Time in the Word - Pentecost 24 ~ Proper 28

Time in the Word

Pentecost 24 ~Proper 28

 November 13-18, 2017

"Preparation for the Lord’s Coming"

The Lessons for this coming week again help us prepare for the coming of our Lord. In the Old Testament lesson, the prophet Zephaniah reminds us of the reason the Lord must return. Sin will cause death and destruction. In the Epistle lesson, Paul assures his readers the children of light will not be surprised when the day of the Lord suddenly comes. The Christians of the first century were concerned about the exact date of Jesus’ return. Paul reminded them that no exact day could be determined, for Jesus will come suddenly and unexpectedly as a thief comes in the night. In the Gospel lesson, we are given the parable of the talents. This is another parable related to the Lord’s return. According to the parable, the return is long delayed (v. 19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Two servants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given. The third servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was taken from him and given to the other two. Jesus has ascended and His return has been delayed. When He comes, He will ask for an accounting whether they worked for Him while He was absent or whether they cared only for their security. A hoarded gift is lost and the hoarder is condemned.

Collect for Proper 28 –Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You.  Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Prayer for responsible citizenship – Lord keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Help us provide trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve You faithfully in our generation to the honor of Your holy name.

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Monday, November 13, 2017 – Psalm 143:5-6, 10-11 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm143:1: “Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my pleas for mercy! In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness!” David calls for deliverance from his enemies and for divine leading. As he makes his appeal to the Lord, he is confident the Lord will act on his account. Thus we are directed to pray in the morning and evening “…into Thy hands I commend myself…”

Tuesday, November 14, 2017– Zephaniah 1:7-16 - The prophet reminds his hearers sin will cause destruction and death. Zephaniah calls upon the nation to be “silent” before God. Similarly a psalmist wrote, “Be still and know that I am God.” If one is to hear what God has to say, there must be silence. Because of this, silence is requested in a library or concert hall. But, there is greater reason for silence. In the face of something catastrophic or terrible, our only reaction is silence. When the seal is broken in heaven, there is a half hour of silence. Zephaniah has a dreadful word from God: The day of the Lord is coming as a day of doom, gloom, destruction, and death for all people. That is enough to shock us into silence.

The “end” is final. There is nothing beyond or it would not be the end. The wrath of God will not be spent until the end of everything. It reminds us of the result of nuclear warfare and the end of the earth. This passage gives us no hope, no solution. The end is promised and it will come, unless.... Or, is it too late?

Wednesday, November 15, 2017– 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -Since Christians are children of the day (righteousness) and not of the night (wickedness), they are to remain sober and awake. To be ready and to be equipped to do battle against evil, they are to be equipped with faith, hope, and love. Paul comforts and assures them that God has not destined them to wrath, but to salvation so that whether they live or die, they might be with the Lord.

Thursday, November 16, 2017– Matthew 25:14-30 – What the servants have is not their own. The rich man of the parable gave his property to his servants as a trust until he returned. As servants of God, all we have has been given to us: our world, gifts, and our very own lives. Thus, we are stewards of God’s wealth. We are not free to do with his possessions as we wish. God holds us accountable for what we did or did not do with His property.

The Bible teaches us to fear God, but not to be afraid of Him. The servant who did nothing with his talent was afraid of God. Though God is a just God who demands justice, holiness, and righteousness, we need not be afraid of Him, for He loves us. Fear Him? Yes! Fear Him in terms of reverence and awe! When we are afraid, we freeze, hold back, fear to venture. The servant was afraid he would lose his one talent and he knew the master would demand a return of his money. In all ways, fear in terms of being afraid, makes us inhibited, cautious, and withholding. Love dares to venture and invest.

Friday, November 17, 2017 - Psalm 90:1-12 - This Psalm is the appointed one for this Sunday.  Verse 17 is the key verse, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,” David says.  As You Lord only have been our security in the world so also make our labors to be effective and enduring – though we are so transient. 

Saturday, November 18, 2017 - Luke 21:25-36 - Our reading is the inspiration for the hymn; “The Day is Surely Drawing Near.” As the Church year comes to a close, so we look to the time of Christ’s second coming. We need not fear these days for we are confident of Him who orders our days and directs our path. 

Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use. 

Pentecost 24 - Proper 27

Luke 20:27-28
After Death - Anything

According to a Gallup poll taken in 1975 60% of American people believe there is life after death. While the figure is encouraging it says that almost one-third do not believe anything follows death. That was 35 years ago. What about today? There are more Sadducees today then when Jesus lived. Do we have any basis for a belief in life after death other than wishful thinking or a personal longing to continue to live?

