August 11: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14

1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel, to go where God leads him)

                RCL/ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)

Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)

                RCL/ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)

John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)

                RCL/ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)

*******

Opening hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

OR Let the Whole Creation Cry: LBW #242, ELW #876

OR Now We Join in Celebration: LBW #203, ELW #462

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Enthroned in Heav’nly Splendor: LBW #172, ELW #475, LSB #534

OR I Am the Bread of Life: WOV #702, ELW #485

Communion Hymn #1: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, LSB #845

Communion Hymn #2: For the Bread Which You Have Broken: LBW #200, ELW #494

OR Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup: WOV #706, ELW #492, LSB #638

Closing Hymn:  How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

OR O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

OR By Your Hand You Feed Your People: ELW #469

*******

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, let us taste and see how gracious you are! Lord Jesus, feed us with yourself, now and always! Holy Spirit, give us eyes of faith to look upon our Savior and be radiant!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, feed your Church with the life of Christ. By the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the Bride of Christ. Raise up pastors, bishops, and theologians to feed your people with your living Word. Let many taste and see your graciousness, and be forever blessed for trusting in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant faithfulness, courage, and refreshment to your persecuted Church. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the life and salvation, the living bread and eternal hope of this congregation. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship. Use us to glorify your name and to feed our neighbors with food that satisfies hearts, minds, souls, and bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone learning to be true disciples of Jesus, especially as they encourage others to walk with Him. Give them the bread of faith, hope, and love to strengthen them along the way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up among us rulers who are guided by your Word. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Teach us all that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments. Give us grace and strength to live by them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. Grant the bread of health and salvation to all who dwell in the wilderness of suffering. Strengthen them in their pilgrimage. Surround them with compassion and encouragement. Keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We bless you for our beloved dead who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care.  Give us joy in our sorrows and hope in our struggles. Keep us close to Jesus. Raise us up at the last day, and make us radiant as we look upon our beautiful Savior – our life, our joy, and our crown, now and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 4: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13

Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says complaint is

against God)

                RCL/ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)

Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)

John 6:22-35 (My Father gives true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)

*******

Opening hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer:

LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

(This can also be sung to tune for “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, LBW #90)

OR You Satisfy the Hungry Heart: WOV #711, ELW #484, LSB #641

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Let Us Eat, for Now the Feast Is Spread:

LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

OR What Feast of Love: WOV # , ELW #487

Communion Hymn #2: O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, LSB #642

Closing Hymn:  Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

OR Behold, How Pleasant: ELW #649

*******

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for giving us the bread we need for body and soul. Thank you for providing for us, even when we are estranged from you and from our neighbor. Thank you for Jesus, our Life, our Bread, our source of unity with you and with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Church is the body of Christ. Give it unity with him and unity in him. Let your Holy Spirit fashion the Church into the likeness of Jesus, so that when it speaks and acts, people hear and see their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make us mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Let them know they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. May their faithful witness feed their enemies with the bread of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven. Nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your love. Fill us with your Spirit, so we can share your love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens. Thank you for everyone who feed the hungry and help them feed themselves. Grant that, as bodies are nourished, minds, hearts, and spirits are also fed with the living Bread from Heaven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the thoughts, words, and actions of our earthly rulers. Guide and teach them, so all people receive what they need to live in peace. Give us the desire and means to feed one another not only with bread that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You open your hand and fulfil the desire of every living creature. Please open your hand to grant health, hope, strength, and guidance upon all whose need is great, including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our union with Jesus. Strengthen bonds of affection with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all, with all whom you have redeemed, into the joy and life you share in union with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture 

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 

Script 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Uggg! Good morning, everyone.  

Pastor: Sammy, what’s wrong?  

Sammy: I am really tired, Pastor. I haven’t had any rest in several days.  

Pastor: That’s not good, Sammy. What have you been doing?  

Sammy: Pastor, the better question to ask me is, “What haven’t you done?”  

Pastor: It’s that bad?  

Sammy: It’s that bad.  

Pastor: You seem upset, Sammy.  

