“If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a
reward.  If any man’s work is burned up,
he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire”  (1 Corinthians 3:14-15).

Keep in mind the context.  This is not a “do good works for a reward”,
but in the context of walking with the Lord faithfully.  What you do in this life will ultimately
either fall in the category of being in accord with the Lord’s will or else,
against it.  Therefore, do that which is
pleasing to the Lord and increasingly become more like Christ.  The question is: how much of yourself will
you take into eternity?

Lord, lead me in such a way that those good things which are
Christ-like dwell richly in me.  Let me
not be caught up in this world’s nonsense. 
Help me to focus on having a character that is pleasing in Your
sight.  Aid me to do what You give me to
do knowing that only that which is in accord with Your will shall last.  Guide me, Lord, toward the goal of growing as
Your disciple.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead
the way.  I am often distracted and
wander in many directions.  Lead me in
the Father’s will to be whom You are making me to be.  Guide me to be obedient and simply obey when
You ask me to do something.  Help me see
clearly the difference between what is pleasing to You and what is being
offered by the world.  Keep me in the way
of faithfulness.  Amen.

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid,
which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man
builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
straw,  each man’s work will become
evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and
the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.”  (1 Cortinthians 3:11-13)

Who you are is evident in what
you do and how you do things.  Do not be
led by the ways of this world, for they are fleeting and will soon be
gone.  Be led by the eternal Word of the
Lord who gives instructions for the ages. 
Know that in the Lord, there is hope and an eternal future.  Laying a foundation upon the things of this world
is only temporary.  Which shall be your
foundation?

Lord, guide me to choose the better portion.  Help me to understand that only in You is there
a future that is unending.  I desire more
time, but only in Your Word do I find the hope that is unending.  Show me how to walk the path You lay before
us all that I may abide in Your presence now and forever.  Let me walk through every test with You by my
side that I may come out on the other side with You.

Lord Jesus, You also walked a
path that did not leave You unscathed. 
Help me see that walking in this world is not an easy thing, yet, with
You, it is assured.  Guide me in all of
Your ways that I would walk abiding in You and You in me.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life that I
would see that my hope is in You alone. 
Lead me, Lord Jesus, to do those things which are pleasing in the
Father’s sight and will bring me closer to who You are making me to be.  Amen.

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s
building.  According to the grace of God
which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and
another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.”  (1 Corinthians 3:9-10)

Each person is a unique creation
of the Lord.  Salvation is one person at
a time, for each of us will be built up in Christ according to the plans of the
Lord.  We each have our part in helping
shape others just as we have been shaped over our lifetime by many.  Do your part and be willing to be a
part.  The Lord, who is Master over all,
directs all that is happening that His will may be done.

Lord, guide me to be willing to be shaped as You know I need to be
shaped.  Your Word has told me that I
shall be like Christ and I do not fully know what this means.  Guide me to see that in You is the only hope,
for what I shall be I may not know, but I do know I shall be like Christ.  Lead me, O Lord, to live into this life for
which You have invited me that I may grow in Christ-likeness.

Lord Jesus, You have exhibited the model of the godly life.  You have called each of us to follow You that we may become like You in preparation for all that is to come.  Help me to not resist doing my part of being a part of all that You are doing.  Guide me in the power of Your Spirit to learn to obey all that You command, doing those things which are well pleasing in the Father’s sight.  Amen.

“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,
but God who causes the growth.  Now he
who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward
according to his own labor.”  (1
Corinthians 3:7-8)

Each is called to do their
part.  We each have jobs to do, but it is
the One who is over all who brings all things together for good for those who
love Him.  Be guided by the Lord and do
what He asks you to do.  Know that the
One who made all things will see His will accomplished on earth as it is in
heaven.  Do not work for a reward, but to
please the One who sustains all things.

Lord, prioritize my heart, mind and soul to be what You are creating me
to be.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of
truth that I would not be sidetracked by the trifles of this world.  Keep my focus upon You that I would do what
is pleasing in Your sight.  Guide me
through the things that entice me so that I can appreciate the good things of
this world, but let nothing get in the way of seeing You first.

Come Holy Spirit and minister to
my heart.  You know me better than I know
myself.  Help me walk through those
things that distract me to focus upon those things which You know are
good.  Lead me today and each day to be
focused and purposeful.  Help me live
into the life to which You have called me that I may now and always walk with
You leading the way.  In this purpose
help me to live.  Amen.