In Jesus’ day, the Sadducees used the ridiculous story of a man with seven wives to prove there was no resurrection. We need to know that life after death is not our doing but is God’s work. It is based on the truth that God is an ever-living God and is the God of the living because they live in Him. There is life after death because -
God is God only of the living – V. 38
God loves us in Christ – V. 36
God lives in us by faith in Christ – V. 38

By faith we believe in the Resurrection for we are Easter people.

1. The Old Testament teaches the Resurrection.
A. The Sadducees try to us the Old Testament to disprove the resurrection. (Vv. 28-33)
B. Yet, Jesus uses the Old Testament to prove the resurrection. (Vv. 34-38)
C. Other Old Testament passages support this truth. (See. Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 26:19;
Daniel 12:2)

2. The New Testament teaches the Resurrection.
A. Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
B. The resurrection consists of
1. The restoration and glorification of the body (1 Corinthians 15:42-49)
2. The reunion of the body and the soul.
C. Our resurrection has its basis in Christ’s redemption of the human family in His resurrection (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
D. Jesus’ resurrection has significance for you not only on Judgment Day but also right now. Already in this life it effects in you a spiritual resurrection, empowering you to live even more and more in harmony with the Father’s will.

3. The Resurrection is consistent with the nature of God.
A. God created human beings for life, not death. (Luke 20:37-38)
B. The Father sent His Son to rescue fallen humanity.
1. He buys us back and redeems us. (Mark 10:45)
2. He gives us a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
C. This gives power, purpose and meaning to our life. (Luke 20:38, “for all live to Him”; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)

The hope of the resurrection gives life an aim, purpose and goal. The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life funning up and down the field, but you never score a point. We are more then conquerors through Christ who loves us. Because of the cross and empty tomb we are in fact Easter people!

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for congregational and personal use

Time in the Word Pentecost 24 Proper 27

God of Glory

The goodness and greatness of God are brought out in the lessons for next Sunday. According to the Gospel (Luke 20:27-40) we serve an eternal God - A God of the living. God is eternal life and all who live in Him have this life. His glory is seen in His conquest of death. In the Old Testament lesson (Exodus 3:1-15) Moses encounters the living Lord through the burning bush. The bush is on fire yet is not consumed. Moses is commanded to take off his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. In the Epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17) God is a faithful God a God of steadfast love. The days are getting shorter. The end of the church year is approaching. We are in the midst of harvest. The eternal and faithful Lord has prepared for Himself a harvest of souls. Will you be numbered with His saints? Our good and gracious God has a destiny for you. He is the God of glory.

Collect for the Twenty-fourth Sunday of Pentecost: O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do Your work on earth. WE ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-seven: Living God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of Your grace to lay hold of Your promises and live forever in Your presence; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 148: God Most High, by Your Word You created a wondrous universe and through Your Spirit You breathed into it the breath of life. Accept creation’s hymn of praise from our lips, and let the praise that is sung in heaven resound in the heart of every creature on earth, to the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for All Saints: Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous sand godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love Your; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 01 November 2010—Psalm115:2-4, 8, 17-18 antiphon, Psalm 115:11—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. We trust in God because He holds Himself to His Word. We trust in Him because He has proven Himself to be faithful; faithful to His Word, faithful to His promises, faithful to His people.

Tuesday, 02 November 2010—Psalm 148 — Let the angels praise God. Let the sun, moon and stars praise God. Let the heavens shout, Hallelujah! Everything that it owes praise to the Creator; the angels in heaven, sun, moon, and stars; nature, the deep, every creature on earth and all mankind.

Wednesday, 03 November 2010—Exodus 3:1-15— The Lord promises Moses to come down and to rescue His people. Notice in verse 12 the Lord promises I will be with you. The Hebrew word translated “I will be” is the same as the one translated “I am” in verse 14. The sign the Lord gives to Moses is a visible proof or guarantee that what God has promised He would surely fulfill.

Thursday, 04 November 2010—2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17— Paul wishes that God’s blessings may come to His people. In a day of discouragement, depression, and despair many feel there is no hope out of their troubles. Some consider themselves or others as hopeless. Hope disappears when we think that things will never improve. Are we doomed to things as they are? But, there is hope, for hope is not based on us or on the world but on God. Hope is a gift of God. If we go to god, we can have hope. For hope is ultimately based on God’s nature. In verse 16 two eternal truths are brought forward. God loves us in Christ and God has saved you through the grace of Christ.

Are we a praying people? Prayer is a two-way communication between God and the believer. It should also be a two-way deal among Christians. As one prays for another, the other reciprocates in prayer. We need to pray for each other, for we all are in need of prayer. In our lesson Paul prays for his people and he asks them to pray for him. Here is an ideal situation between a pastor and the people. It would also work in the family and on the job.

