Psalm 104:24, 27–28, 30; —On the Day of Pentecost, we focus our
attention on the Holy Spirit and His role in establishing the Mission activity
of the Christian Church. The antiphon
read during the Introit on the Day of Pentecost is a portion of an ancient
prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy
Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your
love.”
Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise
celebrating the wonders of God’s creation. But it is careful to direct our attention not
so much to the creation, but to the Creator. The Lord did not merely set the
world into motion and then take His hands off the wheel. He continues to
nurture and preserve all He has made. Luther in his Large Catechism explains, “He causes all created things to serve for
the use and necessities of life.” (LC II, 14) In the explanation to the
First Article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther simply explains, “I believe that God has made me and all
creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my
members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.”
All around us, seeds sown into
the ground just a few weeks ago are beginning to sprout. We anticipate an
abundant harvest. The Lord’s abundant power of creation is seen each spring as
we witness life flourishing around us.
The Lord has promised to preserve and sustain the earth. “While the earth remains, seedtime and
harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22
There seems to always be a
guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear
and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life. The Psalmist assures us that the Lord is our
sure defense. As He preserves you He will safeguard your life even in these
unprecedented times.
The portion of the psalm used in the Introit
proclaims that the Holy Spirit; whom, with the Father and the Son, was involved
in the creation, especially of man, into whose nostrils God breathed the breath
(Spirit) of life.
A Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty
God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance
whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the
work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable
weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your
goodness.[1]
Today is Memorial Day. We recall those who gave the
ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.
A Memorial Day Prayer: Heavenly
Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have
given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to
you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed
Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace
prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our
land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this
country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform
as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the
hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the
true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us
repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In
the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace
and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen. [2]
[1]
Collect for Agriculture, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House. St. Louis
[2] A
Memorial Day Prayer copyright © The Evangelical Lutheran Synod https://els.org/2012/05/28/a-memorial-day-prayer/
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