“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you
believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God was
causing the growth.”  (1 Corinthians
3:5-6)

Why do you look at the one who
has been a mentor to you rather than the One who is Lord of all.  Has not Scripture been fulfilled that says
that no longer will we be taught to know the Lord, for from the least to the
greatest they shall know Him?  Yes, be
thankful for those who have led you to the Lord, but place your eyes upon Him,
for He is the One who has saved you and the One who leads you.

Lord, in this world I am caught up with hero worship.  I look to those whom I look up to.  Guide me to be thankful for all who have
taught me, but to look to You as the One who guides all things to fulfil Your
will.  Let me see that You are the One
who causes all growth.  Guide me to grow
in You that I may increase in the gifts You have given me and use them to Your
glory.

Lord Jesus, You have been an
example of humility and service.  Guide
me by Your example to know that it is in You alone that we have hope.  Lead me to abide daily in You as You lead me
in the way I should go.  Help me to
understand that it is by the Father’s will alone that goodness comes to any of
us.  May I now and always look to You first
as You lead me in the way I should go. 
Amen.

“For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly,
and are you not walking like mere men? 
For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are
you not mere men?”  (1 Corinthians
3:3b-4)

We tend to look for bragging
rights.  But then, is this not behind the
sin of pride?  Who are any of us that we have
any reason to boast?  Is it on the
knowledge I have?  But then, did this not
come from another?  What grounds then do
I have to boast about what I received? 
Only this, that at the right time, in that while I was yet a sinner,
Christ died for me.  You and I are mere
mortals, so let us boast only in Christ.

Holy Spirit, check my spirit that I would not fall into the sin of
pride.  All that I need to know has come
from You.  You have used faithful
witnesses to share with me the things I know. 
Guide me in the wisdom You give that I would mature in this wisdom and
continue growing according to what You know I need.  Let me share with all the truth of the grace
You have given me.

Lord Jesus, though You are God in
the flesh, You came humbly and demonstrated the godly life.  By Your example, teach me to walk in Your
ways so that I would humbly follow You always. 
Guide me to share as others have shared with me.  Help me overcome the obstacles in the way
that I may become more like You.  Through
all things, strengthen me in this faith You have given me for Your sake.  Amen.

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to
men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.  I
gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive
it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly.”  (1 Corinthians 3:1-3a)

There is a reality in our
spiritual being while upon this earth. 
We begin as babes.  Remember,
Jesus said we must be born again.  There
are many things an infant is unable to do. 
But, you are called to mature and in maturity there are things you will
be able to do.  We should endeavor
therefor to grow in this faith we have been given, knowing that the Lord has a
plan for each one of us.

Lord, I become proud and think that I know all I need to know.  One the one hand, I know You are Lord and
yes, this is what I need to know.  But on
the other hand, You have called for me to grow in wisdom.  Grow me Lord that I would, in You, abide,
learn, and gain the wisdom You will impart to me.  Help me not let myself hinder this journey
You have placed me upon.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us all that we need to know, yet like small children who must grow up, there are many things yet that I do not know how to do.  Grow me in wisdom that I would be able to live into the greater things You have in mind for me.  By Your leading and in Your grace, do as You will that I may grow in wisdom and understanding, fulfilling the will of the Father.  Amen.

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for
they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are
spiritually appraised.  But he who is
spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.  For who has known the mind of the Lord, that
he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Those who are of the world think
the faithful are foolish.  “What do you
mean the Lord speaks to you?”  Do not
listen to the ones who cannot understand. 
Listen to the Spirit who guides and directs.  Know that in the Lord is life and it is found
in no other place.  Be guided by the One
who made you and not those who were made by Him but do not listen to Him.  He alone can guide in the way of life.

Lord, there are many voices around me. 
They vie for my attention and are constantly calling.  Cause me to hear Your voice above all other
voices that I would hear, listen and obey all that You speak.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Teach me what true obedience is.  Guide me according to Your will that I would
now and forever be led by Your voice above all the voices of this age.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to
constantly be in prayer.  Lead me to pray
without ceasing.  Guide me according to
the principles You have already given that I would walk humbly with You and You
would lead boldly with me.  Teach me all
I need to know and then help me walk according to all that You have taught
me.  You are my Savior, Lord, and in You
do I trust.  Amen.   

