“He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not
slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.”  (Psalm
121:3-4)

Happenstance is a word to
describe the randomness of life.  That is
just an illusion.  There is no
happenstance with the Lord.  He has
promised that everything has a purpose. 
Come then into the purpose of the Lord and know that He who is always
present knows all things.  Do not think
that things are random, but see that all things are within the purpose of the
Lord.  He who knows you watches over you.

Lord, when things happen that I do not like, help me not to excuse it
nor ignore it.  Guide me so that I see
that all things truly are in Your hand. 
Lead me into the way of life that You have set before me through
salvation that I would forever abide in the truth of Your goodness.  Let me see through circumstances that I may
know truth.  Help me in those times I do
not understand to live in faith.

Lord Jesus, things certainly did not go the way I would have liked them to go while You were walking the earth.  Yet You lived the life You gave for our sake in spite of, and not because of, circumstances.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth.  Help me to see in You the only hope in this age filled with strife and wickedness.  May I be guided by Your example to live each day in steadfast faithfulness.  Amen.

Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help
come?  My help comes from the Lord, who
made heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 121:1-2)

Whom do you look up to?  What is your source for what you need?  The One who created all things is the only
One who can provide all that is needed. 
Look to the Lord and His provision and be guided by the truth of all
that He says.  Know that the giver of
life is the One who knows all that is needed. 
Come to the help of your neighbor and seek the LORD while He may be
found.

Lord, I look around me and seek all kinds of things.  Grant that my heart would not settle for anything
less than the better portion which is found in You alone.  Lift up the eyes of my heart to look upon
You, the source of all life, and be guided by what You know I need.  Let my inward gaze be firm upon You that I
may now and always abide in the truth of Your presence and purpose.

Come, Holy Spirit, and minister to my heart.  You know that my mind knows these things, but often my heart is far away.  Guide me away from the ways of this world to look up and see that the help You give is always present.  Lift me up this day that I would seek the source of life and know Your presence.  What more can I ask?  You, who sees my heart, knows all that I need.  Amen.

Photo by Sean Estergaard on Unsplash

“Too long has my soul had its dwelling with those who hate peace.  I am for peace, but when I speak, they are
for war.”  (Psalm 120:6-7)

We live in a world that is at
war against the Lord.  They are also at
war against one another.  The heart of the
Lord is love and peace.  Those who hear
the voice of the Lord long for peace. 
Come then into the Lord’s presence and be one of peace and not war.  Dwell in the presence of the Lord and learn
the eternal values He offers by grace. 
Know His goodness and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Lord, I am in conflict.  You know
the hearts of all of those who dwell in this age.  There is war amidst the longing for
peace.  You have promised Your peace to
those who come to You.  Grant that I
would be a person of peace and live the way You have directed me to live.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that, in
spite of what happens around me, I would pass on Your peace to those around me.

Lord Jesus, You said that You
would leave Your peace with Your disciples. 
Help me Lord to live into the peace which You offer.  Guide me according to Your goodness to learn
to live in peace with my neighbors. 
Guide me in the way of peace to live this way despite what goes on
around me.  Lord, You have come to save
those who turn to You.  Save me Lord and
guide me forever.  Amen.

“Sharp arrows of the warrior, with the burning coals of the broom
tree.  Woe is me, for I sojourn in
Meshech, for I dwell among the tents of Kedar!” 
(Psalm 120:4-5)

Do you go to the places that
will produce trouble?  Do you listen to
things that will stir what is not right in your heart?  We live in a world filled with trials and
troubles.  Pay attention to the
environment of your ears and eyes.  Flee
from what will bring out wickedness.  Know
that the Lord will protect you but that you also need to do your part and stay
away from places and things that are dangerous to your heart.

Lord, whether it is what I am listening to, what I see as entertainment
or even walking on the streets, there are so many places that bring my heart to
wickedness.  I do not even know all of
the things that affect me.  Guide me out
of the pit that I may come into the light of Your presence and know those
things that are affecting my heart.  Lead
me to meditate upon Your Word day and night.

Lord Jesus, You know this world and the places of corruption.  Guide me that I may stay away from what would tempt my heart to sin.  Lead me according to Your goodness to walk humbly with You this day.  Shield my eyes, ears and heart so that I may not fall prey to the wickedness that is in this world.  Lead me along the narrow road of righteousness for Your name’s sake.  Amen.

Photo by Linda Xu on Unsplash

“In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.  Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be
done to you, you deceitful tongue?” 
(Psalm 120:1-3)

No matter how far you progress,
you are only as good as your worst moment. 
It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes
out.  The Lord knows what sin has done to
the soul.  The one who turns to the Lord
becomes sensitive to the depths of depravity to which we have fallen.  Cry out to the Lord in all of your trouble
and He who hears your prayers will listen to your cry.

Lord, You know my heart.  You
know the depths to which sin has ravaged me. 
Bring me out of the pit that I may learn to not speak what is deplorable
nor think what is unthinkable.  Guide me
by Your grace to think those things which are pleasing in Your sight and thereby
guard my lips.  Help me now and always to
listen to You that Your Word may dwell richly inside of me.  Deliver me from bondage to sin.

Jesus, You have come to set the
captive free.  You died on the cross that
we would be freed from sin.  Yet, sin’s effects
still have a hold on my heart.  Lord,
there is no excuse; only Your grace can change me.  Lift me up by Your mercy that I may overcome
those times when I fall for the depravity within me.  Lead me according to Your Word that it would
be Your Word that comes out of my mouth. 
Amen.

