Pr. DFD : Pentecost 7

Showing posts with label Pentecost 7 - Proper 12. Show all posts

Friday, July 25, 2025

Saturday prior to Proper 12

Matthew 6:5-13; 7:7-11 – The hymn of study this week is “Come, My Soul, with Every Care” (LSB 779). In every need in every circumstance take it to the Lord in prayer.

Come, my soul, with ev'ry care;
Jesus loves to answer prayer.
He himself bids you to pray.
He will never turn away,

You are coming to a king--
large petitions with you bring.
For his grace and pow'r are such,
none can ever ask too much,

With my burden I begin:
Lord, remove this load of sin;
let your blood, for sinners spilt,
set my conscience free from guilt,

Lord, your rest to me impart;
take possession of my heart.
There your blood-bought right maintain,
and without a rival reign,

While I am a pilgrim here,
let your love my spirit cheer.
As my guide, my guard, my friend,
lead me to my journey's end,

Show me what I have to do;
ev'ry hour my strength renew.
I would have your will, not mine;
for it's perfect, good, and kind,

John Newton (b. London, England, 1725; d. London, 1807) was born into a Christian home, but his godly mother died when he was seven, and he joined his father at sea when he was eleven. His licentious and tumultuous sailing life included a flogging for attempted desertion from the Royal Navy and captivity by a slave trader in West Africa. After his escape he himself became the captain of a slave ship. Several factors contributed to Newton's conversion: a near-drowning in 1748, the piety of his friend Mary Catlett, (whom he married in 1750), and his reading of Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ. In 1754 he gave up the slave trade and, in association with William Wilberforce, eventually became an ardent abolitionist.[2]

For the right understanding of Christ: Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.[3]

Collect for Saturday of the week of Pentecost 7: Father, grant us insight, so that we may look deep into your Word, and not cling to superficial or shallow understandings. Grant us to focus that we may not be mesmerized by shadows or illusions, but concentrate on the substance of Your Word, and this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen (Anonymous) [4]

[2] https://hymnary.org/text/come_my_soul_with_ever_care

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Friday prior to Proper 12

[1]

Luke 11:1-13— Jesus gives the Lord’s Prayer and teaches persistence in prayer. It is common practice for many to ask once and forget it. How long should we pray for something? Is unanswered prayer a “no” answer? In the Gospel for Sunday Jesus teaches that there is no limit to the number of times we pray. The friend wanting bread comes at midnight when his friend is in bed. The man wanting to borrow bread kept asking and pounding until in desperation he got out of bed and gave the food. It wasn’t because of friendship but because his friend would not quit bothering him. He would not take “No” for an answer. Jesus teaches that we should ask, see, and finally knock to get what we want. Persistence in prayer is necessary.

In direct response to the request by the disciples that He teach them to pray Jesus gives them the Lord’s Prayer. The small divergences between the form of the Lord’s Prayer here and that in Matthew’s Gospel are an indication that the essential point is not an exact repetition of the words. In this lesson which emphasis is placed upon relationship here. God is identified as “father.” The disciples do not come to someone out of who gifts have to be unwillingly extracted, but to a father who delights to supply his children’s needs.

Jesus offers a most excellent illustration pertaining to persistent prayer. Since the whole family slept in one room, it was a great imposition to disturb the householder, because it involved disturbing and rousing the whole family. Not only did the midnight visitor disturb, he knocked on with “shameless persistence,” until the householder acquiesced in the requests of the determined borrower. To the petitions of the disciples Jesus gives the definite promise that their prayers will be heard and draws attention to the best gift of all, His Holy Spirit.

For steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in the faith to the end and finally come to love everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [2]

Collect for Friday of the week of Pentecost 7: Grant us, O God, to hear Thy voice; and in hearing Thy voice, to love Thy Word; and in loving Thy Word, to do Thy will. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen [3]

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Thursday prior to Proper 12

[1]

Colossians 2:6-15— Paul exhorts his people to live in Christ in whom dwells the fullness of God. We live on earth only once and almost everyone wants to get as much out of life as possible. But how do you achieve a happy and fulfilling life?

