“He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters; He makes the clouds His chariot; He walks upon the wings of the wind; He makes the winds His messengers, flaming fire His ministers.”  (Psalm 104:3-4)

We moderns do not think in terms of physical realities.  “Oh, that’s what superstitious people do.”  The Lord does speak through all that He has made.  He sends messages that are easy to see if you will receive it. He gives good tidings and warnings through all that happens. The earth is His and all that is in it.  Listen, for daily the Lord is speaking to You. Come into His counsel and hear His Word.

Lord, I live in this age with so much noise but do not hear the clear words You have spoken and speak. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of eternal life that I may now and always walk according to the truth You reveal. When I need to see a sign, help me to see. Where it is just an event, help me to avoid the easily excitable people who give false messages. You are my discernment and hope, Lord.

Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear clearly and open my eye to see clearly. As You give messages, open my mind to receive what You give that I may live into the hope and promise of eternity that Christ has made possible through grace. Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go. Lead me into the truth in every circumstance that I may now and always walk in the way of truth. Amen.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a cloak, stretching out heaven like a tent curtain.” (Psalm 104:1-2)

Look out into the world and what do you see? Who can create the beauty of a mountain range? Who can create the intricacy of any animal? How glorious is the sunset or the stars in the sky. The Lord has created magnificent things that reflect only a small part of His glory. It is He who has done all of these things and those things which we have not yet begun to comprehend.

Lord, in all the grandeur of what You have made, You created me. Help me to find the place in creation where You have made Your spot for me. Guide me into the place where I know and rejoice in the fact that I am one of Your created beings. Lift up my countenance to see in all things Your glory and grandeur. May I be lifted up by Your grace to become what You are creating me to be.

Guide my spirit, O Lord, to walk humbly in Your presence knowing that in You is the hope of glory and the way of eternal life. Help me to rejoice in all that You have made, not worshiping the things created, but You the Creator of all things. Guide me to live a life of worship knowing that in You is the hope of glory and the way of everlasting life. May I praise You always for Your goodness. Amen.

“Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the Lord, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul!” (Psalm 103:21-22)

What is blessing? Is it not the product of what happens in the good life? Is it not what you look at when you see something done well? To bless the Lord is to do what He commands and to walk in His ways. Nature obeys the command of the Lord and we receive its blessing. Do bless the Lord in all of Your ways knowing that the Lord blesses us all through all of His ways, for He is always good.

Lord, You know that I have these thoughts and they are good. But You also know that I have other actions and thoughts that are evil. I live in an age that knows good and evil. Help me, O Lord, to see into the truth that You are the only one that can lead me into true blessing. Guide me out of the mire of this age to be a blessing to others and to bless You in all of my ways.

Without Your grace, Lord Jesus, it would be impossible. Help me, O Lord, to walk in Your shadow and to move in the way You would have me move. Lead me in thought, word and deed to learn how to walk this life of faith. In Your grace, Lord, pull me through every valley to see the blessings that You give that I might persevere in faith to become like You. Amen.

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!” (Psalm 103:19-20)

A bird does not fall from the sky that the Lord does not know about. He is truly Sovereign over all that He has made and nothing will happen apart from His Sovereign will. There are many things we do not understand, but that never means that God is not good or gracious. We are called out of this age which knows good and evil to look to the Lord who is always good.

Lord, the evil in this world confuses me so that I see evil in good and good in evil. Help me, O Lord, to look to You and your clear direction. Your work is good and what You are doing is forever. Guide me into Your work and away from being a critic of Your work. Help me to learn how to bless You through all that I say or do. Lead me, O Lord, according to Your will now and forever.

Holy Spirit, come and minister to my spirit that I would move through the swirling fog of this age to see clearly that only the will of the Father shall be accomplished. Lift me up to walk the narrow path as You lead me. Grant me the blessedness that comes through Your grace and mercy to obey Your statutes and live into the eternal promises that You have placed before me. Amen.

“But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.” (Psalm 103:17-18)

The Lord is the same today, yesterday, tomorrow and forever. The ways of the Lord are eternal. Of course, we are not able to comprehend His ways. Yet, we do know that His love is from everlasting to everlasting. Walk with Him and seek His ways and know that You are in His everlasting love. He is the One who is Sovereign over all that He has made and His will shall be done.

Lord, in this world, mixed up as it sometimes seems, I hear Your clear voice calling for me to follow You. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of everlasting life. Teach me to seek You in all things and to look for guidance from You to navigate this world. I desire to keep Your covenant, but I cannot do so without You. In You alone is there hope and the eternal future You promise.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way for as many as would follow where You lead. Lead me today in the way I need to go. Guide me by Your grace to walk in the way of righteousness. Help me now and always to see in You the hope of glory and to know that only with Your help am I able to walk in the way of everlasting life. Abide with me today and every day, Jesus. Amen.

“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.” (Psalm 103:15-16)

The older we become, the more we realize how short this life is. It is here a moment and then gone the next. Be guided by the truth that this life is temporary and we are called through becoming like Christ to prepare for the eternity for which we have been created. It matters not what this world thinks, but it does matter what the Lord thinks. Set your priorities on the right place.

Lord, clear my mind of the fog of this world to see things as they are. Help me now and always to see in You the only hope of glory, which should always be for You. Guide me into the upward path to which You have called me that I would live into the eternal life for which I have been created. Help me now and always to see in You the only hope for this or any age.

Holy Spirit, constantly guide me to look to You for all help and guidance. Lead me in the right way of living day by day knowing that I am always being transformed for what is to come. Guide my footsteps to walk the path You have set before me, doing what is right in the Father’s sight. Help me now and always to be content in every circumstance and know that You are God and that Your goodness never ends. Amen.

“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14)

What are you? Think of the times you think beyond what you really are. Now, think about the Creator of all things. Is there really ever a comparison? With this in mind, know that the Lord loves you whom He has created. In humility, come before the Lord and be one of His created creatures. You are His and it is with love that He deals with His creation. He knows who we are.

Lord, I am guilty of being haughty and self-centered. Who am I that You would love a piece of animated dust like me? Yet You have become as I am in order that I might be with You forever. Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I would walk willingly with You alongside me. Help me each and every day to live into this faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, it would be impossible without You. Sometimes I am overwhelmed and it seems impossible anyway. Keep my eyes upon You that I may not look to myself, but to You for all things. Guide me according to Your goodness that I may grow in faith and love and take on Your likeness. May I always know my place and rejoice that You would count me in Your fellowship. Amen.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12)

Why do you fear because of your sin? Why do you think that the Lord does not hear you? So good is our God that He who knows all things has granted grace and mercy to those who come to Him. Fear of the Lord, yes, acknowledging Him in all of your ways is the beginning of wisdom. Do not hold back, but come into the Lord’s presence in the way in which He has called You and live under the shadow of His wing.

Lord, You know those things that go on in my mind. You know where I play games in thinking of alternative ways of living this life. You have called me by Your grace to walk as You have planned. Lead me, O Lord, in the way that leads to eternal life. Guide me according to Your goodness to now and forever abide in You as You abide in me that I may forever be in Your presence.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to abide in You. Guide me in the way of abiding that I may learn what this means. It is You who has taken away my sin. I have done nothing but sin. It is You who lifts me up. Only by grace do I have the hope that You mercifully give to walk with You forever. Lead me this day in the amazing grace You give that I may learn more this day of the glories of salvation. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Baptism of Our Lord, January 13, 2019

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing a tiny portion the mystery of the Holy Trinity in the Baptism of your beloved Son. Thank you for uniting us to him, in the power of the heaven-descended Dove, and naming us your beloved children in our own Baptism. Give us grace to live lives well-pleasing to you, and let all of our thoughts, words, and deeds cry “Glory!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faithful witness, worship, and works of your Church. Through its proclamation in word and deed, let the whole world hear the thunder of your voice and the beauty of your holiness. We also pray on behalf of our sisters and brothers who suffer greatly for confessing Jesus as Lord. Renew the promise you made to our ancestors in the faith, that the flames of persecution should not burn them, nor the waters of death carry them away from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your blessing on all who are baptized or reaffirming their baptismal covenant today. Stir up your Spirit in them, that they may be freed from sin, united to Christ, and named as your children forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and the ministry of this congregation. Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Christ. Burn away the chaff from our hearts; gather up and sanctify all that you have cleansed; and use us to share with family and neighbors the new life we have in our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country and for our world. Establish among us such peace, concord, and righteousness, that all people may glorify your Name and enthrone Christ in their hearts as the Prince of Peace. Keep watch over those who, to protect us, walk through the floods of violence and the flames of war.  Conform their decisions, words, and actions to your will; bring them home safely and soon; and bring healing and hope to the wounded and their families.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Especially we name before you: {List}. Gather them from the far reaches of suffering and sorrow; restore them to all who love them; and remind them always that they are precious in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those who are dear to us and whom you have delivered from the waters of death. You have called us by name and made us your own in Baptism. We therefore pray: keep us united with your beloved Son, and strengthen us by your Spirit to daily walk in the newness of his life. At the last, say to us and to all whom you name as your own, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2019

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, thank you for filling all creation with light and life. Thank you for revealing your dear Son in the splendor of the light he has shared eternally with you. Thank you for making him, your Word made flesh, into an unfailing lamp to our feet and light to our path. Enlighten our hearts, illuminate our minds, and brighten our pilgrim-way, with the dear presence of Christ, our Light and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Brighten with the fair beauty of Christ the Church in every land. Make it radiant with holiness, charity, and faithfulness. Use it to draw many who are afar off to worship and adore you. Be the true light and life of all who are persecuted on account of you.  Give them the wisdom of the magi, the obedience of Joseph, and the faithfulness of Mary. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray your favor upon this new year; upon our hopes and resolutions for a better future; and upon all for whom the new year seems to bring no release from the sorrows and cares of the previous years. Give us minds, hearts and wills to seek your will for our common good. And draw us in steadfast hope toward that great and eternal New Year that you alone can bring about.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the light of your strong saving love into every heart, every ministry, every word and deed of this congregation. Light the flame of kindliness and generosity in our midst, so that we may share with our families, neighbors and world the great and good gifts you have bestowed on us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

It is so easy for earthly rulers to listen to counsels of fear, greed, power, expediency and lies. Grant to all of them, especially to our elected and appointed leaders, those in the military, and all first responders, a heart to hear and heed your Word, and the will to act according to it, for the benefit of the people entrusted to their care. Help all of us to listen, speak and act with patience and prudence, and to strive to live at peace with all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation, the joy and the song, of everyone who calls upon you in times of trouble. We plead especially on behalf of: {List}. Renew in them the great gifts of health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord; and we entrust our beloved dead into your sure and merciful care. Comfort those whose grief runs deep and whose hope falters. Give us eyes to see the sorrow and suffering around us; lips to pray and to encourage; hands to extend in fellowship, blessing and help; and hearts to beat with compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. And grant to all whom you have redeemed, through the priceless gift of your Son’s Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection, a portion in that imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in the unity of your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.