“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.

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

Thank you, Father, for granting such faith to Peter that he could
boldly confess your Son as the Christ. Thank you for promising that the gates
of hell cannot withstand the gracious battering-ram of your faith-filled
Church. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin that the Church pronounces in
Jesus’ name and at his command.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to boldly confess Jesus as your Son, the Savior
and Messiah of the world. Teach it to
properly discern sin – and to faithfully preach repentance from it. Strengthen
it to generously forgive the repentant sinner, and to be pastoral in
withholding forgiveness from the persistently unrepentant. Use the Church to be
the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself and shapes them into
his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “This is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its
patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries
throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for
all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands,
hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St.
Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you
for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race,
creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and
have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make
the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other
with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who
take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power,
prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset
our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so that it may always be a beacon of
righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are
afflicted by any kind of suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Lift them
out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their
mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your
faithfulness and deliverance.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for your faithful
servants who have died to us but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain
us with that same strong and merciful hand. Equip us with every spiritual gift
we need to trust and follow Jesus; and to bear the light of his forgiveness and
goodness to everyone around us. And, sustained in fellowship with Christ Jesus,
may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world; and
made fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit
forever.

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

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into
your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin.
Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to always preach as John the Baptist did,
constantly pointing to Jesus and proclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes
away the sin of the world.” Prune
away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Use the Church to
be the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself, and shapes them
into his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak; come and
see that this is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its
patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries
throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for
all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands,
hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St.
Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you
for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race,
creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and
have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make
the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other
with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who
take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power,
prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset
our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so that it may always be a beacon of
righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are
afflicted by any kind of suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Lift them
out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their
mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your
faithfulness and deliverance.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for your faithful
servants who have died to us but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain
us with that same strong and merciful hand. Equip us with every spiritual gift
we need to trust and follow Jesus; and to bear the light of his forgiveness and
goodness to everyone around us. And, sustained in fellowship with Christ Jesus,
may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world; and
made fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit
forever.

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

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed
Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the
Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that
we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter;
in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit; bind it to your
Son; and give it your Word of truth. Make it lovely with your goodness, radiant
with your truth, and fruitful in its humble discipleship to your Son. Use it to
lead many people to the waters of Baptism, there to be transformed into your
beloved children.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, not only
high in your heaven but also in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us
with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness.
Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow
on us the blessing of peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O
Lord; nor let them grow discouraged or faint when they suffer on account Christ.
Give them such patience and gentleness that their tormentors turn to you and
repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are
called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops,
and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent
supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized this day; and
everyone remembering and giving thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as
your children – brothers and sisters of your dear Son! – and for filling us
with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness
and lovely with his compassion; and grant that we may glorify you in all we say
and do.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every
nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout
the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for
their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning
wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and
integrity over influence.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Take the hand and keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of
liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
counsel and might, so that all they do is in accordance with your will. Bring
them safely home, and speed the day when your presence and your peace makes deeds
of war unnecessary.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by pain,
sorrow, loneliness, or despair, and especially on behalf of those who have
asked for our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of
suffering and the prison of darkness, and lead them into the brightness of your
presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise
and adore you for the powerful mercy you have shown to your servants who have
died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed
through the waters of Baptism, may walk the bent and broken pathways of this
mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. And, by that
same powerful mercy, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your
presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in
the beauty of your holiness forever.

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.