“How many are the days of Your servant? 
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?  The arrogant have dug pits for me, men who
are not in accord with Your law.  All
Your commandments are faithful; they have persecuted me with a lie; help
me!   (Psalm 119:84-86)

We often ponder the length of
our days in this age.  Will I live a long
and healthy life?  Rather than focusing
upon yourself, look to the Lord and ask for His benefits.  You are being prepared to be with Him
forever.  Will you spend the time
preparing to be the person the Lord has made you to be?  It is not just a matter of being focused on
then, but realizing what the Lord is implanting in you now.

Lord, help me to have heavenly priorities that are useful here and
now.  Guide me that I would learn Your
precepts and put them into practice.  Let
me not get caught up in lies of this age, but live into the righteousness You
give by grace and lived by faith.  Lead
me, O Lord, according to Your goodness to see the truth of all that You have
revealed through Your Word that I would live according to Your purposes.

Come Holy Spirit and lead me from the inside out according to the Father’s purpose.  Help me now and always to be attentive to those things which I need to learn and never let me fall prey to the lies of the wicked.  May I now and always be guided by Your presence and purpose as You recreate in me the image of Christ my Savior.  Guide me this day to do what is right and pleasing in Your sight.  Amen.

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“My soul languishes for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.  My eyes fail with longing for Your word,
while I say, “When will You comfort me?” 
Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget Your
statutes.”  (Psalm 119:81-83)

We may sometimes think that the
Lord’s favor is conditional.  “Lord, I
have done this, when are you going to do that.” 
The Lord is not slow, but awaits the perfect time for all things.  He who knew you before you were in your
mother’s womb knows all that is needed. 
Do not forget His statutes, but practice them in season and out of
season.  He who is just is faithful
always.

Lord, in times of trouble and adversity, guide me to see in You the
eternal hope You have promised.  Let me
never forget that I am in Your hands and that You are leading me as You have
always known I needed to be led.  Help me
Lord to see through the smoke of this age that I may walk faithfully in the
righteousness You give.  Grant me
strength to remain always faithful to You.

Lord Jesus, You know adversity.  You have come that we may have liberty and life through You amidst all the struggles of this world.  Help me, O Lord, to see through what this day brings, that I do not like to know, that in all things You will work out my salvation.  Keep me close to You always that I may increasingly become like You.  You are the author and finisher of my faith; lead me, O Lord.  Amen.

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“May those who fear You turn to me, even those who know Your
testimonies.  May my heart be blameless
in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.”  (Psalm 119:79-80)

The Lord calls us to be lifted
up that those around also know that we hear the Word of the Lord and obey all
that He commands.  It is not that we are
lifted up in ourselves, but lifted up because of our righteousness in the
Lord.  Come then and know the goodness of
the Lord and walk in His ways.  Let Him
lift up whom He will and follow and lead according to His purposes.

Lord, remove me from the equation so that I would do as You would have
me do.  You are Lord and You know the
purposes for which You have created each one of us.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of righteousness
that I would now and always walk according to Your Word of truth.  May I never be ashamed for the goodness You
have given me through Your eternal promises.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us how to walk blamelessly.  Lead me this day that I would now and forever walk according to Your goodness.  Help me through all of the obstacles that come my way.  May I now and always be found in You, the author and source of my faith.  Place me where You would have me and guide me throughout this day to do what is pleasing in the Father’s sight.  Amen.

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“May Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts.”  (Psalm 119:76-78)

It is never good to demand from the Lord. Always be respectful and request. Will You, Lord? The Lord grants affirmation to those who turn to Him. The Lord gives guidance to those who seek it. The Lord will humble those who trust in Him. Turn to the Lord and know the goodness of His ways. He will lift You up lest you dash your foot against those things that will hinder you.

Lord, turn my heart to look to You always. Keep me from seeking the ways of this world, but instead, would You grant me a turn of my heart to seek You always and in all things. Those of the world seek to subvert who I am, but You have come to rescue me that I may always walk in Your ways. Guide me O Lord in Your Spirit to always turn to You, seeking faithfulness in all things.

Lord Jesus, You are the way truth and life. Guide me in the way of life that I may live truthfully. Help me now and always to seek You first and the righteousness You give to those who follow You. Lift up my countenance that I would live into the righteousness to which I have been called. May I learn from You this day, humbly obeying all that You give for direction. Amen.

“May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:74-75)

Do you wait upon the Lord and look to Him to fulfill all that is needed? Is the Lord your righteousness? Faithfulness is a matter of trusting the Lord at His word and knowing that He will accomplish all that He has promised. Lean not on your own understanding, nor on your ability to figure things out, but upon the One through whom all things have their being.

Lord, You are faithful and You will accomplish all that You have promised. Guide me O Lord in the way of truth that I may know Your goodness and mercy. Move me away from the need to try and figure all things out and rather trust in all that You have said. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Your Word endures forever. All that comes my way in this life You already know about.

Lord Jesus, You have come that our doubts may be removed and we may know that in following You all shall come to pass as the Father has purposed. Lead me in trusting You above all things knowing that You shall add whatever else is needed as I walk with You. Guide me Jesus now and always that I would be glad in the truth You have revealed through Your grace. Teach me always trust You Lord. Amen.

