THE PRAYERS,

1^st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (December 31, 2017)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

Father, we praise you for your Word made flesh, your beloved Son Jesus Christ, who dwells in your Church richly. For his sake, provide the Church with pastors, bishops, and theologians who teach and admonish your people in all wisdom. ^*17By the gift of your Spirit, let all that the Church does, in word or deed, be in the name of the Lord Jesus, to your glory and for the good of all whom he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are persecuted for the sake of Jesus even in this holy season. They are your chosen ones, holy and beloved. Adorn them with compassion, meekness, and patience. Grant that the peace of Christ may so rule their hearts that their tormentors repent, and flee to the Savior for forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Make this congregation into a company of the upright, who delight in, study, and proclaim your mighty works of salvation. ²Clothe us with love, binding us together in perfect harmony. Let our lives display your redeeming power. Help us to draw our neighbors, friends, and families to faith in your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We stand on the threshold between the years. We entrust this old year into your merciful care. We pray for your blessing and guidance as the new year begins. Grant to each of us, and to all of us, that peace which the world cannot give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to the rulers of the world that holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom, so that they study your works and perform your precepts. Let faithfulness and uprightness, graciousness and mercy, guide those who take counsel for the nations; and bestow upon all peoples the blessings of food, shelter, health, employment, justice, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Angels proclaimed peace and good will at Jesus’ birth. But violence, injustice, and other evils still trouble the world. Shield and guide the men and women who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your holy will; support their loved ones with hope and patience; bring healing and comfort to those who are wounded and redemption to those who have fallen; and establish your peace in the world and in every heart, so that the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, especially: {List}. Grant that they may behold your salvation,³¹ dwell in the light of your love, revealed in Christ, and glorify you in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have let your face shine upon our beloved dead, O God, and have bestowed on them the fullness of your salvation. With gratitude and affection, we commend them into your care. Give us the faith of your saints and martyrs; for though we see your dear Son through the eyes of faith, we long to see him face to face. Until that day, grant that he may dwell in us richly, filling us with peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience – the enduring gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers, dear Father, for the sake of your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

WHAT KIND OF TENANT ARE YOU?

Devotional for October 8, 2017 based upon Matthew 21: 33-46

We’ve all heard of Murphy’s Laws. Here are some of Murphy’s Laws for Landlords.

That sweet young girl with the baby you rented to will start dating the motorcyclist from hell the very next week.

Tenants always have at least one relative get sick or die each month – so they will always be late with the rent.

If a tenant attempts to replace the washer in the faucet, plan on having to replace the whole faucet, if not all the plumbing in the entire building.

Tenants will only lock themselves out in the middle of the night – or on Christmas.

At least one tenant’s check will be “lost in the mail” every month.

Every pet that gets lost will find its way to your rental.

The hardware store always closes five minutes before you get there.

A tenant’s ability to see dirt and damage is much greater when they move in than when they move out.

Everything in your rental will break 100 times faster than in your own home.

And whenever a tenant calls and says, “Hello, how are you?” something is drastically wrong.

There are three things that I find Jesus telling us in the parable of the landowner who planted a vineyard, leased it to tenants, and then went to another country. The first one is this – GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO HIS WORK. God created the world and He created the church. And now He has called us to take care of that world and to be a part of the work of that church. It is a task we must take most seriously.

Second, GOD HAS EQUIPPED US TO DO HIS WORK. The vineyard in Jesus’ parable has everything necessary to do the work of a vineyard. The landowner did not just leave his tenants a patch of dirt and tell them, “Turn this patch of dirt into a prosperous vineyard.” Rather he gave them everything they would need to succeed. Just like God gave your church everything your church would need to do the work God wants your church to do.

The tenants never had it so good. Their landlord was no slumlord. Rather this was a prime piece of property. Not a fixer-upper in a run-down area that would require regular repair or much renovation. Rather the facilities included a surrounding wall, which would protect the property and give them some privacy; an on-site winepress, so the tenants would not have to outsource the work of distilling the wine; and a watchtower. The renters knew they had a real bargain. It was almost too good to be true. Just like the blessings that God has given to each one of us individually, as well as to our congregations, are almost too good to be true. All they would have to do would be to farm the land, reap the harvest, process the product, sell the wine, and uphold the agreement. But there’s the rub. Like so many other bad tenants, they did not want to uphold the agreement. They did not want to pay the rent.

The landowner sent servant after servant to give them one chance after another to pay the rent. But fists, sticks, and rocks kept raining down on the servants. Finally, Jesus tells us, the owner of the vineyard sent his son, thinking, certainly they will respect my son.

Now how the farmers got to the point of thinking they could be owners is beyond me. They were not just late in making payments. They were refusing to make payments. They were debtors, trespassers, and squatters, who wanted to be owners. They did not just want to not pay the rent. They wanted to keep the whole estate – land, fence, fruit, and tower. They wanted to keep the whole nine yards, and did not want to have to pay anything for it.

Eventually the landowner no longer put up with them. He came and put them to a miserable death and leased the vineyard to other tenants who would recognize the owner and pay the rent. And so the third thing that Jesus is telling us is this – GOD HOLDS US RESPONSIBLE TO DO HIS WORK.

Now Jesus originally told this parable to illustrate how Israel would reject Him. But this parable also has a message for us today. God is looking for people who will work His vineyard. Don’t try to usurp the place of God as the rightful owner of this world and of your life. Many churches around this time of the year hold their annual stewardship emphasis. As you consider what you want to do next year to support financially the work of His church and be involved in ministry, don’t forget whose vineyard this really is. Don’t forget whose work we are called to do. Don’t forget who owns it all.