“Let my soul live that it may praise You, and let Your ordinances help
me.  I have gone astray like a lost
sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.”  (Psalm 119:175-176)

You know that this life will
end.  The Lord has promised eternal life
to those who trust Him.  Do you long for
your soul to live in the presence of the Eternal One?  You have gone astray.  Your heart has times where it is far from the
Lord.  Do you remember the commandments
of the Lord?  Come now and trust in the
Lord who created You.  Be guided by the
order of creation that He established.

Lord, I do not even know where to begin.  It is You who must rescue me.  Bring my heart to the place where it
surrenders to You.  Lead me according to
the way of salvation You have established. 
Help me now and always to simply abide in Your goodness, mercy and
precepts of love.  Help me to be one who
overcomes the adversity of this world that by Your grace I would be Yours
forever.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior
who has come to gather the lost sheep. 
Grant that I would be one of Your lost sheep.  Redeem me according to the Father’s will that
I would be able to abide with You in eternity. 
Lead me along the path You know I need to walk that I would learn grace,
mercy and Your precepts.  Teach me to
obey Your will that I would know how to live into the eternal life You promise.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

4^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle C (July 7, 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

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting us with the mission of spreading your Word of Law and 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 Christ in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As a mother comforts her children, we pray that you would comfort and bless your persecuted Church. Give it such a gentle and valiant faith, that the hearts of its tormentors may be stricken 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. Especially we remember: {list}. Give wisdom and competence to their doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Grant them such healing and hope that we may join them in praising 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 to all of us such a spirit of gentleness, that through our kindness, humility, generosity, and compassion, those who have strayed may be 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.

Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

3^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8, Cycle C (June 30, 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

Dear Father, thank you for promising to keep a faithful remnant to do your will! Number us, we pray, in that company. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we may live fruitful lives, glorifying you and nourishing and helping those who are starving for your good Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your Church. Give it ears to hear your still small voice; integrity of heart, that it may not bend the knee to modern-day Baals; boldness of spirit, to proclaim your Word to a world that is often hostile; and a double portion of your Spirit, that it may abound in grace and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and mission of this congregation. Keep us focused on doing your will, not acting on our own desires, fears, and opinions.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of Christ and his Cross. Help us to defend them before those who scorn the name of Jesus. Use us to provide for their needs. Strengthen us to do our small part in being a faithful witness to you, even when we are misunderstood or mocked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation. Bless it with freedom, justice, peace, and opportunity. Give wisdom, integrity, and competence to our leaders in government, commerce, research, education, manufacturing, and medicine. Grant to those leaders, and their counterparts in other countries, the desire to seek your will, and the strength to do it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our military, and all first responders. Give them courage and competence to do their work in accordance with your will. Bring healing to bodies and minds wounded in war; give patience and hope to their loved ones; and speed the day when the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all whose need is great, especially: {List.}. Grant them health, wholeness, and hope. Give them the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you promise that your holy ones shall not see the pit of death. You sealed that promise in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore we commend into your safe keeping our beloved dead. Grant to us, especially those whose grief runs deep, a sure and confident hope in your promises. Help us look not to the past, or to the fears, sorrows, doubts and regrets that beset us. Instead, give us grace to do what pleases you in this life. Give us faith to press toward the eternal joys you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

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.

Photo by Sarah Phillips on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Cycle C (June 23, 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

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word of Law, our teacher and disciplinarian. Thank you for your Gospel word of gracious forgiveness and freedom in Jesus. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us ears of faith to hear and do both words rightly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Preserve your Church as your faithful remnant in the world, so that it may be a blessing to many. Shape it into the image of your Son. Use its words and deeds to draw many to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation, its people and its work. Cause all things to be done to your glory and for the benefit of your people. Clothe us in the loveliness of Christ, for the sake of the people he loves.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your missionaries, so that through their preaching, many may receive the Gospel of forgiveness, peace, and life. Be the shield and glory of all who suffer on account of Jesus’ name. Sustain them in their suffering; deliver them from their enemies; and turn the hearts of evil-doers to repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You stretch out your arms to nations who do not know your name. Bless all the nations of the world with a longing to know your goodness and to do your will. Fill our leaders with wisdom, humility, and integrity, so that they may rightly use the authority entrusted to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and shield all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Let all they do be according to your will; and crown their labors with the blessings of peace and safety. Restore them safely to their loved ones when their work is done; and bring healing to those wounded in body, mind, or spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain the lives and cheer the hearts of all who cry to you for help, especially: {List}. Especially we pray for all who suffer from mental illness, post-traumatic shock, or addiction, and for their families. Help them find clarity and calm; restore them to their right mind; and heal relationships wounded by their affliction. Bless and strengthen those entrusted with their care; and let your saving help bring joy to all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, holy and gracious Father, for the deliverance you have accomplished through your beloved Son for all who have died trusting in your promises. Who still await that fulfillment pray: keep us steadfast in faith, clothed in Christ, filled with your Spirit, always eager to turn to you and cry “Abba, Father.” Accomplish your promised salvation among us. Even when death claims us, lift up our heads; so that with all whom you have redeemed, we may forever glorify your name and rejoice in your love.

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.