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“Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:73)

What are the ways of life and who may know them? This world struggles to find its way, yet there is that consistency whereby people come up with the same rules. The Lord God established His commands in the beginning. Come then into His presence and live according to all that He has declared, for in Him is the way of living in harmony with all that He has created.

Lord, guide me ever deeper into understanding the way of life. You have set the ground rules and so many seek to thwart those rules and do things their own way. Lead me O Lord in the way of righteousness that I may never depart. Help me to see the errors of my ways and allow Your Word to rule in my heart and in all that I do. Only in Your statutes is the truth of how things work found.

Lord Jesus, You have come not to judge the world, for it is judged already. Guide me O Lord in the way of truth that I would now and forever abide in all that You have commanded. Keep me from stumbling and falling into error. Guide me according to Your precepts to live the life for which You have created me. May I now and always be found walking in all of Your ways.  Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Holy Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019 (Also Father’s Day)

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

Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire with love for God and for his people. Let your wind propel us out of our comfort zones and into the war zones of anguish, injustice, despair, and unbelief. There, let your tongues of fire kindle our tongues to speak words of truth and power, life and love, challenge and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, bless and preserve your holy Church, purchased with the blood of your dear Son and sanctified with the fire of your Spirit. Keep it steadfast in faith; sound in doctrine; loving in service; generous in giving; ardent in worship; and holy in living. In all things, make it a lamp filled with the light of your presence, welcoming and guiding many to salvation in your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shelter, strength, and inheritance of all who are hated because they confess Christ as Savior and God. Give them courage, graciousness, and hope; and soften the hearts of their enemies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the hearts and minds of the people of this congregation with your Spirit. Unite us to your Son; and use us to proclaim the gospel in words and deeds to all those we meet. Help us to seek out those who most deeply need your strong saving love; and to invite them into your holy fellowship, there to find joy, purpose, and an eternal home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is blessed, forgive us for the delusion that “father” is a dirty word, that fathers are optional, and that Men cannot be gentle and strong, or loving and courageous. Bless all earthly fathers. It’s a tough job and our culture has made it tougher. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, to accomplish your will as they care for their children. Comfort all who are estranged or bereaved. And help us to honor their place in our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With your mighty hand and outstretched arm, protect, guide and defend all those who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, including those in our military and all first responders. Help us to honor those who have died and help those who have been wounded; and to find ways that many may benefit from their experience and wisdom when they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no other God beside you, who are Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give your incomparable gifts of faith, wisdom, and righteousness to all people, especially to those who take counsel for the nations. Conform the hearts of all people to your will, and bless this war-torn world with the peace that passes human understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dearest Father, gather in your Son’s embrace all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Bestow upon them health and salvation; and bless them, and all who care for them, with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, we praise and adore you for welcoming into your eternal communion of life and love all who died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on you, the Lord and Giver of life, the Alpha and the Omega, the God and Father of all creation. Bring us, with the whole company of the redeemed of every time and place, every nation, tribe and tongue, into the joy of your presence, where we shall behold you face to face and adore you as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Lord and our God.

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 of the Church

Day of Pentecost, June 9, 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

Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire with love for God and for his people. Let your wind propel us out of our comfort zones and into the war zones of anguish, injustice, despair, and unbelief. There, let your tongues of fire kindle our tongues to speak words of truth and power, life and love, challenge and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Spirit, purify the Church with your holy and cleansing fire. Burn away its sins and schisms. Warm it with deep love for Jesus and for the world he came to save. Teach it to remember, cherish, ponder, teach and live everything spoken by Christ, especially his command to love one another as he has loved us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Breath of God, enliven and sustain everyone who is persecuted on account of Jesus. Give wisdom and gentleness to their words, and courage and prudence to their actions. By their faithful witness, convict and convert the enemies of the Gospel to lives of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Dove, descend upon the hearts and minds of everyone in this congregation. Teach us to pray, worship, forgive, witness, serve and love in ways that shine the light of Christ on the lives of those who need him most; and conform us ever more perfectly to his blessed likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed Advocate and Guide, we pray for those who have never heard the Gospel, or whose knowledge of it is so defective and distorted that they hate and scorn it. Cause their hearts to burn with desire for the God whom they do not yet know. Make them long for an imperishable Hope; for a living Truth; for a trustworthy Way; for a transfigured Life; and for a Love that will not let them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Spirit, Power Divine, direct, strengthen, and cheer the hearts of all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your good and perfect will. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to those who sacrificed their lives, patience and hope to their families. When they return home, grant them ways to use their skills and wisdom to build a better world for all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Bless, renew, provide for, and transfigure this broken world, until it conforms to the will and fulfills the desire of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach, purify and perfect the minds, hearts and wills of all people – especially those entrusted with power and authority; and bestow the blessings of peace, health, knowledge and tranquility upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving Spirit, breathe health, wholeness and hope into the hearts of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Grant refreshment to their spirits, and restore them to full fellowship with all who love them. Bless and guide everyone who cares for them in ways great or small; and keep in your special care those whose research and skill brings new hope to those afflicted by suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed and Holy Spirit, we laud and magnify your gracious protection and lordly power that brings the resurrection life of Jesus to all who call upon his name. We thank you for breathing his eternal life into all the faithful departed. Breathe the love of Jesus into us. Renew our minds and set fire to our hearts. Make our lives overflow with love and with the beauty of holiness, drawing others to Christ. Give us grace to enter into the blessed company of the redeemed, and by your power, to worship the Father in union with his dear Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