Friday, 05 November 2010—Luke 20:27-40 — Heaven lacks a number of things; no stress, no hunger, no tears. Best of all there is no cemetery there, because there is no need for one. Heaven is where the living God is and where His people live in and with Him. These people do not die but share eternal life with Christ. There is no death in heaven because God is a God only of the living as people live in and to God. (vs. 38)

Saturday, 06 November 2010—Matthew 8:23-27 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me. (LSB #715). This background of our hymn written in 1870 lies in the work of Edward Hopper, during his ministry at the “Church of the Sea and the Land,” in New York. He was noted for his work among the sailors, to whim he devoted the last years of his ministry in the Presbyterian Church. In common with many hymns, “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” was first written as a poem. It was first published in The Sailor’s Magazine in 1871 and later came to be used in hymnals. The second stanza of the hymn suggests the miracle of Jesus calming the waves, when He was with His disciples on the sea. The way of life is compared to a voyage on the sea. There are great waves threatening to destroy, rocks upon which our ship may break. But the power of Jesus in our hearts can smooth the waters and carry us on to safety in the harbor of Heaven.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
The Story of 50 Hymns © 1934 By General Mills, Inc Minneapolis, MN
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 24 - Proper 28

O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

People are always curious about the future. What is going to happen? Religious fanatics draw upon isolated passages in Scripture, tear them out of context, and make biblical symbols represent modern nations or persons. Jesus in the words of our Gospel simply tells us what to expect - nothing more and certainly nothing less. With this we ought to leave it.

Is there anything we can do about the coming of the end of the world? Do we sit with folded hands and wait for the worst? Are we passive victims of world conditions? The Gospel gives us plenty to do until the end of days. About this we need to be concerned rather then fixating on the specific day and hour of the end.

This Christ would have us do –

1. Expect trouble. Vs. 2 – “Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Again, in time, Jesus’ words were fulfilled. In the year 70 AD when the Romans entered the city of Jerusalem the great temple was torn down. Not one stone was left to stand on another. To this day there is only a small remnant to that great temple. The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is all that remains of this great temple.

Yet to this hour there are days and times of trouble. People who expect peace will not find it. Those who want to rid this world of injustice will become disappointed. This coming Saturday members of our congregation and our Decatur community will gather at Wyneken School to prepare 40,000 meals. Will it eradicate hunger? Of course not! But we can, at least in a small way, make a significant impact in our community. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you”. (Matthew 26:11) These words should remind us that trouble and challenges will always befall us, for we live in a broken world that does not always play fair, which is a not always kind, where good people do suffer and bad behavior will sometimes be rewarded. Circumstances differ for each individual, but all share the same experience. As you cry out to God in your need, He hears. He answers.

2. Take heed. Vv.5, 9 - Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you… You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of Me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.” There is a reason Christian for you being the target for such scrutiny and prejudice. It’s not about you – it’s about Him. On account of Me you will stand before governors and kings. Because of Christ and your allegiance and commitment to Him you will be met with resistance. But at the same time you will be given opportunity to be witnesses to them.
Ten years ago this nation reeled in horror at the news of a senseless school shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO Cassie Bernall a 17 year old teenager when asked by her killers “Do you believe in God?” answered “yes”. Then they asked her why, though they didn't give her a chance to respond. In the words of Cassie’s mother, “They just blew her away." Cassie Bernall, by her own description of herself, wasn't much different then that of her killers. She was also an outsider, lonely, "a loser without a date for the prom." And. indeed, at a point, she was strongly tempted to the same kind of anger, hatred and bitterness as her killers. Yet, how different her life ended from theirs. Her killers died angry, hysterical, and mad with rage. She died, not unlike Jesus, praying, refusing bitterness, loving, even as she could taste the exact same loneliness as her killers. In Cassie's case the good won out, she died in a fashion remarkably similar to Jesus. She died refusing bitterness in the midst of rejection.[1]
3. Proclaim the Gospel to the nations. Vs.10 - And the gospel must first be preached to all nations (and then the end will come).” The Gospel of the kingdom has been preached around world as a testimony to the nations. Jesus said in Acts, “And you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Within the first generation of Christians that prophecy was fulfilled. Look at a globe. Find a place where the gospel has not been proclaimed. The gospel has literally been preached around the world.

But in this generation, something extraordinary has taken place. Our world took a dramatic change on September 11, 2001 when three commercial airplanes were used as weapons of destruction against American interests. The war on terror was officially declared on that date – September 11, 2001. How significant was that event in world history?

Most of you can recall with vivid memory what you were doing on that Tuesday morning eight years ago. But do you recall what happened four days later on a Saturday morning, September 15, 2001?

On that day, September 15, 2001, a prayer service was held at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. That service was beamed around the world into every corner of this planet. On that day Billy Graham proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ from that church and his message was heard literally around the world. For us, in this generation, Mark 13:10 was literally fulfilled on September 15, 2001. Of all the places our Wyneken eighth graders go to visit in May the National Cathedral is the place where the words of Christ concerning the end took place for us in time and space. They were in kindergarten then. I’m sure they don’t recall much of the events of September 11, 2001.

