A Christmas Prayer

Eternal God, with the flurry of activities surrounding our celebration of Christmas, may we be attentive the miracle of this day.  You allowed your Son to be born of a virgin and to enter our space and time as one of us.  We thank you that He identified with us and our condition.  We thank you for His understanding of our weaknesses, hurts, and pain.  May we have the time to pause and appreciate the wonderful work you did in sending Jesus.  May his peace come to us as we celebrate at this festive time.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Holy Week Prayer

Eternal God, help me to capture the meaning of this week for myself.  Help me to see what it meant for Jesus to eat the Passover Meal with his disciples and capture the force of the new meaning that Jesus gave to the bread and wine.  Help me to capture the sacrifice Jesus made in dying on the cross on that Friday.  Help me to capture the wonderful news of the resurrection of Jesus as the women and his disciples saw that he was alive.  May this truly be a special week as I reflect on this week in my Lord's life.  Amen.

Remembering Jesus in Hurricane Season

We have already seen the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and now Hurricane Irma is also on its way to Florida.  These fierce winds can cause much damage as well as loss of life.  This is a time when we can remember Jesus as calming the storm as he was with his disciples in the boat. Even if the storm had continued, Jesus was still with them.  As we pray we know that Jesus has the power to calm the storm as well as protect those who might be affected by the storm - should it continue.

We pray....

Lord, we pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and now by Hurricane Irma.  We know you have power over the elements of nature and can even protect those in the midst of the storm.  We pray for your intervention during this time.  May you help those affected by these fierce winds as well as helping those first responders in their work during this critical time.  Amen.

The National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday in May has been designated as the National Day of Prayer.  It is my hope that this day will make us think more deeply about the very power of prayer.  We realize the problems our nation is facing as well as the tensions in the world today.  I would offer this prayer:

"Lord God, our country struggles with many problems, which deal with race, equality, crime, homelessness, and unemployment.  May you help those who are being neglected or discriminated against.  May you help those who find themselves living on the margin to get additional assistance so that they might enjoy a better life.  I pray that you would work in the hearts of those striving through diplomatic means to bring peace to countries in the Middle East.  Help all of us to look to you for guidance and to give us hope."   Amen.

Pastor Marty

For the families of the victims in Egypt

Let us pray for those who lost loved ones recently due to acts of violence in the Coptic Christian Churches in Egypt.

"Lord God, we pray the families of those who lost loved ones in the violence in the Christian churches in Egypt.  May you comfort these families and may they know of your presence in a very special way. May you thwart the efforts of those bent on violence with disregard for property and human life, and especially for places of worship...in Jesus' name.  Amen."

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017

We are now in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which extends from January 18 - 25. The theme this year is "Reconciliation - the Love of Christ Compels Us."  The Web site for this special week had this comment in regard to the theme:

"Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) which provided the theme for this year, when it used the quote: “The Love of Christ Compels Us” (Paragraph 9). With this scripture (2 Cor 5:14), taken in the context of the entire fifth chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, the German committee formulated the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017."

Since the time of the Reformation there has been a deep division within Christendom.  We do need to lift up our prayers for unity.  While actual merger might seem out of our reach, we can be praying for a co-operative spirit.  We in the ELCA have established an agreement (e.g. full communion status) in order to have joint worship, etc. with other church bodies.

I would invite you to be praying for unity (whether merger or co-operative working) this week.  We would remember that Jesus himself had prayed that his followers might be one.

Pastor Marty

Post-Election Praying

Following the presidential election we face uncertainty on many issues.  While we might have thought that all of our angst was gone after the election, it seems that each day something new pops up and brings fear to us.

I bring to you the words of Paul to his co-worker Timothy:  "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity."  1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Yes, after this presidential election we do need to pray for President-elect Donald Trump.  In our worship here at Savior Divine I do pray for our current president every Sunday.  I know that he needs our prayers as well as other leaders, such as those in Congress.  So I would invite you that whether you voted for the president-elect or not, that you would pray for him.  God can work in the hearts of our leaders.  Our prayers can be powerful!