Your life in Christ is centered in your baptism. Luther has said, “There is on earth no greater comfort than baptism.” Aimless wanderers- that is what many individuals appear to be today in our world. They have no direction, no purpose, no solid basis for living. At times we all may even ask, “Where is life leading me?” In the midst of this questioning comes good news. In Jesus we are more than wanderers.

Verse 7 is a key verse. Paul encourages “be rooted in Christ.” To be “rooted” in Christ is to be circumcised in Christ. Circumcision was a sign of entering a covenant with God. Baptism is the Christian’s circumcision; we enter into a covenant with Christ. Now we are His, we belong to Him; we live under Him as our Lord and Savior.

“Be built up in Christ.” In Vs.12 Paul says we are buried and rise with Christ in Baptism. We die to self and are risen a new creation. The new creation is now a process of being raised even higher into the fullness of Christ.

“Have faith in Christ”. Believe in Jesus as the One in whom dwells the fullness of God.

Finally, St. Paul encourages us to “give thanks.” Christians give thanks to God for Jesus. For Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law by nailing the Law to the cross. From this we have forgiveness. Also, give thanks for Jesus’ victory over the power s of evil. Because of Jesus, we are free from din, death and the evil powers of this world.

For an answer to prayer; Almighty God, You have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in Your Son’s name. Mercifully incline Your ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplications to You, and grant that those things that we have faithfully asked according to Your will we may receive to meet our need and bring glory to Your; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2]

Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 7: O Jesus Christ, the mirror of all gentleness of mind, the example of highest obedience and patience, grant me your servant true devotion to consider how you, innocent and undefiled Lamb were bound, taken, and hauled away to death for my sins how well content you were to suffer such things, not opening your mouth in impatience, but willingly offering yourself unto death. O gracious God, how vilely were you mishandled for my sake! O Lord, let this never come out of my heart. Take away my heart’s coldness and sloth, stir up love and fervency toward you, provoke me to earnest prayer and make me cheerful and diligent in your will. – Miles Coverdale (1488-1568) [3]

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Wednesday prior to Proper 12

[1]

Genesis 18:20-33— Abraham bargains with God not to destroy Sodom for the sake of 10 righteous people. In addition to the idea of persistence in prayer, our Old Testament lesson teaches us a number of timeless truths. God is concerned about conditions on earth. Vv. 20-21. We do not have a God high in the heavens who could not care less what happens on earth. In the case of Sodom, God Himself comes down to the city for a first-hand investigation. God knows and cares about the human condition.

The wrath of God is real. In verse 22 God intends to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sin is punished. The wrath of God is visited upon the wicked. This applies to any city or nation at any period of history. A corrupt society will experience its consequences. In verse 25 Abraham tests God’s justice. Would God destroy the righteous along with the wicked? God would not do that; He is a just God.

Vv. 27 and 30 speak concerning the attitude of one in prayer. Abraham realizes he has no right he had no right to speak to God, to approach God, to make any requests. This is the attitude of one who knows his finiteness and unworthiness to speak to God in prayer. Prayer is no friendly chat between equals. It is an audience with the Holy One, full of majesty and glory. Sodom was destroyed because 10 righteous people were not found in the city. Diogenes could not find one honest man in his land. Are there as many as 10 really righteous people in your city?

Collect for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost: Grant Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your Church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2]

Collect for Proper 12: O Lord, let Your merciful ears be attentive to the prayers of Your servants, and by Your Word and Spirit teach us how to pray that our petitions may be pleasing before You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. [3]

Collect for Wednesday of the week of Pentecost 7: Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by your direction that your Church may rejoice in serving you in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]

[1]Lot flees Sodom Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures ©WELS for personal and congregational use

Monday, July 21, 2025

Tuesday prior to Proper 12

[1]

Psalm 138— This is a royal son of praise for God’s saving help against threatening foes. In many respects it is like Psalm 18 though it is more concise and direct. Two Hebrew four-line stanzas (Vv. 1-3, 6-8) develop the main theme; at the center a two line stanza (Vv. 4-5) expands the praise of the Lord to a universal company of earth’s royalty.