Sammy: Of course I am upset! I didn’t get any naps this week. I have been helping Farmer Mark with all of the chores around the farm, and I have been making sure my younger cousins know where to go in the barn when we come in from the pasture. They get lost so easily. It’s just go-go-go and I don’t get any breaks.  

Pastor: Just take a deep breath, Sammy. In fact, let’s all take a deep breath. Ready? Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel better?  

Sammy: A little.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you ever feel like Sammy? Do you ever feel tired and frustrated about not getting time to rest? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way.  

Pastor: Of course, not, Sammy. Even Jesus and his disciples didn’t have time to rest sometimes.  

Sammy: They didn’t?  

Pastor: Jesus had to be very intentional about resting, and he encouraged his disciples to rest, too.   

Sammy: But why does Jesus need rest?  

Pastor: Jesus is fully God and fully man, and he modeled for us how to live in the best way, and part of living full lives includes taking time to rest.  

Sammy: Pastor, I think I am going to go home after church and take a nap. Who’s with me?  

Pastor: That’s great everyone. Sundays are the perfect days to rest and spend time with your family. We are going to say a prayer. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for encouraging us to rest. Thank you for helping us to center our lives on you. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Scripture 

Ephesians 1:3-14 

Script 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I heard a big word during your reading of the gospel lesson today. 

Pastor: There were several big words. Which one would you like to talk about, Sammy? 

Sammy: In-her-i-tance. 

Pastor: Inheritance. Sure, Sammy. We can talk about that. I want to see if the boys and girls know what this word means. Boys and girls, what is an inheritance? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: These are great answers/guesses. An inheritance is something that a person gains after another person dies. When a person is still living, he or she usually decides to give his or her money and house and car to another person or to many people. Then, when that person dies, the family members receive an inheritance of a house, a car, or money. 

Sammy: Can a person give an inheritance of smaller things, too? 

Pastor: Of course! Sometimes people give their family members jewelry or special objects that they have in their homes. 

Sammy: That’s so cool! So my great-grand-maa-maa gave my maa-maa a shiny bell to wear around her neck in the pasture. And one day I will get the bell. 

Pastor: That’s the right idea, Sammy. An inheritance is really special because it shows people that you love them. 

Sammy: Hmm. 

Pastor: What’s the matter, Sammy? 

Sammy: I’m confused, Pastor. How does an inheritance matter in church? What does it mean in the reading from Ephesians? 

Pastor: In the reading from Ephesians, Paul explains to the people of Ephesus that when Jesus died on the cross, we received an inheritance from him. 

Sammy: We did?! 

Pastor: We did. 

Sammy: That is the coolest inheritance yet! Wait, what is the inheritance from Jesus, again? 

Pastor: We are given many gifts, but the main gift is the Holy Spirit. We are also given an inheritance as sons and daughters of the King of Kings: Eternal Life with Jesus. 

Sammy: That is the sweetest inheritance. 

Pastor: Yes it is. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for us. Thank you for giving us an inheritance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting us party with you forever. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture 

Mark 6:1-13 

Script 

Props: You will need a duffle bag or suitcase filled with items for the beach or for a vacation to the beach. Suggestions: beach toys, sunglasses, a towel, a book, clothes, a swimsuit, snacks) 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I am going on a trip.  

Pastor: Where are you going, Sammy?  

Sammy: It’s summer, and I am going to the beach!  

Pastor: Have you ever been to the beach before, Sammy?  

Sammy: Nope! It’s my first time going to the beach. I am looking forward to traveling and relaxing.  

Pastor: Sammy, I think you should talk to the boys and girls about the beach. There’s some things that you need to know about it. Boys and girls, what can you tell Sammy about the beach? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: The beach sounds great! I cannot wait to go.  

Pastor: Sammy, did you pack a bag for the beach?  

Sammy: I did! I left it on the floor in the front of the church.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you see Sammy’s bag?  

[Allow the children to retrieve and open the bag]  

Pastor: Sammy, this bag is big—you must have a lot of items packed for the beach. How many days are you going to stay at the beach? 