The Earthquake in Italy

An earthquake has hit a portion of Italy on August 23 that has claimed the lives of 260 individuals. We think of the grieving families and also those who survived but lost their homes  These families need our prayers.  While we engage in prayer for such situations, it is also good to know that help comes from the church in another way - a financial way.  The ELCA has committed to send $10,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy.    You can read more here.

Presiding Bishop Addresses Recent Shootings

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America addresses the recent shootings that have come from Baton Rouge, Louisiana  and St. Paul, Minnesota.  We need to keep praying as our nation experiences these difficult times.  Here is the video.

Peace,

Pastor Marty

Praying for Peace

Chicago recently experienced six deaths over the Memorial Day weekend.  Many more individuals were shot, but survived.  This year so far Chicago has had a high number of homicides.  I mention this because I live in a suburb of Chicago and realize the tensions that exist.

I realize that many churches do pray for peace not only for one's city, but also for peace across the nation and throughout the world.  We have these words from the psalmist:  "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.'  Psalm 122:6

Praying for peace ought to be not only for time of war or gang related violence.  Peace can also be lacking when there is political tension in one's local government or where people might be food insecure, or where there might be an outbreak of a virus.   Praying for peace is asking God to bring the conditions where people can prosper and live together well in community.

Yes, I believe amid all the praying it seems takes place for peace, we ought not slack off in bringing this request to God.  As part of my Pastoral Prayer in worship, I pray for peace very Sunday.  May peace be part of your praying as well!

Terrorism Strikes in Belgium

Another act of terrorism has been committed in our world - this time in Belgium.  We would want to offer pray for the families of those who lost loved ones as well as those who were injured.  We also need to continue praying for an end to this kind of violence.

"Lord God, we have seen the presence of evil once again with the acts of terrorism in Belgium.  May you bring comfort to the families who lost loved ones.  For those injured, may you enable them to have a good recovery.  May you help to bring an end to the evil within the hearts of those seeking to commit acts of terror.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to work within their hearts to have respect and love for all humanity.  In the name of Jesus, who came to bring peace to our world.  Amen."

Praying for Freedom from Trials

In this season of Lent, I have been going through St. Luke's Passion narrative.  As Jesus leaves the Passover meal he goes out with his disciples in order for him to pray on the Mt. of Olives.  He knew the tension was rising within him and he needed the time to pray.  We have these words of our Lord to his disciples:  "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial."  Luke 22:40.

It is interesting here that Jesus himself is facing a time of trial as he knew what lay ahead; yet, he was willing to offer prayer on behalf of those closest to him!  This same thought of Jesus' direction in prayer for us comes as we pray what we call the Lord's Prayer.  In one version of that prayer we have the words: "Save us from the time of trial."  

Yes, we are asking God that we would not even encounter a trial of any kind. Trials can come that would cause us much tribulation, stress, and grief.  We are praying to God that we would be spared such times.  Certainly, God knows what we can handle.

I would encourage you to reflect on this petition more deeply as you pray the Lord's Prayer in this season of Lent.

Pastor Marty

Budget Cuts Result in Layoffs - Please Pray

Due to budget cuts, some 750 employees at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois are losing their jobs. The state of Illinois has failed to pay some $6 million that it would contribute to Lutheran Social Services.  You can read more in this news release.

I would ask you to pray for the staff members who have lost their jobs as well as praying for an end to the stalemate that exists for adopting a budget in the General Assembly in Illinois. 

I believe our prayers can help!

Pastor Marty

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

We are now in the midst of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  The theme for this year is "Called to Proclaim the Mighty Acts of the Lord."

Although the Christian Church has had its divisions over doctrine as well as practice, we still need to pray for us to be able work together in order to fulfill Christ's mission.   Jesus did pray that we might be one.  Our witness will be stronger as we exhibit a sense of oneness that we all have in Christ.

Yes, we in the church are called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord.  Churches and individual Christians need to be telling not only the greatness of God but also our own stories of God active in our lives.  This is not always easy in our culture.  We in America have become more diverse and wonder how we will be received.  May we have the courage to speak out on God at work.

Therefore, I would encourage you to pray for your church as well as for your own individual life that you might give testimony to the "mighty acts" of the Lord!