Psalm 138 – God’s Promise to honor His Word and complete His work

This psalm is titled A Psalm of David. Several commentators mention that it was fittingly placed next to Psalm 137, which described the inability of the psalmist to sing before the heathen. Psalm 138 is a declaration that even the kings of the nations will praise Yahweh.

This Psalm is wisely placed. Whoever edited and arranged these sacred poems, he had an eye to apposition and contrast; for if in Psalm 137 we see the need of silence before revilers, here we see the excellence of a brave confession. There is a time to be silent, lest we cast pearls before swine; and there is a time to speak openly, lest we be found guilty of cowardly non-confession.

“There is a fine blend of boldness and humility from the outset: boldness to confess the Lord before the gods, humility to bow down before him.” (Derek Kidner) [2]

Collect for Psalm 138: Lord God, you keep the proud sat a distance and look upon the lowly with favor. Stretch out your hand to us in our suffering, perfect in us the work of your love, and bring us to life in Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]

Collect for Tuesday of the week of Pentecost 7: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.[4]

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-138/

[4] ibid

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Monday prior to Proper 12

[1]

Psalm 119:145-149; antiphon, Psalm 50:15 This psalm is based on The Hebrew Letter “Qoph” It’s theme- “Crying With The Whole Heart” David cries “Save me O Lord and I will keep Your law.” As the psalm draws to a close, prayer for deliverance becomes more dominant.

Praying to the God of the Bible.

1. (145-147) Crying out to God with hope in His word.

I cry out with my whole heart;

Hear me, O LORD!

I will keep Your statutes.

I cry out to You;

Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.

I rise before the dawning of the morning,

And cry for help;

I hope in Your word.

a. I cry out with my whole heart…. I will keep Your statutes: The psalmist pleaded with God, crying out before Him. In his pleading, he wanted to keep the word of God. This was not merely a cry for help or deliverance or forgiveness; this was a cry for obedience.

“Yet these verses are not really about the psalmist’s enemies, as bad as they were. They are about the writer’s prayer life and how he learned to use God’s word when praying.” (Boice)

“The whole soul of the psalmist was engaged in this good work. He whose whole heart cries to God will never rise from the throne of grace without a blessing.” (Clarke)

b. I cry out to You; save me, and I will keep Your testimonies: For emphasis, the idea is repeated from the previous verse. The psalmist passionately cried out to God for the wisdom and strength and ability to obey God. This is a prayer that pleases God.

c. I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word: The psalmist passionately depended on God and His word, but that did not eliminate the participation of the psalmist in any way. He still woke early to seek God, in prayer (cry for help) that was helped by God’s word (I hope in Your word).

“So long as the duty only of prayer is known, we shall be content with our set seasons. But when the privilege is felt, we shall be early at work, following it closely morning and night.” (Bridges)

We use prayer in our study of the word of God; this is essential. Yet we also use the word of God in our prayers. In prayer, the word of God shows us:

· The nature and heart of the God we pray to.

· What we have received from God, and what we should thank Him for.

· His greatness, informing and expanding our praise.

· His moral will, directing us to pray that we can do it.

· His promises to His people, which we claim by faith.

· Substance for our prayers, as we pray-read the Scriptures.[2]

Persistent Prayer is the dominant theme for this coming Sunday. The Gospel (Luke 11:1-13) deals with several aspects of prayer: 1 how to pray; 2 persistence in prayer; 3 God is willing to give good gifts to His children. The Old Testament lesson (Genesis 18:20-33) deals with Abraham’s reasoning with God: getting God not to destroy Sodom because of only 10 righteous souls. Having been reduced from 50 the Lord stops Abraham at his request of ten. Not even ten were found and thus the city was destroyed as is depicted in the woodcut on our cover. Prayer is often a wrestling with God, a spiritual struggle. The Lord encourages us to watch and pray to remain vigilant and on our guard.

