Saturday, July 4, 2020

July 4 – Saturday prior to Proper 9



John 6:35 –
This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “I heard the Voice of Jesus say.”LSB #752

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast
I came to Jesus as I was, So weary, worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, And He has made me glad.

Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. He felt both the pain and agony that are a part of the human lot. As a human being, He prayed to have the cup of suffering removed. Yet, He also prayed that God’s will be accomplished.

Christ suffered on the cross. He felt the physical pain of being nailed to the cross. He was utterly rejected by His Father. He was weighed down with the awesome burden of the sins of the whole world. When we come to Him, He offers us complete and total rest.

Today is Independence Day. We give thanks to God for the freedoms we enjoy as society and nation. Especially this year we pray for those who have been placed in the position of leadership that by their guidance we may live our lives in quietness and peace.

Collect for humility - O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Collect for our nationAlmighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a untied people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that they may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful. In troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

A prayer during this time of sickness - Merciful God, hear our fervent prayer for all who suffer from the corona-virus.

May those who are infected receive the proper treatment and the comfort of Your healing presence. Look with compassion on the sorrowful condition of Your children who suffer because of this pandemic; relieve the pain of the sick; give strength to those who care for them; welcome into Your peace those who have died; and, throughout this time of tribulation, grant that we may all find comfort in Your merciful love.

May their caregivers, families and neighbors be shielded from the onslaught of this disease.

Give solace to those who grieve the loss of loved ones.

Protect and guide those who strive to find a cure, that their work may conquer this disease and restore communities to wholeness and health.

Help us to rise above fear. We ask all this through the merits and mercies of Christ our Savior

The American Flag copyright © Google Images
Prayers for humility and our nation from Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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