When this year’s 8th grade class goes to DC they will have hardly any recollection of the events of September 11th - but they will see where September 15, 2001 now takes on far greater significance and importance for us - as we anticipate the last pagan to be converted. When that happens – when the last pagan is converted - then the end will come.

4. Endure to the end. Vs.13 – “All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Notice the Savior’s words. “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.” In spite of great opposition, in spite of challenges great and small, in spite of a future which we do can not see – God wins! All the Lord asks of us is to remain faithful. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of everlasting life. This the Savior promises. Stand firm in His promises.

Lord, let at last Thine angels come
To Abr’ham’s bosom bear me home
That I may die un-fear-ing
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing
And then from death awaken me,
That these mine eyes with joy may see
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my fount of grace
Lord Jesus Christ my prayer attend my prayer attend
And I will praise thee without end.[2]


[1] By FR. RON ROLHEISER in the WESTERN CATHOLIC REPORTER © May 19, 2003 http://www.wcr.ab.ca/columns/rolheiser/2003/rolheiser051903.shtml
[2] Stanza 3 of Lord, Thee I Love with All my Heart Lutheran Service Book © Concordia Publishing House 2006 St. Louis
Martin Schalling 1532-1608

Time in the Word Pentecost 24 Proper 28

Sunday’s Theme is simply “The Coming End of the World” Mark’s “Little Apocalypse,” chapter 13 is being used to introduce the theme of the end times. Sunday’s Gospel deals with the events of disaster and persecution which mark the birth-pangs of the final end of the world. The Old Testament lesson was chosen to harmonize with the Gospel for it, too, speaks of the end of time and God’s deliverance of His people. The Epistle lesson continues the discussion of Christ as high priest, but indicates that after His once-for-all sacrifice, He is waiting in His exalted state for the defeat of His enemies. As the church year comes to a close, it is fitting to dwell on the end of the world and the return of Christ.

Collect for Proper 28 –O Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 09 November 2009—Psalm 48:11-14, Antiphon, Mark 13:13b– The one who endures to the end will be saved. The words of the Antiphon are simple, direct, and profound. If you endure to the end you will be saved. Lord grant while worlds endure we keep God’s teachings pure throughout all generations!

Tuesday, 11 November 2009—Psalm 16; key verse v11— You will show me the path of life. The Psalm for this week reminds us that God is our refuge in trying times and assures us that God will not abandon us in our trials.

Wednesday, 12 November 2009— Daniel 12:1-3– At a time of great trouble, both the living and the dead will be delivered and the wicked condemned. This week’s Old Testament lesson comes from the prophet Daniel. It deals with the Persian period of history and predicts the end of history. At the end there will be great trouble in the world, but God’s people will be delivered because Michael, Israel’s angelic guardian will come to their rescue. The saved will be those living and dead who have their names in the book of life, a list of God’s faithful people. Here is a statement of the resurrection from the Old Testament. The dead will be raised for eternal life or for eternal death (“contempt”). This life is not the end, but the final verdict comes at the resurrection.

Thursday, 13 November 2009—Hebrews 10:11-18 – After his perfect sacrifice, Jesus is seated at God’s right hand until all of His enemies are defeated. The one supreme sacrifice of Christ removes the necessity of repeated sacrifices of animals. These repeated sacrifices cannot remove sin. Jesus’ one sacrifice perfected the faithful. After the perfect offering, Jesus is seated now at God’s right hand waiting for all evil forces to be subjected to Him. This once-for-all-time offering initiated a new covenant which cancels all former covenants and their sacrifices. It is a new covenant of forgiveness. Since there is forgiveness in and through the new covenant, there is no need of other sacrifices for sin.

Friday, 14 November 2009 – Mark 13:1-13– Before the end of the world comes, there will be natural disasters and Christ’s followers will be persecuted. This chapter from Mark’s Gospel, is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” It is the last long teaching of Jesus in Mark, as though it were a farewell speech. The destruction of the temple is predicted and the disciples privately asked Jesus when this would occur and what would be the signs of the end. But these signs mark only the beginning of the end: earthquakes, wars, and persecution. The end will not come until the Gospel is preached to all nations. When will the end come? When the last pagan is converted.

Saturday, 15 November 2009—Hebrews 12:1-3; Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 17:14- Sunday’s hymn of the day is For All the Saints. (LSB 677) Soon we will close out the church year. As citizens of the United States we are also citizens of another country – the Kingdom of Christ in glory. This week we will celebrate Veteran’s day honoring those who have served in the armed forces of our nation. At the same time we honor Christ who has served us defeating our last great enemy death and opened for us the gate which leads to eternal life.

Collect for Pentecost 24—O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleans our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus Christ, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For those in distressed times - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Peace: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for home and family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH