Opening Invocation and Petition
Make the sign of the cross and say:
In the Name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, make speed to save me.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Psalmody
Of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. (ESV)
Scripture Readings
18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over transgression
for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
because he delights in steadfast love.
19 He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old. (ESV)
Epistle: 1 Peter 5:6-11
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3 So he told them this parable:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?
9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’
10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (ESV)
Catechism: Holy Baptism - Part 4
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul says Romans 6:4: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have forgiven our sins, rescued us from death and the devil, and given us eternal life by Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your beloved Son. Strengthen our faith, so that we daily put to death all sins and evil desires and, trusting Your sure promises, are raised to live before You in righteousness and purity. Finally, bring us to the fulfillment of our Baptism in the resurrection of the body to life everlasting; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Catechism source: bookofconcord.orgPray for others
For Our Family
Almighty God, merciful Father, You have blessed us with the gift of family. We entrust our loved ones to Your care. Defend them from all evil, enrich them with Your grace, and bring them at last to Your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For Our Friends
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessing of our friends. Watch over them in Your loving-kindness, keep them in Your faith and fear, and grant that we may encourage one another in love and good works; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For Others (Outside of Friends/Family)
Lord of all, we pray for those outside our immediate circle: our neighbors, colleagues, and all whom we meet. Grant them Your peace, reveal to them Your salvation, and help us to be a blessing to them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For Civil Authorities, Peace, and Order
O God, from whom all authority is derived, we pray for the leaders of our nation and community. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a desire for justice, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For the Spread of the Gospel & Missions
Lord Jesus Christ, You commanded us to make disciples of all nations. Bless all missionaries and evangelists who proclaim Your Word. Open hearts to receive the Gospel, and hasten the coming of Your kingdom; for Your name's sake. Amen.
For Protection from Evil & Spiritual Growth
Almighty and everlasting God, defend us from the assaults of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Strengthen us by Your Spirit that we may grow in faith, love, and obedience to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Church and Her Pastors
Gracious Father, we pray for Your holy Church throughout the world. Fill it with Your truth, defend it in times of adversity, and grant it unity and peace. Bless all pastors who preach Your Word and administer Your Sacraments; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Request from :
Concluding Prayer and Dedication
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13
Prayer for the Week
O Lord, we implore You mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom You have given a hearty desire to pray, may by Your mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Dedication
Almighty God, merciful Father, who created and completed all things, on this day when the work of our calling begins anew, we implore You to create its beginning, direct its continuance, and bless its end, that our doings may be preserved from sin, our life sanctified, and our work this day be well pleasing to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.