THE PRAYERS, 

9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Cycle B (July 22, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Merciful Father, establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Through its proclamation and deeds of mercy, use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Be the gracious and faithful Shepherd to your persecuted Church; and protect them from those who hate the name of Jesus and seek to scatter and destroy his flock. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him who is our Cornerstone and Savior. Grant that our worship, teaching, outreach and fellowship is always shaped by, and founded, on the witness of the prophets and apostles, martyrs, saints and confessors of the Church.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Draw our teens into closer fellowship with Jesus, so that the dangers and temptations of this broken and fallen world do not harm them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You pronounced judgment upon the false shepherds of Israel because they did not care for your people in accordance with your Word. Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to increase health, safety, and justice among their citizens, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Teach each of us to gladly share what we have with one another, confident that you will bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially those in our military and all first responders. Bless them with wisdom, courage, and skill as they complete their tasks. Use them to establish safety in chaotic places. Keep them safe; shield them when they fall; give steadfast and cheerful hearts to their loved ones; and grant them swift and joyful homecomings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tend and nourish, we pray, all the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed; and use us to help ease their suffering or sorrow. Especially this day we pray on behalf of: {List}. Fill them with your Holy Spirit and keep them close to their Good Shepherd’s side. Restore hope in many hearts; and grant the health and salvation that only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we entrust into your keeping all those who have died trusting in you, especially those nearest to our hearts. Grant us such faith in your dear Son that we may walk even through death’s dark vale with confidence, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your eternal home, where you have promised all whom you have redeemed, not morsels of bread and dry fish, but the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle B (July 15, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, judge your Church with equity and mercy. Cleanse it from false teaching, lukewarm worship, and hurtful words and deeds. Grant to all bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage, clarity and faithfulness of your servant, John the Baptist, so that at all cost, your Word of Law and Gospel might be proclaimed to all people, and many hearts might be drawn to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, the lives of many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in their hope for redemption in Christ. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep the people of this congregation faithful to our mission, which is to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words winsome; our actions gracious; and our lives lovely, so others desire to know more about the Lord we serve.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of the nations should have and should heed advisors who dare to speak truth to power, calling them to account for their actions, and always setting before them the high ideals of justice, integrity and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit, so that we might hear your commandments, seek to obey them, and strive to live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all those who stand in defense of life and liberty, whether in this country or in faraway places. Give them strong and faithful spirits; competence in emergencies; and a swift, safe and joyful homecoming when their work is done. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty; and shield their loved ones from sorrow and fear.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Especially this day we remember before you those who, like John the Baptist and St. Paul, are unjustly imprisoned. Grant them healing, hope, and courage. Give them the strength and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Help us to share support and encouragement, comfort and counsel; and restore them to fullest fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that in Christ Jesus, we have an imperishable inheritance and the promise of life everlasting. Fulfill that promise to all who have fallen asleep in him. Comfort those who mourn with the sure knowledge that their hope is not in vain. Give us strength to confess Christ without compromise; to trust him without reservation; and to rejoice in him without end. And bring us, with all of your servants of every time and place, into your most holy presence, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant y0ur all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8, Cycle B (July 1, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most gracious Lord, have compassion on your Church throughout the world. Heal it from every false teaching, unkind act, and unfaithful witness. Raise it up from sloth and sin; provide so generously for its needs that it may be generous in sharing your gifts with others; and by its winsome and lovely righteousness, draw all people into your Son’s life-giving presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to your persecuted Church, so that they may never despair of your goodness but rather give thanks to you forever for your great mercy. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with the spirit of gentleness, generosity, and compassion, so that we reflect Jesus’ goodness to everyone we meet, and our church becomes a byword among our neighbors for your strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For many, this is a week of holiday and travel. Keep us in safety and concord, that all may enjoy the blessings of freedom, leisure, friendship, and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you for patriots, past and present, who have served God and nation with honor. Shield and guide all who currently serve and protect our nation, here and abroad. Keep them strong; make them wise; heal their wounds of body, mind and soul; and use them to establish safety, justice and freedom. Grant comfort, patience and hope to their families and friends; and let their communities and country show them respect and use their gifts when they return.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe all who wear the sackcloth of suffering with the clean linen of your salvation and joy. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they constantly turn to you for help. And grant to all who love and care for them, such tenderness and skill that suffering and loneliness are eased and hope and faith are strengthened among us all

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no profit if we go down to the pit; nor shall dust praise your faithfulness. Therefore, we praise you for your Son’s triumph over sin, evil and death; and for the eternal life that you promise to all who call upon his name. Give us the full measure of your Spirit, so that we may trust you even when we are surrounded by our ancient enemies; may encourage and console one another along our common pilgrimage; and may cling to the Cross of Jesus until it unbars the gates of your Kingdom, and you welcome us home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Cycle B (June 24, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, still the storms of division, heresy, and selfish ambition among your people. Make your Church an ark of safety for all who are overwhelmed by the floodwaters of sin and suffering; and make it a rock against which faithless words and evil deeds are dashed. Grant that through its words and works, many people may see your strong saving love in action, turn to you, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Like Job, your persecuted servants cry out for a sign that their suffering has meaning; that their faithfulness is precious to you; and that their Redeemer lives and will vindicate them. Deliver them from evil; reveal your mighty arm and never-failing love; and reveal yourself to their tormentors, so that they should repent and believe in you. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Speak your word of peace among the people of this congregation. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, persistent in prayer, and tireless in loving service to all who find themselves sinking beneath the waves of suffering, sorrow or shame.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are overwhelmed by waves of suffering and sorrow; who have been shipwrecked by abuse, abandonment or injustice; who have been cast adrift in the pathless seas of confusion, delusion, or doubt; and who cry out, fearing that you neither hear or care that they are perishing. Extend your mighty hand and outstretched arm and deliver them. Particularly this day we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for bringing to safe harbor all who have died trusting in you. Give us ears to hear Jesus’ words, “Peace; be still” when all we hear are the wind and waves of turmoil, strife and fear. And, by his merits, bring us into your Kingdom, where with you and with all whom you have redeemed, we may dwell in joyful and blessed peace forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

4^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Cycle B (June 17, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most merciful Lord, clothe your Church with the beauty, holiness and righteousness of Christ. Nurture it with the living water of your Word and Sacraments, so that it may become the lovely dwelling-place for people of every nation, race, and tribe. Grant that its words and deeds may bear the fruit which you desire, and which last unto eternity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 We lift before you the plight of Christians around the world who are persecuted and reviled for your Name’s sake. Grant that their suffering may bear a rich harvest of faith, endurance, and forgiveness, until every knee should bow to adore you. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant this congregation firmly in Christ, our living water; so that we may abide in his love, share his forgiveness, teach his commandments, and share in his righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, in you all good and faithful earthly fatherhood finds its source, its guide, and its consummation. Bless all fathers, and all who act with a father’s love, not just this day but always. Fill them with holy wisdom, gentle strength, steadfast care, and patient hope; and grant that in their care, all children may find protection, guidance and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach our earthly rulers to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly; nor to stand in the way of sinners; nor to sit in the seat of scoffers. Teach them rather to delight on your Law; to meditate on it day and night; and to establish it as the source of justice, truth, and well-being among all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Keep in your special care all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Teach them your commandments; fill their minds with wisdom, their hearts with integrity, and their arms with courage and strength. Bless their loved ones, and grant them a swift and joyful homecoming.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, the refreshing waters of your compassion and healing; and grant that they may dwell in the safety of your care even in the midst of all that troubles them. Especially we remember before you: {List}.  Bless those who care for them; help us all to speak words of encouragement and offer deeds of kindness to them; and bring us all into the unending joy of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for gathering into the spacious branches of your heavenly Kingdom all the redeemed who have gone before us, especially those we love and miss the most. Grant that we may always find refreshment in your Word, blessing in your Sacraments, guidance in your Spirit, and forgiveness in your Son, so that, with all your people, we may be gathered into the welcoming shelter of your embrace and may abide there in joy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

3^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, Cycle B (June 10, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Father, purify and renew your Church, so that all who are baptized should do your will, speak your word, care for your people, and live as true sisters and brothers of your Son, our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cast out the forces of evil from this world which seek to destroy your suffering Church. Gather in your tender care all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Brother; and soften the hearts of all their foes, until they, too, repent and strive to do your will. Give a double portion of your Spirit to all missionaries of the Gospel, especially in places most hostile to its proclamation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the people of this congregation day by day. Give us generous and willing hearts as we seek ways of serving you and sharing your love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Strengthen the bonds of affection, respect, and care in all families. Give peace and health to homes filled with discord, abuse or grief. Enthrone yourself in every heart, so that, in loving and serving you, our true and heavenly Father, family members also draw closer to one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us leaders who work to do your will as they take counsel for the nations. We ask your blessing and guidance especially upon the elected and appointed leaders in our own nation and communities. Despite the brokenness of creation and the suffering inflicted by sin and evil, give your people a foretaste of the true freedom and lasting peace that only you can bestow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Arm those who stand harm’s way on behalf of others with courage, wisdom, integrity and skill. Crown with your blessing all they do which is in accordance with your will. Shield them when they fall, and give patient hope to their loved ones. Bring them home swiftly and safely when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who suffer, especially those who have asked for our intercession on their behalf, including: {List}. Refresh them with the healing power of your life-giving Spirit; help us to minister to them with compassion and gentle patience; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful and gracious Father, we thank you for the lives of our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your embrace. Grant comfort to all whose grief runs deep. Keep us safely in your Son’s faithful care; cheer us with your Holy Spirit; guide our steps and shape our lives in accordance with your will; and bring us to the joyful homecoming with all whom Christ claims as sister and brother, mother and friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE CHURCH ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST
Devotional for Day of Pentecost 2018

There was a news item sometime back about a man from Mankato, Minnesota, who was fined $100 for trying to set fire to an evangelist while he was preaching. My guess is that there are a lot of Christians today who need to be set on fire in a figurative and positive way. The church on the Day of Pentecost was a church that was set on fire. It was ablaze with enthusiasm, excitement, and power. What was there about this particular church that made these people so responsive to this kind of outbreak of Christian fervor?