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our LORD.[3]

Collect for Monday of the week of Pentecost 7: Father, let the light of you truth guide us to your kingdom through a world filled with lights contrary to your own, Christian is the name and the gospel we glory in, May your love make us what you have called us to be, We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen [4]

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119/

[4] ibid

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Proper 12 Series C Notes

Proper 12 Series C

(July 24-30)

Genesis 18:(17–19) 20–33

Colossians 2:6–15 (16–19)

Luke 11:1–13

The Prayer of the Church Is the Voice of Faith

Jesus catechizes His disciples in the way of faith by teaching them how to pray. He promises us: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). If earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, “how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13).

Thus, father Abraham was bold in his prayer because he believed the gracious promise of the Lord, that he would “surely become a great and mighty nation” (Genesis 18:18).

When we pray in Jesus’ name, we also hold “fast to the Head” (Colossians 2:19), “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith” (Colossians 2:6–7).

The Lord's Prayer

Luke 11:1-13

Luke 11:1

Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐν τόπῳ τινὶ προσευχόμενον, ὡς ἐπαύσατο, εἶπέν τις τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ πρὸς αὐτόν· Κύριε, δίδαξον ἡμᾶς προσεύχεσθαι, καθὼς καὶ Ἰωάννης ἐδίδαξεν τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

Luke 11: 2

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτοῖς· Ὅταν προσεύχησθε, λέγετε· Πάτερ, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου· ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου·

And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.

Luke 11:3

τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δίδου ἡμῖν τὸ καθ’ ἡμέραν·

Give us each day our daily bread,[b]

[b] “Or our bread for tomorrow”

Luke 11:4

καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν, καὶ γὰρ αὐτοὶ ἀφίομεν παντὶ ὀφείλοντι ἡμῖν· καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν.

and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Luke 11:5

Καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς· Τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν ἕξει φίλον καὶ πορεύσεται πρὸς αὐτὸν μεσονυκτίου καὶ εἴπῃ αὐτῷ· Φίλε, χρῆσόν μοι τρεῖς ἄρτους,

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves,

Luke 11:6

ἐπειδὴ φίλος μου παρεγένετο ἐξ ὁδοῦ πρός με καὶ οὐκ ἔχω ὃ παραθήσω αὐτῷ·

for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;

Luke 11:7

κἀκεῖνος ἔσωθεν ἀποκριθεὶς εἴπῃ· Μή μοι κόπους πάρεχε· ἤδη ἡ θύρα κέκλεισται, καὶ τὰ παιδία μου μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὴν κοίτην εἰσίν· οὐ δύναμαι ἀναστὰς δοῦναί σοι.

and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’?

Luke 11:8

λέγω ὑμῖν, εἰ καὶ οὐ δώσει αὐτῷ ἀναστὰς διὰ τὸ εἶναι [e]φίλον αὐτοῦ, διά γε τὴν ἀναίδειαν αὐτοῦ ἐγερθεὶς δώσει αὐτῷ [f]ὅσων χρῄζει.

I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence[c] he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

[c] Or persistence

Luke11:9

Κἀγὼ ὑμῖν λέγω, αἰτεῖτε, καὶ δοθήσεται ὑμῖν· ζητεῖτε, καὶ εὑρήσετε· κρούετε, καὶ ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν·

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Luke 11:10

πᾶς γὰρ ὁ αἰτῶν λαμβάνει, καὶ ὁ ζητῶν εὑρίσκει, καὶ τῷ κρούοντι ἀνοιγήσεται.

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Luke 11:11

τίνα δὲ [g]ἐξ ὑμῶν τὸν πατέρα αἰτήσει ὁ [h]υἱὸς ἰχθύν, [i]καὶ ἀντὶ ἰχθύος ὄφιν [j]αὐτῷ ἐπιδώσει;

What father among you, if his son asks for[d] a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;

[d] Some manuscripts insert bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for

Luke 11:12

ἢ καὶ αἰτήσει ᾠόν, ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ σκορπίον;

or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

Luke 11:13

εἰ οὖν ὑμεῖς πονηροὶ ὑπάρχοντες οἴδατε δόματα ἀγαθὰ διδόναι τοῖς τέκνοις ὑμῶν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ δώσει πνεῦμα ἅγιον τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Footnotes:

_________________________

Lutheran Sr. Care Reflection
Proper 12
Luke 11:1-13
The Lord’s Prayer

The Bible is a resource that can help us learn how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is a model prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples. It includes thanking God. Asking for what you need. And forgiveness. God wants to hear from his children and will always be there for them.

