“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

“Let my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.  Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have
chosen Your precepts.  I long for Your
salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight.” 
(Psalm 119:172-174)

What comes out of the mouth
speaks of what is in the heart.  Do not
let the heart rule, but come into the discipline of the Lord and be ruled by
what is right and good always.  This
world has been in rebellion and the Lord has offered salvation for those who
come to Him.  Come to the Lord and know
the goodness of life and the promise of eternity.  Let His precepts govern your life.

Lord, daily I am mixed up and often do not know when things are awry.  Lead me by Your Spirit to seek what is right
and good.  Help me now and always to
abide in the hope of salvation You grant to those who trust in You.  Let my longing be for the truth and Your
presence alone that I would not give into the pressures of this world, living
as the unbelieving do.

Jesus, You are the way of life and You grant life through salvation to all who believe.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of salvation.  Lead me according to Your goodness that I would now and forever abide in the precepts of truth.  Help me to see Your goodness and mercy and to abide there day in and day out.  May my mouth speak Your teaching and my heart and mind abide with You.  Amen.

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“Let my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to
Your word.  Let my supplication come
before You; deliver me according to Your word. 
Let my lips utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.”  (Psalm 119:169-171)

Lord, You have given all that is
needed to live the life to which You have called all who come through
faith.  There are issues that get in the
way.  You are perfect and we are
imperfect, so we know where the issues come from.  You have promised to deliver all who come to
You from the wickedness of this world. 
It shall be done according to Your Word and in the way You have
established.

Lord, I am impatient and want what I want when I see I want it.  Change my heart to trust in You alone.  Guide me according to Your goodness to live
into the life of faith You have given me and to trust in Your timing for all
things.  Let me not get carried away with
my thoughts, but instead spend my time focusing upon You and the promises which
You have already given.  Save me according
to Your will.

Lord Jesus, You have declared that we are already clean by grace through faith.  As to the rest of the life and its struggles, You have promised that these too are in Your hands.  Help me this day to live into the life of faith You have given me.  Diminish my anxiety and lift up my countenance that I would simply abide in You this day, doing what is pleasing in the Father’s sight.  Amen.

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“My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.  I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
for all my ways are before You.”  (Psalm
119:167-168)

Do you love the Word of the
Lord?  The Word of the Lord loves
you.  He has given You His Word, but do
you live that Word?  It is a very simple
thing, but hard to do.  Meditate upon the
things of the Lord day and night.  Be
guided by the Lord and not by the world. 
Know that in the Lord is hope and eternity.  Come then into His presence and see that the
Lord is always good.  Know His Word and
know Him.

Lord, I am often so busy that I do not have time for You.  What a strange thought.  You, who are eternity, renew me when I make
time for You.  Change my heart, O Lord,
that I would have priorities that are in line with Yours.  Give me a love for Your Word that I may abide
with You in all of my thoughts and actions. 
Guide me now and always to walk into the way of truth You have put
before me.

Lord Jesus, You have given many
instructions, and I often treat them merely as a Sunday School lesson.  You have called me to always walk with
You.  Guide me this day, O Lord, that I
would truly walk in the way You have established.  Mature my faith so that I may learn and grow
in the ways I need to abide in You.  Save
me from myself this day, Lord Jesus. 
Amen.