Pastor Marty

The Answer Is on Its Way

For my devotions this morning I read an interesting piece in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I like how she has written from the perspective of Jesus talking directly to you.  For January 11, the topic was about bringing our prayer requests before Jesus.  We read here:  "Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results."

I am sure that the natural tendency is to focus on the time of actually saying the prayer and then the time when the answer is visible.  Have we ever thought that the prayer has been "set in motion" and that God's work is going on behind the scenes.  I believe it is good to be reminded of this and to give thanks to God that we believe that the divine power is at work in what we perceive as the in-between time.

The next time you pray for something, in the days thereafter you can give thanks that your request has been set in motion.  It will remind you that the answer is on its way.

Praying for Peace

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"   Luke 2:14

An angel of the Lord came to the shepherds who were tending their sheep at night and announced the birth of the Savior.  What great news to convey!  Immediately, there were a host of angels praising God and making a declaration of peace.

Yes, at this time of the year our minds certainly turn to peace.  We see the unrelenting conflict in the Middle East and the rise of terrorism.  We have tried through military efforts and through diplomacy to achieve an end to war and terrorist groups.  However, there is one more weapon in our arsenal - and that is prayer.  The people of God through the years have prayed for peace (e.g. Psalm 122:6) believing in God's power.

I would hope that this Christmas you would also continue to pray for peace in our world.  We have a God who can do more than what we ask or imagine.

Pastor Marty

To pray and be prayed for...

I had read through Ephesians Chapter 6 recently for my devotions and felt the strong plea that the apostle Paul placed on prayer as he winds up this letter.  He had written about putting on the whole armor of God and then writes:

"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.  Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel...."  Eph. 6:18 - 19.

I like how prayer is not just one-sided, but as God's servant Paul would pray for others and he would also request prays for himself from others.  It reminds me of how Pope Francis in his recent visit to the United States had requested that people pray for him.

Yes, we are all in this together - this mission of the church.  We do need to be praying for one another and those in leadership positions do need prayers for themselves.  So, I would ask that you would pray for me and my ministry at Savior Divine.  I would hope to lead with boldness in the proclaiming the mystery of the gospel.

Pastor Marty

Prayer for Migrants

"Eternal God,  today more and more people are fleeing to another country in order to find a safe place to live.  There are those fleeing from violence, persecution, and war.   Many people are putting their lives at risk by their mode of travel.  May you help them to have a safe passage as they attempt to move to another country.

We would remember that Jesus himself as an infant became a refugee.  He knew early on of the hardship of travel as he was led by his parents to a safe place.  There were those who had to welcome the holy family.

May you help today the receiving governments and agencies in those countries in dealing with the influx of such individuals.  May people open their hearts to respond in a loving way to help provide resources for them. Amen."

Note:  The world is beholding a huge humanitarian crisis.  If we value the dignity of each person as God values each person, we will do what we can to help and support them.  Above all, we can also pray for them.

Pastor Marty

How Often Do You Pray?

Have you ever stop to reflect on how often you pray?  Do you think you do enough praying or too little?  Does it become just a habit or do situations prompt you to pray?

I believe most of us probably have a fairly common routine in praying.  I know I do, which is usually first thing after getting up in the morning and also after breakfast right before I begin work.  Okay that is twice, and it helps me to start the day in a proper manner.

However, I often am moved to pray when something good and unexpected comes along or when I hear about someone who is hurting and needs prayer.  It's these other moments that become engaging and stimulating for me.

I hope that for you, prayer can go beyond a fixed routine and you can feel the spontaneity of praying at special times.  After all, prayer is about our relationship with God.  Just think of your friendships and how stimulating that unexpected phone call can be.  Our prayers are just as welcoming to God.

Therefore, I encourage you as the apostle Paul wrote:  "pray without ceasing."     1 Thessalonians 5:17

A Prayer for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the occasion for us to express our appreciation to mothers and for all that they have given. Their dedication and loving sacrifice mirrors Jesus' love for us.  I came across this prayer by Claire Schoepp, the youth and family ministry director at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Chicago and administrative assistant at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Logan Square, which I believe you will find meaningful for celebrating this day.

Blessings to all mothers!