Sammy: Just two days. 

Pastor: Let’s see what Sammy packed. [Have the children help unpack Sammy’s bag. Name the items as they come out.] There’s a lot of stuff in here, Sammy.  

Sammy: Baa-haha. I have to be prepared, Pastor.  

Pastor: You know, Sammy, I know a lot about being prepared and making sure you have what you need, but a lot of this stuff isn’t important or necessary for the beach.  

Sammy: Oh?  

Pastor: You know, in our gospel reading for today, Jesus sent out his disciples on a trip. He told them not to take anything with them.  

Sammy: What?!  

Pastor: They were only to take a staff and the clothes they were wearing.   

Sammy: And their wallets so they could buy whatever they needed.   

Pastor: No, Jesus told them not to take any money with them.  

Sammy: Okay, so then they packed a lot of snacks.  

Pastor: No snacks.  

Sammy: . . . Baahahaha.  

Pastor: Really, Sammy. No snacks.  

Sammy: But how did they survive? What did they eat? What did they wear?  

Pastor: That’s the whole point, Sammy. Jesus wanted them to trust that God would always provide for them, no matter what. The disciples did incredible miracles in the name of Jesus and God took care of them every step of the way.  

Sammy: You know, Pastor, I think that you can take that bag with you. I’ll trust God to provide for me on my trip to the beach.   

Pastor: That’s the spirit, Sammy. Boys and girls, can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to trust you. Thank you for sending us into the world to serve. Thank you for providing for us. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43 

Script 

Prop: A new band-aid for each child. 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

 Pastor: How are you doing today, Sammy? 

 Sammy: I am doing really well. I had my breakfast this morning and my maa-maa brushed my wool and I made it to church on time.  

 Pastor: That’s great, Sammy!  

 Sammy: How are you, Pastor? 

Pastor: I am doing well, but I have something on my mind. 

 Sammy: What’s on your mind? 

 Pastor: I’m wondering how much faith we have as a congregation. 

 Sammy: What do you mean? 

 Pastor: Well, when I read the gospel reading for today, we heard about Jairus and his faith that Jesus could heal his daughter. And while Jesus was on his way to heal the girl, a woman had such a big faith that Jesus could heal her if she could just reach out and touch his clothes. What do you think, boys and girls? How do we know if we have faith like Jairus and the sick woman? 

 [Allow time for responses] 

 Pastor: These are all great answers, everyone! 

 Sammy: Pastor, I think our congregation has great faith. St. Paul talks about how blessed we are because we have not seen Jesus, and yet we still believe in him. 

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. I was also thinking about how Jesus heals our bodies and also our spirits. He takes care of our physical needs and our spiritual needs. 

 Sammy: Just like in the gospel you read today! Jesus healed a woman and a girl, and when the girl was raised up from the dead, Jesus told her mom and dad to give her something to eat. He knew she was hungry and she needed food. I love that Jesus takes care of us—especially because I am always hungry! 

 Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Remember that Jesus also takes care of our spiritual bodies, our souls, too. When he raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead, his miracle points to the resurrection of his own body when he will rise from the dead. And guess what? 

 Sammy: What? What? 

 Pastor: Jesus will raise each of us from the dead, too. 

 Sammy: That’s so cool! I will get to live forever with Jesus. 

 Pastor: Yes—we get to live with him in Heaven, and one day, he will come back and Heaven and earth will be one. 

 Sammy: And there will be no more death or pain, and we will not need to be healed anymore. We won’t need to buy any more band-aids, Pastor!  

 Pastor: Speaking of band-aids, one of the best ways I know to help us with healing is a band-aid. I am going to give each of you a band-aid (a new one) to remind you that Jesus is our great healer. You can put it on now, or you can save it for when you really need it. 

 Sammy: I want one, too, please! [Pastor puts a band-aid on Sammy] Oooo I love it! Jesus is our healer: both of our bodies and our spirits. 

 Pastor: Let’s say a prayer together. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads with me, please? Dear Jesus, thank you for healing our bodies. Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for raising us up to new life in you. Amen. 

 Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

 Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 28: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, B

Genesis 9:8-17 (God makes rainbow a sign of his covenant with Noah)

RCL/ELW: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds 100)

Psalm 136:1-9 (Give thanks to God; he is good; his steadfast love endures forever)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 145:10-18 (All eyes look to you, you give food in due season)

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Be strengthened by Spirit, rooted and grounded in Christ)

Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus walks on water, heals many in Gennesaret)

RCL/ELW: John 6:1-21 (Feeding of 5000, walking on water)

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

Opening hymn: Evening and Morning: LBW #465, ELW #761, LSB #726

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV # , ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

OR (if using RCL/ELW texts) All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

OR (ditto) Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: : All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527, v. 1-3, 6-7

“All Creatures, Worship God Most High”- fewer verses, altered: ELW #835

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent: LBW #462

OR I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

OR I Come With Joy:  ELW #482

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for your steadfast love! Thank you for Jesus, your Word and Love made flesh. Thank you for strengthening us in faith, hope, and love, through the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have rooted and grounded the Church in the life-giving body of your dear Son. May that Church always feed, heal, teach, and draw many souls to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter and bless all who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. By their faithful endurance and charity, soften the hearts of their enemies. Bring many to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the people of this congregation with the living Bread of heaven. Heal us with your mercy and forgiveness. Make us brave and wise as we strive to share your saving love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our young adults with strength of character, to resist the follies of the culture. Channel their energy and idealism into deeds of mercy and words of wisdom. Use them to introduce skeptical friends and cynical co-workers to you, the source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give upright hearts to those entrusted with leadership in government, education, industry, or the arts. Teach them to love wisdom and righteousness. Help them to use power and authority rightly, so all people are blessed with freedom, justice, and opportunity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives on behalf of ours. Equip them with every virtue they need to do their jobs faithfully and well. Help us to honor their service and sacrifice. Help them use their skills in new ways when their duties are completed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your Holy Spirit upon all who cry out to you, especially: {List}. Graciously heal, restore, and strengthen them. Bless everyone who assists them in their time of need. Increase their trust in you, their Strength and their Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your tender care, dear Father, all who have died trusting in your promises. Heal our grief, strengthen our faith, and forgive our sins. Nourish us with the Bread of Life, and refresh us with your Holy Spirit. Lad us into your heavenly Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 21: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, B

Jeremiah 23:1-5 (God will replace Israel’s false shepherds; righteous branch of David)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

Ephesians 2:11-22 (Joined together in Christ, he is our peace through blood of his cross)

Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding the 5000)

RCL/ELW: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 (Jesus teaches [before feeding 5000] and heals [after; will get

feeding miracle from John])

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

Opening hymn: The Church’s One Foundation LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

OR Church of God, Elect and Glorious: LSB #646 (Really nice. Tune is same as “Lord, You

gave the great commission”)

Hymn of the Day: Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

OR Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212, ELW #471

Communion Hymn #2: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us:

LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the MUCH more familiar tune, “Bradbury.” If you use LBW and don’t like the tune used there, rustle up an old SBH, it’s #524. You’re welcome.)

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (2^nd verse is perfect!): LBW #196, ELW #544

OR With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (it sings like a Swedish folk tune; words are delightful)

OR Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for our Good Shepherd! Thank you for his compassion and mercy. Thank you for the peace he gives through the blood of his Cross. Thank you. We adore and bless you for your loving-kindness to sinners like us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the faithful Shepherd to your persecuted Church. Protect them from those who hate the name of Jesus and seek to scatter and destroy his flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him, our Cornerstone and Savior. Let all we do conform to the witness of prophets, apostles, and martyrs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom and guidance to everyone learning to be a spiritual director, discipleship partner, or mentor for those seeking to walk more closely with Christ. Make them humble, faithful, and radiant with the beauty of the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You condemned kings who were abusive shepherds of your people. Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to protect and bless their citizens, and to do your will. Teach each of us to share what we have with the poor and hungry. Teach us to believe that you bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially military and first responders. Make them brave, wise, and just. Use them to bring safety and hope to dangerous places. Raise and heal them when they fall. Give steadfast hearts to their loved ones until they are reunited.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed. Ease their suffering or sorrow. Today we also pray for: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd. Feed them with the bread of healing, forgiveness, and hope. Bless everyone who cares for them, and give them strength and joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, keep safe our beloved dead until you reunite us in your own House. Grant us faith in your dear Son to walk confidently through death’s dark vale, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you feed all whom you have redeemed with the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 14: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, B

Amos 7:7-15 (Amos speaks of God’s judgment, and is told by king to take a hike)

Psalm 85:1-13 (Restore us, O God of our salvation; righteousness and peace have kissed)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 85:8-13 (Eliminates wrath, plea for forgiveness)

Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual blessings in Christ, who has prepared our eternal inheritance)

Mark 6:14-29 (John the Baptist loses his head)

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

Opening hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

Hymn of the Day: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

(gotta love a John Bunyan “Pilgrim’s Progress” hymn!)

OR Faith of Our Fathers: LBW #500, ELW #812/813 (813 is the “inclusive” version, keeps old 1^st verse,

adds new ones that are a tad earnest but quite good).

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458; ELW #775 (same as LBW 457); LSB #743
Communion Hymn #1:  He Leadeth Me: LBW #501

OR Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me: LBW #327, ELW #623, LSB #761

Communion Hymn #2: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

OR Here is Bread: ELW #483

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we give uneasy thanks for prophets and martyrs. They’re hard to listen to, much less imitate! We give you uneasy thanks for the times you test our faith. Remind us that your grace is sufficient, and the inheritance you have stored up for us in Christ is eternal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful as you judge your Church. Drive out false teaching and unholy living. Give bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage and faithfulness of John the Baptist. Let your Word of Law and Gospel be proclaimed to all people, so that many be drawn to repentant faith in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in hope, always giving thanks to their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation faithful to our mission: to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words wise; our actions gracious; and our lives holy, so others want to meet the Lord we love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations advisors who speak truth to power. School them in integrity, justice, and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit. Help us hear your commandments, obey them, and live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all who defend life and liberty, here and abroad. Make them strong, competent, and faithful. Deliver them from evil, and give them a joyful homecoming. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for the inheritance given to us in Jesus. Thank you for the promise of life everlasting. Thank you for fulfilling your promises to all who died trusting them. Give us strength to trust your Son completely; to confess him boldly; and to rejoice in him always. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into your Kingdom, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 7: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (God’s Spirit within the prophet called to speak to rebellious people)

Psalm 123 (Have mercy; we have had enough of contempt)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (Paul’s visions, and the thorn in the flesh)

Mark 6:1-13 (Jesus rejected in Nazareth; the 12 are sent on mission trip)

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Opening hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Give the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR Here I Am, Lord: WOV #752, ELW #574

Closing Hymn: (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend): God of Our Fathers:  LBW #567

OR This is My Song: ELW #887 (tune is Finlandia; nice words)

OR On Eagles’ Wings: WOV # , ELW #787, LSB #727

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes we give you thanks, then gulp. Thank you for your prophets, even when their words are hard. Thank you for your grace, even when it doesn’t remove suffering. Thank you for making us your disciples, even when the world hates you. Thank you – and deal patiently with us while we gulp!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your people. Your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel. Give your Spirit to the Church, so it speaks words of warning and grace to all people. Grant that many are brought to repentance, faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, there to be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling this congregation into fellowship with your Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Make us disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage to boldly share the Good News. Give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Let us always remember your generosity and do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Equip them to secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until they are reunited. Heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Paul prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed.  We pray for all who suffer, especially: {List}. Heal them according to your will. Give them confidence in your grace, which is sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them competence, kindness, and patience. Keep all for whom we pray in close communion with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise you for your never-failing mercy. We entrust to that mercy all our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives. Support us with your grace, and heal us with your forgiving love. Lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.