“Restore our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South.  Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful
shouting.  He who goes to and fro
weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”  (Psalm
126:4-6)

We find that we are in a place
that is not home.  We are captives in
this world of wickedness.  Yes, there is
joy, but it is not our home.  The Lord promises
to prepare us for the home He has prepared for those who will come out of
wickedness and into His eternal presence. 
Come then and be lifted up and out. 
Be prepared to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lord, continue to work on my heart that I would grow in wisdom and
understanding according to Your goodness. 
Lead me in the way of everlasting life that I would now and forever
abide in the truth of Your presence. 
Take away from me those things that would hinder me that I might become
more like Jesus this day.  Guide me  O Lord, on the way to Zion that I would flee
the captivity of this world.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for
descending to us in order that we may ascend with You to abide with You
forever.  Lead me, O Lord, this day in
the way of truth.  Guide me by the
leading of Your Spirit to sustain the hope You give.  May I be found walking faithfully with You
this day, being led in the way that is pleasing to the Father.  Lead me always, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Cycle C (July 28, 2019)

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 and grace it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous in our prayer life. 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 conversation and prayer with you. Help us to boldly ask for your mercy; to constantly seek your guidance; and to persistently 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 the evil that afflicts them.  Help them to forgive and 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 every means possible for introducing 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 pathways of righteousness, justice and wisdom. Help us to cherish, preserve, and extend the blessings of liberty and opportunity for all. Grant a measure of health, safety and peace to the people of every nation; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who mock us and who would work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion and every other evil impulse. Cleanse, heal, and transform them, until they are conformed to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal the hearts of all who have been wounded by them, so that we may all 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 to them. We especially lift before you the needs of: {List}. Graciously hear their cries; and answer them from the abundant wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care those who have died clinging to those promises which have their Yes in Christ. Be gracious to 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.

THE PRAYERS, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Cycle C (July 21, 2019)

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 by which we may entertain angels unaware – or even Christ himself. Give us glad and generous hearts, so through our efforts, we refresh and gladden the hearts of others. And give us your Spirit, so that by faith, we discern and gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven that you give 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. Through its preaching, teaching and worship, reveal the mysteries of your strong saving love; so that many may eagerly seek your face, and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation – men, women, and children – to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Use all that we say and do to to lead many people to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of their Savior.

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; to encourage one another; and to be a witness to their Savior, who suffered and prayed even on behalf of his persecutors, and theirs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation; for our world; for its leaders and peoples; and for your presence to dwell with us all. 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 their wounds of body, soul and mind; restore them swiftly to their loved ones; and help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their tours of duty are ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of all who are afflicted with pain, suffering, or sorrow – especially: {List}. Strengthen their bodies; refresh their hearts; take away their fears; and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness, gentleness, competence, and common sense.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants whom we have known and loved, and who have received that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn; to nourish those who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness; and to help one another become mature in faith. Welcome us, and all your servants of every time and place, into your spacious House; where we shall no more be strangers, servants or guests, but your dear children who see you face to face, at home 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.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle C (July 14, 2019)

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

Holy God, thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of extending mercy and compassion to everyone we meet. But sometimes it overwhelms us! Sometimes we get “compassion fatigue,” and we make excuses for “passing by on the other side.” Sometimes we are blinded by distractions and self-absorption. Forgive us, dear Father, and kindle your Holy Spirit within our hearts. Make us lovely 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. Prevent us from ignoring their plight. And forgive and transform the evildoers who have so grievously wounded members of your Son’s precious Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, so much of our country has experienced dreadful weather this year! Bless the farms, businesses, and homes of those in flooded areas – and those who elsewhere are stricken by 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 – especially those we name before you now. Bless all who act as a Good Samaritan to them. Grant that all that is needed for health and hope is provided, so that they may be restored to full fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for providing the fullness of healing and mercy to our beloved dead. Heal the hearts of those still wounded by grief and care. Help us to show gentleness and kindness to everyone we meet throughout our earthly pilgrimage, because we do not know the burden of suffering that 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.

“When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like
those who dream.  Then our mouth was
filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among
the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us; we are
glad.”  (Psalm 126:1-3)

The citizens of Zion are the
faithful of the Lord.  Yes, the faithful
experience trials and tribulations. 
Jesus promised them.  But He also
promised that for all who are faithful, everything they experience will have
done them some good.  Learn to listen to
the Lord and be thankful that His hand is upon you.  The Lord has done things for you that are
beyond your imagining.

 Lord, help me to not be so circumstantial in my faith.  Help me to learn how to live by faith, trusting you every moment of every day.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see each day Your hand in life.  Lead me to be as You are, according to Your perfect, merciful and good will.  Help me get out of the way so I can be what You are creating me to be.  Teach me faithfulness in all things.