THE PRAYERS,

1^st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle A (December 29, 2019)

With joy and confidence, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs of all people throughout the world.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for making us his brothers and sisters, and for giving us the privilege of calling you Abba. Thank you for making us your family!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide and protect your Church. Let it cherish and share the gifts of life, forgiveness, and union with your dear Son.  Give it grace to proclaim them boldly and faithfully; and to bestow them generously, so that the family you have created in him may grow and flourish.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Son Jesus is always cradled in the hearts of the people in this congregation; and that we always speak and act in ways that are worthy of our calling as his sisters and brothers. We pray that more and more, we think, pray, speak, and act as your disciples, bearing the great gift of Jesus’ love to everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

On account of Jesus, innocent children were killed by Herod. We pray for our sisters and brothers across the world who are tortured and killed because they name Jesus as Lord. Protect them from evil. Keep their faith strong and their hearts pure. By their witness to the Babe of Bethlehem, call their tormentors to repentance and to faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all who care for the poor, sick, grieving and lonely in this season of joy. Shine the light of your love upon those in nursing homes, mental institutions, and hospitals. Grant your mercy and guidance to prisoners and to all who are addicted or despairing. Be the sure hope and protector of the homeless and refugees, especially little children; and lead them to safe shelter.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations a holy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Teach them your ways of faithfulness and justice. Bring healing and hope to people overwhelmed by natural disasters or human malice. Help us all to live in peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless and protect our military; police; first responders; and all who protect life and liberty. Grant them wisdom, integrity and courage. Let the innocent, the weak, and the vulnerable call on them confidently. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We sing of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings. Let the light of his countenance shine upon everyone troubled by pain, confusion, sorrow, sin, or grief. Especially we pray for: {List}. Restore them to life, health and hope; and to all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, keep safe those who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Comfort all whose grief runs deep during this season of joy. Keep us close to Jesus, so we know him as our wise brother as well as our mighty Savior throughout our earthly pilgrimage. You kept him, Mary and Joseph safe throughout their exile, and brought them into the Promised Land. Therefore we pray that you would bring us through the dangers and sorrows of this life into the eternal Home you have promised to those whom you name, for Jesus’ sake, your beloved children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Day, Cycle A (December 25, 2019)

As we worship the newborn Son of God, let us also pray that he may bring healing, salvation and peace to the church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

O Word made flesh, who dwells among us, bless the Church with a glimpse of your glory. Conform its worship to the adoration of the angels, the bliss of Mother Mary, the quiet goodness of Joseph, and the faithful reverence of the shepherds. Give it words to proclaim your glory and your love, especially to those who do not know you, so that through its witness, the whole world may join the song first sung at your birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are higher than every angel, and yet you are pleased to dwell in our midst. Bless this congregation, therefore, with joyful hearts, fervent worship, eager witness, loving service, and kindly fellowship, so that in all we say and do, we bear witness to you, our Savior and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, silence the taunts and break the spears of persecution against your servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. And transform their tormentors into confessors of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even the feet of your servants are beautiful when they speed to announce your strong saving love to those who despair of your existence, your power, or your goodness. Bless, therefore, all missionaries of the Gospel of Peace; all Christian relief organizations throughout the world; every soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and hospice; and every herald of your Kingdom who gladdens the hearts of any that sit in darkness and sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will; love justice and mercy; to walk humbly with you; and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the heaven-born Prince of Peace. But in this sinful world, violence and warfare trouble your people even on Christmas morning. Let your holy angels shield, strengthen, and direct the words and actions of all in the military; all first responders; and anyone whose work is difficult and dangerous. Give their loved ones “tidings of comfort and joy,” and homecomings that are filled with solace, healing, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the glorious light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope; encourage all who care for them; and let the great good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

In you, dear Jesus, we see the eternal love of your Father’s heart, and the eternal glory of his Kingdom. We thank you for drawing into that loving heart and glorious Kingdom, all those who died trusting in your goodness. Wipe away the tears from everyone whose grief runs deep. Bestow on all of us your blessed comfort, your holy and precious forgiveness, and your ever-faithful guidance. Fit us for your Kingdom; and lead us into the bright courts of heaven, and into the endless Day, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in undisturbed joy and blessedness, now and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.