Holy God,
we are ever reminded that
the JOY of this season is not found in
gifts
or food
or decorating.
Our JOY is not in
stuff
or vacations
or even in our families.
True and unending
JOY is found only in
Jesus;
something that can not be taken away
by anything
or anyone
of this world.
May that JOY overflow in abundance
that you may be glorified through our lives.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
I did something different last night.
Last night was Thanksgiving Eve worship. The service itself was pretty straight forward; nothing out of the ordinary. We did accept non-perishable food items as part of the offering, but that’s not weird; especially for Thanksgiving. The “different” happened during the “Prayers of Thanksgiving”; the spot where, on Sunday, the bulletin reads, “Prayers of the Church”. On Sundays I simply lead those prayers by ending each petition with “Lord in your mercy”, to which the congregation responds, “Hear our prayer”. Last night, though, I did something different.
[What is it already? Stop beating around the bush!]
[Easy now, I’m getting to it.]
During the “Prayers of Thanksgiving” I explained that I was going to start and then let the congregation add what they are thankful for. It was going to be like what many families do at Thanksgiving; going around the table sharing what they are thankful for, much to the chagrin of many children.
[Hurry up, I want some pumpkin pie]
I finished my part of the prayer and was blown away by what happened next. People didn’t just name something they were thankful for, but rather they prayed a prayer, giving thanks and praise to God. The Prayers of Thanksgiving turned into a genuine Prayers of the Church or Prayers of the People. I mean, that’s how it is supposed to be, right? People prayed from their heart. I almost felt bad ending the prayers when I did. We could have gone on for quite a while. People offered up a variety of prayers but the overwhelming topic of the prayers was Jesus and the salvation we have through him. Kind of puts Thanksgiving into perspective, doesn’t it?
Sure, I am thankful for my wife and children. I am thankful for my home and clothes and food on my table. I am thankful for my health and ability to earn a living. Those things are great and I thank God for them. Most of all, though, is the blessing of all blessings: Jesus. Period. For without him, everything else is just stuff that will fade away.
And now, I hope “the different” that happened last night becomes “the norm” for future worship services; people praying the prayers of the church. The people offering their petitions. Yes, I going to do that “different” thing again. So get ready, Living Word, your pastor is going to change some things up 🙂
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever. [Psalm 136:1-3]
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving; giving Him all your thanks and praise; for His steadfast loves endures forever and ever. Amen.
The Pastor -|—
You are holy,
we are not.
You are perfect,
we make mistakes.
You are love,
we are anything but that.
You are strong,
we are weak.
You are right,
we are wrong.
We have good intentions,
but Your plans always succeed.
We think we’re in control,
but You sit on the throne.
We try to take control,
but You rule over all.
We look to our knowledge,
but You have all wisdom.
We plot out our course,
but You are the Way.
Oh God,
We fall short.
We hurt one another.
We go astray.
We forget about You
On our own we are lost…
[Father God, in Jesus name, forgive us]
[My child, you are forgiven]
Oh God,
YOU are…
AWESOME!
The Pastor -|—
I am just going to leave this right here…
A Sacristy Prayer
by Martin Luther
Lord God,
You have appointed me as a Pastor in Your Church,
but you see how unsuited I am to meet so great and difficult a task.
If I had lacked Your help,
I could have ruined everything long ago.
Therefore, I call upon You:
I wish to devote my mouth and my heart to you;
I shall teach the people.
I myself will learn and ponder diligently upon Your Word.
Use me as Your instrument —
but do not forsake me,
for if ever I should be on my own,
I would easily wreck it all.
This text was translated in 1999 for Project Wittenberg by James Kellerman and has been placed in the public domain by him. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text.
The Pastor -|—
Loving Father,
You sent Your Son,
Jesus Christ,
to die and rise for us that we would have forgiveness of sins
and thus the hope of the resurrection.
And now we wait
excitedly and
patiently
for Jesus’ return;
knowing that at any moment the trumpet will blast,
and our Savior will ride in triumphantly,
and bring us into the great wedding feast.
May we not be found wanting when he returns,
but also,
may we not be quiet until then.
Therefore,
may our preparations also include
announcing to all that Jesus WILL return.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
Holy God,
Yours is the glory and honor and praise.
Yours is the Kingdom forever more.
You said a word and creation sprang forth.
You breathed breath and life sprang up.
And therefore, oh God, I ascribe all worship onto You,
oh sovereign King and Lord.
And so it is with great joy that I appeal to You this day.
It is with great joy that I fall into Your hands.
It is with great joy that I hope in You.
Bless my words and deeds
that everything about me points to You.
May I not seek advise from men but rather call out to You.
May I not worry and fret but rather find peace in You.
May Your Kingdom come.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
Sunday’s sermon text is Matthew 20:1-16; the Laborers in the Vineyard. The following is the prayer of the day I wrote based on our hymn of the day, Amazing Grace. For it is only through God’s amazing grace that we are saved through Jesus Christ; no matter the work or amount of work. Let us pray…
Oh God,
your grace is amazing;
such a sweet sound to our ears;
for through Jesus Christ you have saved us;
a wretched people.
Once we were lost but now we are found.
Once we were blind but now we see.
And now,
oh God,
may we see You as our shield and portion
for as long as our lives endure.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
Another school shooting 😦
In Freeman, WA yesterday, (about 5 hours to my east) someone opened fire at Freeman High School. As I know now, one student died and three are hospitalized in Spokane, WA and many more people have been affected.
Later on that day, I heard that the middle school in the town I live in was in shutdown mode for awhile because of gun shots that were heard nearby, but off campus. Nothing has come of that as of now and the school was back in normal operation later that day. Happy to hear that the school took swift action to ensure the safety of the kids, even if nothing came of the perceived threat.
And now this morning, schools in northwest Montana are closed due to threats that were texted messaged to officials. I don’t know the nature of the threats, but scary all the same.
How long long, oh Lord!
Please be in prayer for Freeman, WA. I am praying for the family of the deceased student, the three that were hospitalized, the professionals in town caring for survivors, families, students, teachers, staff, etc. I am also praying for the shooter (who is in custody). Yes, pray for them. It is easy to be angry with this person but they need prayers as well. I don’t condone their actions and they need to be punished, but I pray they may confess and repent of their actions. This shooter needs healing. I pray that God changes their heart.
Oh God, we live in evil; sinful times; we always have, but it just seems to be intensifying. Send Your Spirit that we may live our lives out loud that proclaims the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. May we seek peace, not hate. Make we seek reconciliation, not division. May we seek Your glory. Oh God, bring healing to this land. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
The Pastor -|—
Father God,
You are holy and merciful.
You save us from eternal death
and place us in Your kingdom.
Our call, then, is to proclaim
the wonders of Your name
through Jesus Christ,
but Satan seeks to divide us.
May we seek reconciliation with You
and with our brothers and sisters
that we may be one.
To You be the glory
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
O God,
there are many who misuse Your Word;
there are many who devalue the Scriptures.
I see and hear,
I read and peruse,
and my heart is saddened;
anger threatens to rear its ugly head
against those who do not understand.
O God,
may anger not control my actions
but rather compassion for those who are in err.
Grant understanding,
O God,
to those who take Your Word as something
to suit their own desires;
redefining Your Word according to the culture;
according to the masses.
Grant insight,
O God,
to those who do not understand.
Grant ears of faith,
O God,
to those who do not and will not listen.
Grant me patience,
O God,
that I may be a steadfast beacon of light;
for this world needs Your Truth.
May I never back down
and may I never fail to glorify You.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
The Pastor -|—
The Heart of a Pastor 