Prayers

Lord Jesus, divine Savior and Helper, Thou hast established in Thy Church the office of the holy ministry that Thy Word may be preached and the Sacraments administered to the salvation of immortal souls. I pray Thee, grant to Thy ministers wisdom and strength and faithfulness in the performance of the many duties of their holy calling. Make them fearless witnesses of Thy truth, instant in season and out of season. Keep them from error and deceptions. Make their preaching effective, their admonition sympathetic, and instructions lucid. Grant that they be patient toward the weak, helpful towards the distressed, loving toward the erring. Give them strength to walk in the way of Thy Commandments and to be an example of Christian living to all men. May Thy Church through their work be established far and wide. Give to the members of our congregations grace to honor their pastors and gladly accept from them the divine Word and instruction. Keep them and us hearers faithful until death, and give us in the end a crown of life. In Thy name I ask it. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, CPH 1951)

Lord Jesus Christ, King and God, who in this world of unrest and strife hast founded Thy Holy Christian Church as a kingdom of peace and joy, I thank Thee who hast established this great world-wide communion of saints in which all believers are joined by the invisible but precious bond of faith in Thee as the only Redeemer. I thank Thee that Thou hast made me a citizen in this Thy holy kingdom and praise Thee who in Thy goodness hast bestowed upon me and all Thy children the richest and fairest of all gifts, Thy Holy Spirit. Keep alive in all the flame of faith. Fill us again and again with the spirit of love and peace toward one another. Make us in an increasing measure the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and fulfill Thy promise at this time that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Thy Church. Extend this kingdom of Thine that "the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto Thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto Thee." Hear us for Thy truth's sake. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, CPH 1951)

It is clear to me today that the devil is hard at work. More prayers on my blog next time...