1 Corinthians 9:16–27—St Paul boasts, not of himself, but of the Gospel. What a privilege it is for him, and all of us, to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus! He cannot but go out to all—Jew, Gentile, weak, strong—and proclaim the forgiveness that belongs to all men through the merits of Christ.
Out of divine necessity Paul preaches, and to win people to Christ he identifies with them. In this chapter Paul defends his ministry against those who condemn him for not taking pay from his churches, for”the laborer is worthy of his hire.”
Paul was economically independent by working as a tent-maker. Paul explains that he preaches out of necessity, for he was called to preach. He performs out of this commission and not for monetary remuneration. This had made him free from being obligated to men and made him free to be all things to all men in the hope of winning them to Christ.
Today we pray for the church and her pastors; for teachers, deaconesses, and other church workers; for missionaries and for all who serve the Church; for fruitful and salutary use of the blessed Sacrament of Christ’ body and blood.
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. For the faithful proclamation of Christ, our King, and for the strengthening of God’s people in this true faith and their baptismal life in Christ.
Gracious Lord, enrich Your saints in every way. Encourage the preachers of Your Word and all who hear, that the testimony about Christ may be confirmed again among us. Give boldness and faithfulness to our Synod president;\; our district president, our circuit visitor, and all pastors in Christ.
As You have called us into the fellowship of Your Son, so sustain us as we wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for a right reception of the true body and blood of Christ, for grace to use well what we receive here in Christ’s name, and for the day when no division of doctrine and faith will hinder our communion together at the Lord’s altar, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. 1
Prayers for the Church, Commission on Worship © The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
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