Dennis D. Nelson

President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Eve, Cycle B (December 24, 2017)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2017)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

O Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: enflesh yourself in your Church. Grant that all its words speak you, the Living Word. Let it be your star of hope, burning in the world’s darkness. By its deeds of mercy, draw many to kneel in awe and wonder before you, and there find life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O loveliest blooming rose, adorn the suffering of your persecuted followers with the beauty of your strong saving love. Be their refuge and Lord. Gladden their hearts, and shine so brightly in their lives that even their tormentors turn to you in repentance, awe, and newborn faith.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

O mighty king and gentle friend, be all that and more to this congregation. Let us know, proclaim, and share you as heaven’s gift and treasure. Caress us with your blessing. Heal our hearts. And let all our words and deeds help our families, friends, and neighbors to love and praise you with joyful, confident faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Jesus, our Emmanuel, you lay you glory aside “to raise each child of earth.” Bring your light and life to those who do not know you or believe that you are God, though veiled in human flesh. Give them eyes to see your divine love, and hearts to enthrone you as Lord, God, and King.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Heaven-born Prince of Peace, reconcile all peoples and nations, all races, kindreds, and tribes, under your glorious and gentle rule. Lift up all whose forms bend low beneath life’s crushing load. Free them from all that grieves and afflicts them. Make us all – from greatest to least – children of your light, and partakers of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior of our fallen race, bestow a measure of your eternal peace to all who stand in harm’s way, protecting others, in this death-shadowed world. Renew their courage; purify their hearts; and use their labors to bring hope and healing in communities fractured by hatred and violence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, child of Mary, you felt our human woe. Bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer and to all who mourn, even on this holy and joyful night. Especially we pray for: {LIST}. O Sun of Righteousness, rise upon them with healing in your wings!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, King of Glory, you have triumphed over our ancient foes: sin, evil, and death. Thank you for your love, which guarded, guided, and kept our loved ones in your gracious care until their life’s end. And now, Lord Jesus, dearest friend: Bring us at length to heaven and into your endless day, where with all whom you have redeemed, we shall praise, adore, and delight in you in fellowship with your Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be near us, Lord Jesus; and hear when we pray. Stay by us forever and love us always. Bless all your dear children in your tender care. And fit us for heaven, to dwell with you there. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS,

Fourth Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 24, 2017)

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its proclamation and its works of charity, especially in the presence of its enemies, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from captivity and torment. Keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs; and turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts, lives and ministries of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by grief, despair, doubt, anger, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free those imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death, especially {LIST}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises, especially {LIST}. Come, and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death, and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation; cover it with the righteousness of Christ; and adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments, so that through it, the poor may hear the Good News, the sorrowful may be comforted, and those held captive to sin and death may experience the wonderful freedom of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing; and cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our elementary school children with faith and joy as they look to Christmas as the coming of the greatest gift, your Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by bloodshed and cruelty. Direct their words and their works in your truth; establish your peace among the nations. Transform us all, so we may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord: bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. We thank you for their lives; and we thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and compassion. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance; and lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many may journey to your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness to shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. And pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to exalt the humble; to bring low the mountains of self-will in our lives; and to make level pathways for leading others to Jesus. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon and your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them; and help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Grant wisdom to our leaders, to raise their people from depths of poverty and despair. Level the mountains of injustice and arrogance throughout the world. We earnestly pray that nation would no longer raise sword against nation; and we beseech you to guide all people in the pathways of your righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every deed which brings safety to dangerous places. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding; and lead those we pray for along level pathways to their homes and loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow; lay low the mountains of pain; and by your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Holy God, we thank you for keeping in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially: {LIST}. Prepare our hearts for the near approach of our Savior, who raises us up from death’s dark valley; who brings down the mountains of your wrath at our sins; and who leads us along level roads of faith, hope, and love into your welcoming and eternal embrace.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Anoint your Church with your Holy Spirit. Make it radiant with holiness, lovely with compassion, and bright with faithfulness. Fill it with hope as it awaits the coming of your Son in power and great glory.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Come with healing and gladness for your suffering disciples; and make their words and deeds shine with your goodness and your glory. Give the grace of repentance to their tormentors; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Anoint this congregation with your Holy Spirit, and make us generous in sharing the grace you have bestowed on us in your Son. Use us to lift up the heads and hearts of our neighbors and those in need, so that with us, they eagerly the day of his return as victorious Lord of all. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give wisdom and prudence to those who lead the nations. Make them good stewards of the authority granted them. Bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and justice in these difficult and uncertain times; and teach us all to care for one another until your son comes as our great Lord of might.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give courage, honor, and strength to those who serve our country, here and abroad. Grant healing to those who have been wounded; patience and hope to their loved ones; and a swift, safe homecoming to them all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Kindle hope within the hearts of all who suffer – especially {List}. Bring them comfort and healing; give their caretakers patience and compassion; and to those who are despairing, imprisoned, abandoned, and dying, bestow the presence of your Son, the Dayspring who puts death’s shadows to flight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. We remember before you all those to whom you have given victory over the grave. Anoint us with your Spirit, disperse the clouds of gloom and grief that overshadow us; and lead us to our heavenly home, opened to us by the Key of David, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Lessons

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

you knew me in the womb)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple

for the Holy Spirit)

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #250, Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty (LSB #901, ELW #533)

OR LBW #311, Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God – paraphrase of the psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #649, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

(LSB #411, ELW #815)

OR LBW #455, “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake (LSB #688 ELW #799)

OR LSB #589, Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens (Excellent for tying Old

Testament and Gospel together!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #406, Take My Life, That I May Be

(LSB 783/4, Take My Life, and Let It Be, ELW #583, 685. Go figure.)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #699, Blessed Assurance (ELW #638)

Closing Hymn: WOV #723, The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve

OR LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LSB #582, ELW #509)