“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4:6).

There are times when you feel the world pressing in.  But your feelings are just that, feelings.  The Lord is still Lord of all and His promise to you is forever.  Come then and live in the promise of the Lord.  Be guided by His mercy and grace.  Yes, you will feel the pressure of this world, but be led by the truth of the One who fulfills His word and not by your feelings.  The Lord knows your times and will be with you.

Lord, You know there are times when I feel like Paul.  The world presses in and I feel like I am being poured out.  In those times, let me look to You and see that You too have been willingly poured out for our sake.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I may know the fulness of the hope You give through grace.  Guide me in Your goodness to see past these times and live into the eternal life You promise.

Lord Jesus, You went to the cross to free us from sin and death.  The suffering You endured is beyond anyone’s ability to know.  We each suffer in our own way – as You said we would – so help all who suffer to look to You and see the hope that You give.  In You is all hope and nothing is able to separate us from that hope.  Guide me, Lord, in the hope which is mine in and through You.  Amen.

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

Each person has a call and a ministry.  Ministry is not just for the ordained.  Walk in the ministry the Lord has given You.  Walk in your baptism, which was the Lord’s first call to you.  Know that you have been called and placed in a ministry by the One who is the author and finisher of your faith.  Be guided by Him and not tossed about by the winds of this world or its lies.

Lord, Help me clearly see those things You have given me to do.  Let me know that You are a God of purpose and that You have given me calling in this life as I prepare for the life to come.  Guide me now and always, Lord, so that I may walk humbly with You, my Savior, doing what You give me to do.  Keep my mind clear in order that I may walk in truth, understanding and wisdom as You lead me.

Lord Jesus, how can I compare the cost to myself when I look at You.  You bore the brunt of the suffering for our sake.  Lead me, Lord, the way You know I need to go.  Guide me according to Your principles.  In and through all things, help me to see that You, Lord, are the One who makes all ministry possible.  In the call You have given me and in the ministry which is mine, lead me always!  Amen.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

The tug-of-war has been around from the beginning.  The truth of the Gospel is objective truth.  There are parts we like, sure, but those other parts about dying to self and suffering we do not like.  We would rather be told lies that make us feel good rather than hear the truth which will set us free and make us good.  This is the state of the rebellious mind.  Be led by the Lord and the truth and not by this world and its lies.

Lord, You know where I am conflicted and need to fight against this world’s temptations.  Lead me in the way of truth and, no matter the cost, help me stay on the path of truth.  You have given me Your Word.  Help me keep Your Word in my heart.  Do not let me seek just what I want but help me hold fast to what I need.  I need You Lord and only in You is there hope for a good life now and  eternity later.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the truth, for You are truth.  You have called me into You that I may know truth.  Let me not chase after the fables of this age, but walk, no matter the cost, in the way of Your goodness.  Guide me this day, Lord, and keep me from those temptations that are all around me.  Let my ears not itch but humbly hear the Good News of You.  Amen.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Listen to these words.  Somehow, if we say something that another does not want to hear, we are claimed to be hating them.  One who speaks lies, hates.  Speak truth and whether another likes what you are saying is not your problem.  Speak truth, for there is only One who is our judge.  So speak as to please Him above all others in this world.  Be ready to always speak the truth of the salvation which is in Christ alone.

Lord, You alone are the Savior of the world.  There are those who do not want to hear the message of truth.  Guide me, Lord, to live in the truth You have revealed.  Help me to always be ready to speak the truth You have given me.  Grant that I would be bold, patient, gentle and true to You when I share Your Word.  You know what needs to happen in every circumstance.  Guide me to be ready to act for and by Your Word.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that all who believe would not perish but have everlasting life.  Guide me, O Lord, into the everlasting life You give me through grace.  Make me always ready to share the life You have given me in order that others may join in this life.  You who are my savior and judge, correct me daily so that I may be ready, willing, and joyfully, in blessed assurance, look forward to the day when You will judge me.  Amen.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We know that all Scripture speaks of Christ (John 5:39).  Here we hear that all Scripture is profitable.  Those who tell you Scripture is useless defy God.  Is this not what Scripture is about?  Does it not teach us truth?  Do not listen to those who hate the Lord, but to the Word which is from the Lord.  By being a diligent student of the word, you will learn and be prepared for the good work the Lord intends in your life.

