“Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).

Mercy is not receiving what is due.  We all receive mercy.  Acknowledge the mercy you have received.  It humbles you so that you do not fall prey to the temptation of thinking that these are things you deserve.  We deserve God’s wrath but in His mercy we receive grace upon grace.  It is not a matter of being worthy, but of being called.  You have been called by the Lord into His light.

Lord, this world tells me I deserve so many things.  Lead me away from its temptations so that I may be under Your mercy and grace.  In that sense, it does not matter what I deserve, good or bad.  I am the recipient of salvation by grace through faith. You have made these things true in me, Lord.  I had nothing to do with that.  Help me see this clearly and to live into the new life You have given me by faith.

Lord Jesus, You are the way, truth, and life.  In You is all hope.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may now and always humbly abide in the truth of Your great love.  You are love incarnate.  In that love I have received from You great gifts.  Lead me, Lord, in order that I may now and always humbly abide in You and You in me.  May I be always thankful for the gifts of grace You have given me.  Amen. 

December 19, 2021: 4^th Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a: (From Bethlehem comes the mighty Shepherd who will feed his flock)

Psalm 80:1-7: (Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine! Stir up your might! Restore us; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

 Hebrews 10:5-10: (Christ comes to do God’s will and sanctify us by his offering)

Luke 1:39-56: (Magnificat!)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear Father, our hearts yearn for your peace, justice, mercy, and righteousness. Let them shine on our broken world and heal our sad divisions. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, come quickly to save and heal us! Let us gaze upon the face of Jesus, and see in Him your mercy, salvation, and blessing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your Church, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that she may be saved. Fill her with your Holy Spirit. Through Word and Sacrament, bring Jesus to many who do not know him. Grant that your persecuted people, who have been fed the bread of tears because they bless the name of Jesus, may be filled with good things. Humble their tormentors, and lead them to repent of their evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless our children, O God, and let your face shine, that they may be saved. Help us share with them a childlike wonder and delight in the gifts of peace, mercy and joy that you give us in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore our congregation, O God. Let your face shine, that we may be saved. Grant that through words and deeds, we may cause many hearts to leap with joy at the close approach of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your world, O God; let your face shine, that it may be saved. Cast down the haughty from their thrones. Raise up rulers who rejoice in doing your will. Shield from harm everyone who protects us from mayhem and terror. Fill all our hearts with humility and compassion, so that the poor and hungry may be filled with good things. Remember your promise of mercy, and establish your peace among all nations, kindred, families and tribes upon earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore all who are afflicted by pain, grief, fear or despair, O God. Let your face shine, that they might be saved.  We pray especially for {List}. Remove the cup of tears from their lips, and remember unto them your promise of mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 You have shone your face 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. Grant comfort to those who still eat the bread and drink the cup of tears. Feed them, and all of us, with those good things given by your beloved Son. As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, fill us with heavenly joy and peace. Bring us, with cherubim and seraphim, with the hosts of heaven, with the blessed Mother of our Lord, with the countless throngs of prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, and with your whole new creation, before your heavenly throne. There let us rejoice in your light and love, shining upon us in the face of your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The bottom line: Christ came to save sinners.  We all like sheep have gone astray.  We know that sin brings death.  Therefore, the Good News of the Gospel is that the Savior has come and that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Lord, this is so simple and rolls off my tongue, yet the truth is that this shatters my illusions of goodness.  I am not good.  Only You are good.  Yet You did not create me evil, nor to remain in sin.  The Savior connects these two concepts so that I would be brought into Your goodness.  Put me on the path that leads to everlasting life, guiding me in Your goodness, mercy, and grace made possible through the salvation in Christ.

Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of life that I may not rest in my own thoughts, but let Your thoughts become my thoughts, and Your ways my ways.  Lead me in the faith You have given me so that I would now and forever be in You and You in me.  Lead me into Your salvation, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

December 12, 2021: 3^rd Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20: (Shout for joy, daughter of Zion! God comes as warrior and lover)

Psalm 85: (Show us your steadfast love, grant us your salvation; love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss)

             RCL/ELW: Isaiah 12:2-6: (God is my salvation. Give thanks, sing praise, make his name known)

Philippians 4:4-7: (Rejoice in the Lord always; God’s peace, which passes understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus)

 Luke 7:18-28 (29-35): (Tell John you have seen the lame walk, the blind given sight, and the poor given the Gospel)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 3:17-18: (Ministry of John, stopping short of being put in prison)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy, righteousness, peace, and love you lavish upon us in Jesus! Thank you for every moment of healing, forgiveness, and hope that happens in this sin-damaged and death-shadowed world. Thank you for your peace that passes human understanding and endures past human malice. Whatever our circumstances, give us hearts filled with lasting joy and imperishable hope. Give us grace to thank you for Jesus, and to lead others to the joy of knowing him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church beautiful with faithfulness, holiness, and joy. May its love for Jesus gladden many hearts. Let your persecuted Church rejoice in knowing you are near. Let their gentleness be known to everyone, even their tormentors. Guard all our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those whom it is easy to ignore: prisoners, refugees, and people in mental institutions, nursing homes, or homeless shelters. Help us to shed the light of your love upon them – and also the light of simple human kindness. Help us to speak your word of peace, forgiveness, and salvation to them – and also a word of understanding, encouragement, and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your dearest blessing to the people of this congregation. Let us be a people in whom your Word is fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. He will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the leaders of every nation acknowledge your justice, and govern in obedience to it. Let faithfulness spring up from every human heart, and your righteousness look down from the sky. Strengthen, protect, and guide our military, first responders, and aid workers. Show them your steadfast love and direct their deeds in righteous pathways. Bring the blessing of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help all who suffer to turn to the One who made the deaf hear, the blind see, and the lame walk. We especially pray for: {List}. Give them confidence in you so that they do not worry about anything, but lift their needs to you by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Grant your peace to them and all who love them, and guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Heavenly Father, as we await the coming of your Son in glory, we also anticipate reunion with our beloved dead. Help us comfort all who grieve. Make us gentle, joyful, and steadfast in love. And we pray: rejoice over your people with gladness. Renew us in love. Exult over us with loud singing. Remove from us all sin and evil, so that we will not bear their reproach.  Bring us, with all whom Jesus has redeemed, into your everlasting home, where we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

“Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:13b-14).

Mercy is not getting what you deserve.  We all deserve death because we have all sinned, but we receive mercy and therefore we are given a new life.  This is not permission to carry on with our old life, but grace for a new life to learn to be like Jesus.  Do not live in unbelief but live in faith and learn the law of love.  Come into the presence of Jesus and be guarded by Him to live to become like Him.

All things work together for good for those who love the Lord.  He will keep your mind upon the good things He has in mind for You.  Do not be led astray by the insanity of this world but keep in the light and life He gives first in mercy and then abundantly in grace.  His grace is more than sufficient for you.  The abundance of faith and love are yours in and through the Lord.

Lord Jesus, this is a crazy world and in unbelief, I act according to the world’s standard all too often.  Help my unbelief so that I may walk in You and in You alone.  Guide me in the Gospel way in order that I may now and always be guarded against the insanity around me to live into Your love.  In You is all hope and an eternal and glorious future.  Take me from ignorance to joy in knowing You this day.  Amen.

December 5, 2021: 2^nd Sunday of Advent

Malachi 3:1-7b: (I will send my messenger; refiner’s fire; presents God’s people for judgment)

              RCL/ELW: Malachi 3:1-4 (no presentation for judgment)

 Psalm 66:1-12: (You refined and tested us, and brought us into spacious place)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 1:68-79 (the song of Zechariah)

Philippians 1:2-11: (Prayer that they may overflow with love, wisdom, and insight, and be blameless at the day of Christ, having produced harvest of righteousness)

Luke 3:1-14(15-20): (The ministry of John the Baptist)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 3:1-6 (the rest comes next week)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for promising that not one of your lambs, tended by your Son the Good Shepherd, shall be lost. Thank you that Jesus levels mountains, fills in valleys, and takes every road, until he finds and saves them. Unite us with him, so we, too may seek the lost and lead them to his embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church the herald of good tidings, fearless in proclaiming your Word. Through it, grant your comfort to those who are lost and afflicted by sin, sorrow, and suffering. In everything it says and does, may your Church constantly and faithfully announce: “Behold: Here is your God!”

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 shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. Pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and prosper the work of this congregation: its pastors and council members, its committee members and other volunteers, and all who worship with us. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, radiant in holiness, patient in adversity, and beautiful in our love for you and for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to our earthly leaders. Use them to raise the poor from depths of despair. Level mountains of injustice and suffering throughout the world. We earnestly pray that nation will no longer raise sword against nation. Guide us all in the pathways of your righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

John spoke wise words to soldiers who came to him for baptism. Grant integrity, courage, and competence to our military and first responders. Use them to restore safety and justice in dangerous places. Spare them from death. Heal them in mind and body. Strengthen their families. Bring them home swiftly when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remove the burden of pain and sorrow from the backs of all who suffer, especially {List}. Bring them into a broad and spacious place. Let them rejoice in your goodness and give thanks for their deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” (1 Timothy 1:12-13).

It does not matter what you were.  It matters Whose you are now.  Do you belong to yourself or to the Lord?  This is a fundamental question that must be answered if we are to be faithful.  Live the life, not the lie.  Walk with Jesus and do not pretend that you can live both in this world’s rebellion and as one who follows Jesus.  In the Lord, you will be strengthened to live by faith through this present age.

Lord, prepare me to live as You would have me live.  I have been a blasphemer and one who willingly nailed you to the cross.  Your grace is sufficient.  Guide me Lord in the way of living so that I would now and forever look to You as my rock, strength, shield, and fortress.  Bring me under the shadow of Your wing and, no matter what happens to me in this world, in You I will always be safe.

Lord Jesus, You have come to unite us with You.  Either we are, or we are not, for there is no neutral ground.  Guide me, Lord, to see that in You is all hope, not some hope, but all hope.  Lead me into the way of everlasting life in order that I may now and always abide in You knowing that You are abiding in me.  Put me into service and use me as You know I can be used for Your kingdom.  Amen.

“[A]ccording to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (1 Timothy 1:11).

How will you live your life?  Will you live according to the Gospel?  You also have been entrusted with the Gospel.  Will you live according to what you have received?  Will you look to the Lord and follow Him in a world that is going in another direction?  These are some of the fundamental questions we need to answer if we are to be faithful to the Lord and follow Him.

Lord, Your Gospel frees me from the insanity of sin.  Your Gospel guides me in the way of truth.  In and through You all things are possible, but not all things are profitable.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I may walk with You and follow where You lead.  You have blessed me with an abundance beyond measure.  Guide me, Lord, to know that in You is all hope and the only future worth having.

Lord Jesus, You have come and paid the price so that we may walk humbly with You in freedom.  Guide me, Lord, to know that in You alone is all hope and the future.  You have called me into that future through grace.  Lead me, Lord, in that grace to live out Your glorious Gospel in this age, being a witness to the transforming power of Your life and mercy.  Teach me to entrust myself to You now and forever.  Amen.

“[A]nd immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10)

There are many who practice deceit.  Whether it is deceiving oneself, or others, it is not living in the truth.  Ultimately, it is a matter of one’s service and the question of whom they will serve.  It will be either themselves, or God.  That’s the bottom line.  Paul is not speaking hatred but pointing out the reality of what these kinds of behaviors reveal about the person who practices them.

In our age Lord, as You know, it is not correct to say these things of others.  This world has rules which often fly in Your face.  I need help, Lord, to live in this age and to hold fast to what is true.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may walk with You and in Your ways.  Help me to see right from wrong and to live by what is right.  Help me to be gracious and merciful to all, but to live according to Your Word.

Lord Jesus, You have confronted all of these things and know them well.  We sinners do what we think is right in our own minds and we hurt others.  Lead me, Lord, to walk the narrow path through all of these things so that I may learn from You what is good, right and salutary.  Help me each day to better understand how to live faithfully in a world that is steeped in the practice and acceptance of sin.  Amen.

[R]ealizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers” (1 Timothy 1:9)

When one is in love, they do not need to think about doing what is right to show love.  They just do it.  The law is similar.  When one loves the Lord, they just do what is pleasing to the Lord.  It is for those who do not obey and want what they want apart from what is right that the law is written.  This is an important thing to remember, because the one who focuses on the law is focusing upon themselves.

Lord, I know in my mind what is right, but my heart is often far away.  Lead me, O Lord, away from myself and into You.  Guide me to have the right focus on things.  Help me see what I need to see and not be focused on anything other than You.  Let the law of love govern all that I do so that I may be focused upon You, my Lord, God and Redeemer.  In You alone is there hope.

Lord Jesus, all of these things You have said.  I hear them over and over again, and yet I have the same problem.  Teach me to love You and my neighbor and then the law will apply itself.  Let me not be governed by my desires, but by what You have done.  Lead me into holiness so that I may live all the days You give me under and in the law of love.  Guide me to not be unholy or profane.  Amen.