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 of the Church

The Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 2, 2019 (or Ascension, Transferred)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, glorious, risen, and ascended Savior of the world! We worship and adore you. We kneel in humble adoration before your majesty. Yet you take us by the hand and invite us to your marriage supper – and make us your Bride and your Body. You pray for us, and promise us your own glorious inheritance. You commission us to proclaim the good news of your strong saving love to the whole world. You give us your own work of forgiving sins. What else can we do but say, Amen, come, Lord Jesus?!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite all who confess your Name into your Body as your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church upon the earth. Fill it with your Spirit, and make it a faithful witness to your death and resurrection. Grant that the Church may always proclaim the gospel of repentance and forgiveness to the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow upon your persecuted Church the fullness of their glorious inheritance, won for them and for all who believe by the merits of your own suffering, death, and resurrection. By their faithful witness, cause those who hate them – and you – to repent, that they may receive forgiveness and newness of life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and guide the ministries of this congregation, so that in all things, your name is glorified and your will is done. Unite us ever more closely with you and with one another; and use our words and actions to draw others into the joy of the life you share with your Father and with your people, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all graduates. Give them joy in using what they have learned. Keep them steadfast in their love of truth, justice, and self-giving service. Make them eager to grow in faith toward you and in fervent love for others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shield and defender of all who risk their lives in service of country and in defense of innocent lives. Guide their decisions and actions; heal their wounds of body, mind and soul; comfort and strengthen their loved ones; and bring us all into that glorious day when war will be no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As you prayed for your followers, so we pray for the world, its rulers and its people; and most especially for our country and its leaders. Bestow peace and unity wherever suspicion and violence cause distress. Turn the hearts of many to seek and work for those things that please your heavenly Father, and that bring health, hope and justice to all: especially the poor, victims of violence, and the world’s children.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who endure the anguish of pain, grief, abandonment, shame, despair, or any other evil that afflict their bodies, minds, or hearts. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Grant to them the strong assurance of your presence, so that they firmly believe and deeply feel that they dwell in you, and you in them; and bring them to fullness of life, hope, and joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have ascended to the right hand of your Father, and you promise your life in Him to all whom you have saved. Therefore we confidently entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Dwell with us and in us. Draw us ever closer to one another even as you lead us to your Father’s embrace. Send us your Holy Spirit, to prepare us to share with joy in your wedding-supper. Hasten the day when we celebrate that eternal feast with all the people whom you have redeemed and united to yourself and  to your Father forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 26, 2019 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, blessed Bridegroom, thank you for making us your beloved Bride, even to giving your life for us! Thank you for making your Church, now troubled by evils within and without, the glorious New Jerusalem! Thank you for promising us joy in our fellowship with you and one another!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, grant to your Church the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Grant that, in a world shadowed by suffering, sorrow and sin, it always bears witness to your promise of joy, and shares the blessings of your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are fellow Christians who know that in this world, confessing your name may bring trouble. Make them confident that you have overcome the world.  Grant them such unshakeable joy that their enemies are astonished and confounded, and repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the Spirit fill every heart in this congregation with joy. Make that joy blossom into heartfelt worship, loving service, truthful witness, deep prayer, and loving fellowship. Use us to draw our friends and neighbors closer to you. May we shed the light of your love and joy in the darkest corners of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your joyous presence to our teenagers. It is easy for them to be preoccupied with school, sports, jobs, and friends. It can be hard for them to endure teasing or scorn because they believe in you. Fill them with the light of your love, so their lives radiate it and become a blessing to those around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend, we remember with reverence and gratitude our blessed dead, especially those who gave their lives in the service of our country. Grant that we order our common life in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice. Guide and strengthen all who currently serve. Heal them when they fall; shield and comfort their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.  And we beseech you to bring such peace to your world that the arts of war need no longer be known among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This world is filled with trouble of every kind; yet you have overcome the world and defeated the powers of sin and evil and death. We pray for our world; for its leaders; for all people, especially those who are most burdened by the sorrows and horrors of war, poverty, hatred, abuse, disease and despair. Bestow your Holy Spirit upon us all, especially those who make decisions that affect many lives: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord; and most of all, the Spirit of joy in your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Be gracious and merciful to them, and to all who care for them. Restore the bonds of fellowship and affection that have been strained or sundered by suffering and adversity; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome the world, the devil, and our sins. Thank you for delivering from those powers all who died trusting in you. Thank you for giving them eternal life. Let the fullness of your joy touch and heal hearts still shadowed by grief. Help us all to live in faith and hope, love and kindness, gentleness and peace, self-control and patience. Let us enjoy a foretaste of that deep and abiding joy that you promise forever to all whom you love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.