Lord Jesus, who is the author and
finisher of my faith, guide me by Your grace this day to live faithfully.  Keep me from stumbling, but even when I
stumble, teach me Your Sovereignty.  In
all things, be my Savior and the One who leads. 
Let me be counted amongst the citizens of Zion that I may dwell in Your
presence forever.  Lead me this day into
the Father’s will.  Amen.

“Do good, O Lord, to those who are good and to those who are upright in
their hearts.  But as for those who turn
aside to their crooked ways, the Lord will lead them away with the doers of
iniquity.  Peace be upon Israel.”  (Psalm 125:4-5)

We may think sometimes that the
grace of Jesus covers all of our sins. 
Yes it does, and no, it does not. 
If we think of it only as an outward salve to heal us, that it will do;
but the virus of sin will continue eating away at us.  If we take grace within, we will see that it
will attack the virus and slowly the goodness of God will grow in us.  The new heart is an upright heart that begins
the true healing.

Lord, let me not be simply comforted by Your Gospel, but help me to be
healed by Your Gospel.  Lead me ever
deeper into the truth of the grace You have given me.  Take it ever deeper into my soul that I would
grow in grace and live into the life to which You have called me.  Help me to not resist Your grace, but accept
through hearty repentance and true faith every direction in which You may lead
me.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we
might have a new life.  Help me to not
stop with the outward application, but take deep within me the truths of the
changed mind and heart You will create in me. 
Eradicate the virus of sin that I would become ever more holy in preparation
for the perfect and holy life You will give at this life’s end.  Lead me, O Lord, to where I need to go.  Amen.

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us to be torn by their
teeth.  Our soul has escaped as a bird
out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken and we have escaped.  Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made
heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 124:6-8)

The promise of salvation is for
all who come into the freedom that only the Lord gives.  Yes, there are trials and travails in this
age, but when the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.  You are free from sin, death and the
devil.  The name of the Savior is “God’s
salvation.”  Abide in the Savior and he
will abide in you.  In Him is found the
freedom of eternity and the hope of the ages.

Lord, in this world I do not feel free. 
I feel entrapped by all of the wickedness that is around me.  Help me to realize that I have been freed by
Your grace and can now abide with you day in and day out.  Lead me away from the traps and snares of
this age.  Help me to hold fast to the
truth You have shown me.  Guide me in the
salvation You have prepared in the sight of all people for Your name’s sake.

Lord Jesus, I need what You alone
can give.  Teach me what all of this
means.  Lead me in the way of salvation.  Guide me this day that I may learn from You
how to walk in freedom.  Show me what is
true that I may not fall into temptation and practice the things from which You
have freed me.  You are the Savior and
You alone know all that is needed.   Lead
me into Your truth.  Amen.

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us to be torn by their
teeth.  Our soul has escaped as a bird
out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken and we have escaped.  Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made
heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 124:6-8)

The promise of salvation is for
all who come into the freedom that only the Lord gives.  Yes, there are trials and travails in this
age, but when the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.  You are free from sin, death and the
devil.  The name of the Savior is “God’s
salvation.”  Abide in the Savior and he
will abide in you.  In Him is found the
freedom of eternity and the hope of the ages.

Lord, in this world I do not feel free. 
I feel entrapped by all of the wickedness that is around me.  Help me to realize that I have been freed by
Your grace and can now abide with you day in and day out.  Lead me away from the traps and snares of
this age.  Help me to hold fast to the
truth You have shown me.  Guide me in the
salvation You have prepared in the sight of all people for Your name’s sake.

Lord Jesus, I need what You alone can give.  Teach me what all of this means.  Lead me in the way of salvation.  Guide me this day that I may learn from You how to walk in freedom.  Show me what is true that I may not fall into temptation and practice the things from which You have freed me.  You are the Savior and You alone know all that is needed.   Lead me into Your truth.  Amen.

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against us, then
they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
then the waters would have engulfed us, the stream would have swept over our
soul; then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”  (Psalm 124:1-5)

If the Lord had not been on
Israel’s side, we may not have ever heard of them.  Look at history and you see that the Lord
preserved the people He chose.  And from
this, know that if you are in the Lord’s promise, you will be preserved by the
Lord.  Do not let wickedness sweep over
your soul, but come and live into the hope and promise the Lord gives to those
who are His.

Lord, take my eyes off of my immediate circumstance to see that You
have always preserved those who live in Your promise.  Guide me according to Your will to walk as
You would have me walk knowing that only in You is there hope and a
future.  May I not resist You as You
minister to my spirit.  Guide me, O Lord,
in the way of truth that I may now and always abide in You.

Lord Jesus, You are the promise and the hope of every generation.  Let my soul be comforted by Your promises that I may abide in You as You abide in me.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go this day.  Lift me up to be able to face whatever may come along that I may hold fast to the truth You have spoken.  Let Your Holy Spirit minister to me this day.  Amen.

Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash