“He will command his angels to guard you in all your ways.  They will bear you up in their hands so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”  (Psalm 91: 11-12) 

Dear Friends:

I experienced the truth and power of that promise last month.  I do not have a good sense of balance so I take precautions.  For example, I do not ride escalators, especially in airports when I have luggage and my carry on.  But after I arrived at the Oklahoma City airport on my way to the NALC Convocation, as I left the gate area the escalator down to baggage claim was straight ahead and I did not know where the elevator was, so I foolishly did what normally I no longer do.  I took the escalator. 

As I remember, a little way down the step jerked.  I lost my balance, fell to the side, and badly cut my upper left arm – I believe on the metal edge of the step.  People were so concerned and so kind.  They brought paper towels to wrap up the blood and called the airport fire department triage team, who retrieved my luggage, called an ambulance, and I was taken to the emergency room of a hospital not too far from where the convocation was taking place.  My laceration was treated and I was released. 

Afterwards I was thinking about how fortunate I was that I did not fall forward or fall down the escalator and how much more serious the injury could have been (though the escalator did leave tread marks on my upper left arm).  I was also very glad when I heard the announcement that first aid was available during the convocation at the volunteer central room.  There I found kind people who would change the dressing.  It is hard to change the dressing on your own upper left arm. 

And then I got to thinking about what people can do – show concern, wipe up the blood, retrieve luggage, get me to emergency, treat the wound, and change the dressing – but what only God can do – command His angels to watch over us and give our bodies the amazing ability to heal. 

I am very sad whenever I hear preachers and Bible study leaders reduce the Christian message to what we do – whether it is doing works of compassion, advocating for justice, or what is now the dominating emphasis in some church circles – dismantling systemic racism, white supremacy, and male dominance.  I think of the account of the raising of Lazarus in John 11.  The people could move the stone and unwrap the grave clothes, but only Jesus could raise the dead.  We of Lutheran CORE are committed to preserving and proclaiming the full and pure Gospel message – not of the far-left political agenda but of the gifts that God gives as He forgives our sins, makes us new creations, calls us to service, and commands His angels to watch over us. 

We have promised to keep you posted regarding the work of the commission that will be developing the plan to remake and reconstitute the ELCA.  The thirty-five members of the commission have been appointed and have held their first meeting.  Biographical paragraphs of the members are now available.  We will be analyzing the makeup of the commission and will share our analysis in the September issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice.  The makeup of the commission should be cause for great concern.  As they say, When you know the makeup, you know the outcome.

Also in the September issue of our newsletter a couple members of our young adult group – both of whom are students at the North American Lutheran Seminary – will be writing about their experiences serving as mentors at NEXUS this past summer.  A ministry of Grand View University in Des Moines, NEXUS is a week of Bible study, theological reflection, and fellowship for high schoolers, where they are challenged to become involved in Christian ministry and consider attending seminary.  Thank you for your gifts, which make it possible for Lutheran CORE to be one of the sponsors of NEXUS.  Ethan Zimmerman, one of the seminarians who again served as a mentor this past summer, wrote about his experiences –

“This summer’s NEXUS Institute was the best NEXUS I’ve been to in my five years of being involved!  The Holy Spirit was moving in and amidst everyone, from the high school student participants, to the young adult mentors, all the way to the adult chaperones!  Everyone’s faith was deepened and broadened in such a fantastic way, and speaking for myself, I will forever be changed for the better because of my involvement as a mentor.  The NEXUS Institute is one of the premier places for high school students to grow and learn more about their faith, and to see what a calling and vocation from God truly looks like!”

I am writing this letter the week after the devastating fires on the island of Maui.  Having visited that beautiful island, I have a hard time imagining what it must be like now.  We are continually reminded of tragedies and natural disasters that are happening to people.  But the greatest tragedy of all is what sin, death, and the devil have done to God’s creation.  People need to know and be in right relationship with a God who loves, forgives, calls, empowers, and is with them, and who commands His angels to watch over them.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and gifts to Lutheran CORE, which enable us to continue our work of being a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Thank you for your prayers for us.  Please click here to print a form that you can use to let us know how we can be praying for you.

Blessings in Christ,   

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

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THE PRAYERS (with Lessons and Hymns following), 

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 14, 2018)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

 

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Have mercy on your Church, O Lord. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to draw all people to yourself.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on your persecuted servants, O Lord. Cleanse them from bitterness, hatred, or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

 

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on this congregation, O Lord. Cleanse us from apathy, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness, O Lord. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith and trust in you, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world, O Lord. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and worship of self. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, O Lord. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives in the execution of their duties. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring a measure of safety, justice, and freedom in places of chaos and danger.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of evil, O Lord. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy all our beloved dead. We who are but ashes and dust humbly beseech you for your mercy upon us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

Scriptures and Suggested Hymns, February 14, 2018: Ash Wednesday

 

Joel 2:12-19 (Rend you heart, not your garments)

ELW: Joel 2:12, 12-17, OR Isaiah 58:1-12 (True fasting is doing justice)

Psalm 51:1-19 (Create in me a clean heart, O God)

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (Ambassadors for Christ; now is the acceptable time Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (Prayer, fasting, alms that are acceptable to God)

 

Opening Hymn may be omitted if Psalm 51 is spoken or chanted here):

LBW #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days (LSB #418, ELW #319)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive

(LSB #843, ELW #605)

OR WOV #659, O Sun of Justice (2^nd verse great if you preach on 2 Corinthians text; tune is simple plainsong chant, or sing to the Doxology)

Communion 1: ELW #328, Restore in Us, O God

            OR LBW #103, O Christ, Thou Lamb of God

Communion 2: LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)

OR  WOV 734, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (ELW #608)

Closing Hymn: LBW #218, Strengthen for Service, Lord (ELW #497)

 

 

4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (January 28, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, raise up in your church such prophets to faithfully speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that faithfully listen to them with obedience and gladness. And give, to those who have never heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear it rightly, ponder it patiently, and believe it firmly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. And, by your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessings upon this congregation, so that in all we say and do, we proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them into havens of safety, grace, and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives; and restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Drive out from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your most holy Spirit. Give to all of us a passion for caring for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We honor and pray on behalf of those serving our country, here and abroad. Make and keep them faithful, true, and bold; keep them in your care when they fall in the line of duty; and return them in safety to their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, strength, comfort and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart— especially {List}. Shield them from ever power of evil; drive from them the demons of despair; restore them to wholeness and to the company of all who love them; and fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your safekeeping all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn.  Keep us safe in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. And lead us into that eternal and glorious Sabbath rest in which peace, wholeness and holiness are restored to all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You may download the Prayers of the Church and hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 4, 01-28-18

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, you called Samuel to be your prophet; and your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Holy Spirit, so that it may always hear and heed Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it bishops, pastors, theologians and leaders who are faithful to your Word; and by the lives of all its people, draw many to trust in Him who is the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Search the hearts and minds of your persecuted servants. Purify and perfect them; lead them in your everlasting way. And by their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless, we pray, this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith; conform us ever more closely to Christ our Lord; and through our words and deeds, bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You know the inmost thoughts of all; none can flee your presence. Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders; teach them your ways; take all wickedness from their hearts; and use them to establish your goodly will among your people. Help each of us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness and deeds of justice and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give strength, wisdom and integrity to all whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially first responders and those in the military. Use them to accomplish your will in places of danger and chaos. Gather to yourself those who have given their life in the line of duty. Grant healing to the wounded; patience and hope to their families; and a swift and joyous homecoming to all whose work is not yet done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope; bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who have heeded your voice in this life and who now rest in your arms. Grant that we, too, may heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit.  In your good time, gather us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, theologians and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we may rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

You may download these prayers along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 2, 01-14-18

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Most holy God, let your voice fill the Church with your glory. Let your strong Word be faithfully proclaimed in that Church, so that it brings the promise of salvation to those who do not know him. Let it ever rejoice when many become heirs of his promise and members of his Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found upon their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Let your Word thunder in this congregation, until everyone who worships here cries “Glory” and proclaims your holy Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of your dear Son; and let the light of his holy and forgiving love shine brightly in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word fill the lives of the newly baptized; of all who this day profess their faith in your most blessed Name; and of all who waver at the very edge of repentance and belief in your strong saving love for them. Keep them in your care; and help each of us to be good examples and mentors in their journey of discipleship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Word shape the minds, hearts and wills of all who take counsel for the nations. Fill each person throughout this sin-shrouded world with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, and joy in your presence. Banish from our midst those things which lead to hatred, strife and suffering; and speak your Word of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your strong Word be the shield, light and safety of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them such integrity and strength of character that the innocent and defenseless may always look to them for help; and when their work is done, bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for your powerful voice that splits open the tombs of your children, and calls them out of death into eternal life. We ask your word of comfort and strength for all who grieve; and for your protection and guidance for each of us, until we join those who continually cry “Glory” in your blessed presence, and dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

These Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions by Rev. Cathy Ammlung may be downloaded from here:

Baptism of Our Lord, 01-07-18