“He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”  The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words” (Matthew 27:43-44).

If God loves you, He will . . . .  Stop that kind of thinking.  God loves you!  This is what Scripture says.  Therefore, there can be no other conditions.  Sin is in the world, and you have the promise that our Lord will work things out for your good because He loves you and you love Him.  Beyond that, there is sin in the world and sin is destructive.  The hope is not in our situation, but in the truth that nothing created will ever be able to separate you from God’s love.

Heavenly Father, You wonderfully created all that You have made.  You delight in the good creation You have made.  You gave Your only begotten Son, begotten, not made, for the sake of those who would join in the love which You and the Son have.  Love trusts the One loved.  The Son loves You and You love the Son.  What happens in this age does not change that.  Lead me into Your love knowing that nothing can separate me from You.

Lord Jesus, You so loved all of us so much that You willingly paid the price for us to be redeemed.  Help me so that I am not bound by the circumstances of this world but live into the love and life which You offer through the salvation You have purchased from the cross.  Guide me, dear Lord, in this life and help me ignore the taunting and jeers of unbelievers in this age.  Lead me always in Your eternal love.  Amen.

 

September 21: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

 

15 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

 

Amos 8:4-7 (God sees the deeds of the greedy who despoil the poor)

Psalm 113 (Praise God; he raises the poor from the dust!)

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Pray for all, including rulers, so we may live at peace; women dress modestly and be silent in assembly)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (gee, can you guess what’s missing?!)

Luke 16:1-15 (Parable of dishonest servant)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 16:1-13 (Eliminates rebuke of Pharisees)

*******

Opening Hymn: Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

Hymn of the Day: Seek Where You May, to Find a Way: LSB #557 (neat old hymn!)

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB 743

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

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St. Matthew Lessons and Hymns

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11: God commissions Ezekiel to speak to Israel, warn them

Psalm 119:33-40: Lord, teach me to go in the way of your commandments, which is my delight

Ephesians 2:4-10: Though dead in sin, we’re made alive by God in Christ, and saved by grace

Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew, who throws a party

*******

Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

Hymn of the Day: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

OR By All Your Saints: LBW #178, v. 1,18,3; ELW #421, v. 1,20,2,last; LSB #518, v.1,25,3

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the prophets and evangelists who speak your holy Word, even when it makes us squirm. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands. Thank you for restoring us, when we have repented, to positions of trust and to the task of proclaiming the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word. Kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you. Make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus. Give it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom on all who need them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord, we may smile or shudder to hear the parable of the dishonest servant – especially at a time of year when stewardship is often lifted up! And we remember that today is the feast of St. Matthew, himself a former tax collector! Bless this congregation in its stewardship of time, talents, treasures, and testimony. Help us to be honest, eager, and ingenious as we use whatever has been entrusted to us, for the sake of your Kingdom, and for the benefit of our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give faithfulness and wisdom to theologians, evangelists, missionaries, and seminarians. Raise up new pastors, deacons, and discipleship guides, for the need is great. And give courage and grace to your suffering and persecuted church throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant integrity and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them, for they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us. Keep us steadfast in faith, diligent in service, truthful in word, and honest in deed. Bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence. Give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

 

September 14: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

OR Holy Cross Day

 

 

14 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

 

Ezekiel 34:11-24 (God will be the Good Shepherd, will judge between strong and weak sheep)

            ELW/RCL: Exodus 32:7-14 (Moses pleads for Israel after they make gold calf)

Psalm 119:169-176 (Teach me your statutes; I will sing your praises!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 51:1-10 (Have mercy on me for my wickedness and sin!)

1 Timothy 1:(5-11), 12-17 (The Law is good; meant to convict evildoers of their sin; yet Christ came to save sinners)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Eliminates warning against bad teachers, and discussion of why the law exists to convict the wicked)

Luke 15:1-10 (Jesus eats with sinners, parables of lost sheep, lost coin)

 

*******

Opening Hymn:   Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the tune found also in SBH,  the “old red book.” The LBW tune is uninspiring. Find the “real” tune if you have SBH, or go online to Hymnary.org, as it’s probably public domain)

OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

Hymn of the Day: Jesus Sinners Will/Doth Receive:  LBW #291, LSB #609

I suggest setting this to LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name.

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

Communion Hymn #2: One There is, Above All Others: LBW #298

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #840, LSB #895

**************************************

Holy Cross Lessons and Hymns:

Isaiah 45: 21-25 (I am God of the whole earth; look to me and be saved)

Psalm 98:1-5 (God has given mercy, truth, and salvation to Israel and the whole world)

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but salvation to all who believe in Christ)

John 12:20-33 (I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself)

*****

Opening Hymn: Will You Come and Follow Me: ELW # 798

OR Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865 (#865 is the de-gendered version); LSB #793

Hymn of the Day: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

OR The Royal Banners Forward Go (Words are perfect for today. First LBW tune is sorta okay-ish. Tune Vexilla Regis is a bit tricky. A fine alternate is Mendon, commonly used for “Thee We Adore, Eternal God”): LBW #124, 125; LSB #455

Communion Hymn #1: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425, 426

Communion Hymn #2: What Wondrous Love Is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Closing Hymn: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR O Christ Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, LSB #553

 

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that you give us forgiveness, life, fellowship with you, and love beyond all telling. Thank you most of all for giving us your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word and lift high the Cross of Christ. Give it your Holy Spirit, so it is a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give your grace to this congregation. Forgive us when, like unruly sheep, we head-butt and distress your flock. Help us to repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that hinders one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give us strength to carry our crosses and follow Jesus wherever he leads us. Give us courage, to bear his love in the dark and ugly places of our world. Give us hope, so we believe that his Light will shine in every darkness, and no darkness can comprehend or overcome it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders, and with political and ideological divides that threaten to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into your care all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn, and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently, and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity. Keep our eyes fixed on the Cross of our Savior as he leads us into your Kingdom. With one voice, as one flock may we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.