First, the church on the Day of Pentecost was A CHURCH OF INTENSE FELLOWSHIP. They really loved each other. They had strong bonds of care and concern for each other.

There is a church in Chicago that officially is named St. Stephen’s. But it is also known as “The Church at the End of the Road.” And don’t you think that “at the end of the road” is a fitting location for a church? For there are many people who are at the end of their ropes and at the end of life’s road. Their hope and strength are gone. “At the end of the road” is also where the church needs to be.

The church at its best is a caring church. A church where love is experienced. And that certainly was true of the church on the day of Pentecost. They ate together, sang together, worshipped together, and even had their possessions together. They gained strength from their intense fellowship.

Second, the church on the Day of Pentecost was A CHURCH OF STRONG UNITY. People of different backgrounds, social classes, languages, skin colors, and national origins all heard the same Gospel in their own native tongue. But rather than fragmenting into tiny, self-serving interest groups, the church on the Day of Pentecost was drawn into a cohesive whole.

When Billy Graham held his historic crusade in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1960’s, he insisted on an integrated choir. A local newspaper wrote in an editorial that Billy Graham’s coming to Alabama had set the church there back a hundred years. Billy Graham’s answer was classic. “If that is the case,” he said, “then I have failed in my ministry. For I had intended to set the church back two thousand years – back to the Day of Pentecost.”

When the waters of God rise, the dividers disappear. People are not separated by race, color, or language. Rather we are all precious souls for whom Jesus died. Where the Spirit of God is, there is unity.

And then third, the church on the Day of Pentecost was A CHURCH THAT REACHED OUT TO OTHERS. Where the Spirit of God is, people are concerned about sharing the Good News of Jesus with their family, friends, and neighbors. The church on the Day of Pentecost was a rapidly growing church because they were reaching out.

At the end of World War II, Robert Woodruff, president of Coca Cola, declared, “In my generation it is my desire that everyone in the world will have a taste of Coca Cola.” Today Coca Cola is sold throughout the world, because one man by the name of Robert Woodruff motivated his colleagues to reach their generation all around the world for Coca Cola.

Is it our desire in our generation, that everyone around the world would know Jesus Christ?

Richard Lederer, author and speaker, has become nationally known for collecting what he calls examples of “Anguished English.” He gathers such things as unintentionally funny headlines and signs.

People Magazine once did a story on Lederer. Their photographer asked him to think about setting up a humorous, posed picture that would summarize his work and would lead into his article. He did not have to fabricate anything.

On the outskirts of his town stood a telephone pole with a street sign that read, “ELECTRIC AVENUE.” Right below that street sign was a yellow diamond traffic sign that announced, “NO OUTLET.”

And that is the greatest danger for the church. That we will have God’s electricity, but no outlet. That we will experience God’s power, but then refuse to share that power with others. We will not let that power empower us to do something. That we will experience God’s love and unity among ourselves, but then shut others out. That we will experience the joy of the Holy Spirit, but then not want to and not try to share that joy with others.

The answer is really quite simple. The source of power is the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is, there is intense fellowship and a strong unity. And where the Spirit is, there is a great concern for reaching out to others.

Dennis D. Nelson
President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE

THE PRAYERS, 

2^nd  Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 4, Cycle B (June 3, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord God, grant that throughout the world, your Church may enter into your Sabbath rest. Teach it to more perfectly love, praise, and worship you. Refresh and strengthen it for witness and service. And make it a haven of peace, joy, and fellowship where many may find health and salvation through the merits of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give renewed strength and courage to your persecuted servants. Make their words, deeds, and lives shine with the love of Jesus. By their faithful witness, confound and convert their tormentors. And give a double portion of your Spirit to all missionaries of the Gospel, especially in places most hostile to its proclamation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who must work on the Sabbath, on holidays, through the night, or in long or swing shifts. Renew their strength and dedication. Grant that they may pray and glorify you amid the challenges of their labors. And let them be an example and an encouragement to all with whom they work.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly leaders – whether their responsibilities are in government, education, business, the military, or elsewhere in our culture, community, and country. Make them wise, good, and just. Remind them that they must give an account of their leadership to you, the Lord, Judge, and King of all nations. And grant that, under their guidance, all people may live peaceable and goodly lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You delivered your people Israel from earthly bondage to cruel overlords. We beseech you on behalf of all who are in bondage. Some are slaves to drugs, violence, or pornography. Others have been coerced into hopeless, brutal servitude. Deliver them from evil, dear Lord; and help us to be instruments of your Sabbath peace to them as they heal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The healing you bring to all who suffer is a foretaste of your eternal Sabbath rest. Bestow it upon all who are burdened and sorrowful – especially {List}. Restore them to health and hope, and to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for receiving our blessed dead into the perfect peace and abundant life of your Kingdom. Bring your comfort, strength, and peace to all who labor under sorrow’s load. Refresh all of our hearts, so that we may be of good courage throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And receive us, with all whom you have redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus, into that joy-filled Sabbath rest which has no end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.