me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go that I would now and
always walk humbly in the way of Your leading. 
Teach me that all things are lawful, but not all are profitable that I
may live in the freedom You give.  No
matter the relationships in my life, lead me to live in a godly way to the
Father’s pleasure.  Amen.

“Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that
you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will
not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.  But this I say by way of concession, not of
command” (1 Corinthians 7:5-6).

Listen carefully.  It is by way of concession.  These things are elemental principles that
are to lead us to a place where we see how we are influenced by things
internally that move us to be sinners. 
Equally, we can be motivated by those things which cause us to be
saints.  Be led not by the ways of the
world, but by the way of eternal salvation. 
Know that in the Lord alone is there life.

Lord, help me to get over myself that I would be open to the eternal
principles You have put into place from the beginning.  There is no sin so great that it is not
common to all.  Help me to see clearly
that You will lead me out of the sin within that I may become like Christ who
is our Savior.  Guide me in this path
that I may now and always follow You.

Lord Jesus, You know my turmoil
within.  You know where the storms of my
inner life lie.  Guide me, O Lord, in the
way of truth that I may walk knowing You are alongside, leading me where I need
to go.  Guide me in the way only You can
that I would follow You where You know I need to go.  Let me not live a life of concession, but one
that is obedient to Your direction. 
Amen.

“The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the
wife to her husband.  The wife does not
have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the
husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does” (1
Corinthians 7:3-4).

These are elemental things.  This again is not a law.  Look carefully and you will see that we are
not made for ourselves, but for the other. 
Do not live in a self-seeking way, but in the way for which You have
been created.  Know that we are in a
struggle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powerful forces.  Be led by the Lord, and not by anyone else’s
ideas, and know life.

Lord, open my mind and heart that I might live for the truths You have
revealed once for all.  Guide me in Your
goodness that I may now and always abide in the way of life.  Help me to see what is needed and then help
me head in that direction.  Lord, You
alone must lead me in the way I need to go. 
Guide me by Your goodness in the way of salvation.

Lord Jesus, time and again You
demonstrated doing what was needed for the other.  You lived grace and gave to those in
need.  Help me to learn from Your example
that I would not weigh things according to what I can gain, but in terms of how
it would help me to learn to be faithful. 
Guide me, Lord Jesus, this day in the way I should go that I may now and
always live into the will of the Father. 
Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus! We marvel that in all things, even so
small a matter as being presented in the Temple as an infant, he was perfectly
obedient to the Law you gave to your people Israel. Thank you for the
faithfulness and Spirit-led insight of Anna and Simeon. They rejoiced in the
appearance of the Messiah who would, in perfectly fulfilling your Law, abolish
it as the way to the Temple of your loving heart. Lord, let us always live in,
depart in, and eternally abide in your peace.

Lord, in your mercy,
please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it always confesses, praises, blesses, and proclaims Jesus Christ
as Lord, Savior, Messiah and King. Fill it with the splendor of his glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so they, like Anna and Simeon, discern your presence and your will, and proclaim
your goodness and salvation to others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted
his life into God’s keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your
Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have
prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

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.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your
mercy, please 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.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your
mercy, please 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.