Lord, help me to profit by applying these principles to my life.  You have guided me in truth, now lead me in action.  You know where I need to implement these things in my life.  You even know where things are not as they should be.  In all things, complete me for Your purpose so that I would do Your will on earth as it is done in heaven.  Put my heart and mind where it needs to be for these things to happen.

Lord Jesus, send Your Spirit into my heart and search me.  Where I am deficient in Your Word, fill me.  Where I need a lesson applied, remind me of what You have said.  Where I need to act, send me so that I may do what is pleasing in the Father’s sight.  You are the author of my faith.  Write Your word upon my heart in order that I would profit by Your Word, a profit which is Yours, in my doing what is pleasing to You.  Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, Cycle C, April 17, 2022

Easter Sunrise Lessons:

Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)

Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing; this is the day the Lord has made)

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed; the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)

John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)

Easter Day Lessons:

Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper; nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)

Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)

*****

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

A brief silence

You have done gloriously, Lord Jesus. You have risen victorious over our ancient foes: sin, death, and the devil. When this good news seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may firmly believe, rightly proclaim, generously share, and beautifully live this truth: that because death has no dominion over you, neither shall it have the last word over anyone whom you have redeemed.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Adorn your beautifully-decorated Church, dear Lord, most especially with the beauty of your holiness and the light of your love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in festal robes of righteousness and truth. Make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with everyone who comes in repentant faith.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when all come to you in repentance, faith, and joy.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect, so that others may learn to love and trust you, their Savior and Lord.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow faith, righteousness, and salvation upon them forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort, and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe. Bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in proclaiming, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

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

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

In our age, so many grow up learning the faith only to later deny it.  This is the way of the world, but it does not need to be the way you live.  You have been called with a holy calling and you have learned what the truth is.  Will you live into that truth, or be pulled away by the insanity of this world which denies objective truth?   Become wise for your sake and for the sake of others.

Lord, what great mystery You present here.  There are those who learn and then abandon what they have learned.  There are those who hear a few words and believe.  Jesus prayed in the Garden and gave thanks for not losing one.  In the mystery of the faith unfolding before me, keep my eye on the prize.  You have told me that if I believe in You I would not perish, but have everlasting life.  Guide me into that life, Lord.

Lord Jesus, help my unbelief.  You know the things I have learned.  You know the things I need to unlearn.  You know where I need to be more like You.  You know where I am far from You.  You know what needs to happen so that my faith would be made complete.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of everlasting life in order that I may now and always be in the grip of Your grace and mercy.  Amen. 

The Prayers of the Church

The Vigil of Easter, April 16, 2022

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you. We hear the story of salvation, and are humbled by your patience with your wayward people. We enter the mystery of your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on the sweetness of your victorious life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word! But your Spirit searches our hearts, and in that small word, utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your life. Make it resplendent with the beauty of your holiness. Make it lovely with your mercy. Give it a voice to sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who hate you. Raise up your persecuted servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Fill us with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of suffering. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

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

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13).

It is not easy living the faith.  Not just those on the outside, but the ones who do not believe and roam on the inside make it difficult.  They live by just enough (or off of the backs of the faithful).  Live as one who believes and believe the truth you have been given.  Jesus is Lord and He has come so that all who believe would not perish, but have everlasting life.  Live the good who is the Lord.

Lord, keep me from the deceptions of this age.  So many pretend, play, and do not care about truth.  Guide me Lord in order that I would now and always live according to Your Word and not according to those who do not follow You.  Let me not be an imposter, but instead, mimic You in all things and learn from You how to live this life that You have given me.  Guide me Jesus into all truth.

Lord Jesus, You died so that I might live freely.  Guide me Lord in the way of truth.  Lead me according to Your Word so that I would see where those who are deceivers are deceiving.  In all things, grant me the grace and mercy You give to know that in You alone is all true hope.  In that hope, and regardless of the persecution I face, help me to be faithful.  Teach me Your righteousness, O Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Good Friday (April 15, 2022)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.