Law/Gospel Theme: The Law and commandments can seem to come down heavily if we do not understand what they are for. The Lord’s Prayer is a positive helper to remind us that God wants to hear from us. And that He has given us grace and enabled us to approach Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, healer of soul and body. You have taught “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Teach us to come to the aid of the needy in a spirit of love. As we have been received and strengthened by You and to You be the glory and praise now and forever. [1]

I’m sure most of you have at one time or another used a cookbook! That means there are a list of recipes.

And we’ll need our cookbook soon because we have so many tomatoes coming out of our garden.!

So, if I want to make something, like maybe a casserole which calls for tomatoes. I can look at the recipe, and it will tell me how. A cookbook is full of recipes: lists of ingredients and how to put them together to make a dish.

I don’t always have to do exactly what the list says. Sometimes I can make substitutions or switch ingredients. But following the recipe will help me if I’m not sure how to make something.

Now, did you know that God has given us a recipe book?

The Bible gives us some amazing directions for living. Did you know that it also gives us instructions for prayer?

Sometimes we have prayers that we like to use or say. But sometimes we have a hard time coming up with the right words to say when we pray.

We might be uncertain or confused. The good news is that the Bible helps us!

There are some great prayers we can find in the book of Psalms, which has some awesome praises and struggles to pray through.

Jesus also gave us a great blueprint “recipe” for prayer. In the New Testament, some of His disciples were asking Him how to pray.

He gave them some words to try. We call this “The Lord’s Prayer.” And we can use it to help us pray.

We don’t have to say the exact words of this prayer, but we can keep it as a guideline if we are not sure how to talk to God.

First, Jesus said to open up by saying “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.” This means we recognize Who we are talking to. God is our Father and wants us to be part of His family. We recognize that He is holy and very special.

"With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father."

Next, the prayer says: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as in Heaven.” That means we want God’s will to be done, and we want what He wants for our lives.

The next part of Jesus’s prayer says: “Give us this day our daily bread.” That says we want the Lord to give us what we need each day. Sometimes we want things that we don’t need. But when we ask for “daily bread” that means we ask God to give us what we need one day at a time.

Martin Luther explains what is included in daily bread. What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Look around. These are all gifts which come from you heavenly Father!

Then the prayer says: “forgive us our debts as we forgive others.” We are glad that God has already forgiven everything we have done, and everything we will do. We also ask for help in forgiving other people.

Then the prayer says: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” God does not tempt us to do bad things, but Satan does sometimes. So we ask for God’s help to stand strong in His will.

The prayer ends with: “yours is the kingdom and power and glory.” That reminds us that God is powerful.

He will always be powerful and we want to serve Him and honor Him with everything and anything we do.

This is a great “recipe” if we need help coming up with the words or topics to pray about.

We might pray it just like this. Or maybe use our own words and phrases. But isn’t it great that God helps us when we don’t know what to say?

We can thank Him for that now!…And don’t forget, He is our father. He wants to hear from us all the time.

We can pray anywhere and everywhere, and He loves us and hears us no matter what![2]

[2] Children's Sermon (Luke 11:1-13) The Lord's Prayer - PDF & Video

Friday, July 25, 2025

Come, my soul, with ev'ry care;Jesus loves to answer prayer.He himself bids you to pray.He will never turn away,

You are coming to a king--large petitions with you bring.For his grace and pow'r are such,none can ever ask too much,

With my burden I begin:Lord, remove this load of sin;let your blood, for sinners spilt,set my conscience free from guilt,

Lord, your rest to me impart;take possession of my heart.There your blood-bought right maintain,and without a rival reign,

While I am a pilgrim here,let your love my spirit cheer.As my guide, my guard, my friend,lead me to my journey's end,

Show me what I have to do;ev'ry hour my strength renew.I would have your will, not mine;for it's perfect, good, and kind,