August 10 - Monday prior to Pentecost 12 (Proper 15)

 

The Introit for this coming Sunday is taken from Psalm 143:1–2; Antiphon, Psalm 143:9—

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. It is, like many of David’s other psalms, a plea to the Lord to rescue him from his enemies.

David does not appeal to his own goodness or righteousness, however, but explicitly confesses that no one living is righteous before the Lord. Therefore, he must beg the mercy of the Lord: In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!

We get the sense that David is in desperate times. Without the Lord’s defense he has nothing. Thus he can say, “I flee unto thee to hide me.” David can literally declare, “I have hid my affairs, and troubles, my difficulties and all my necessities. I have revealed them unto You, who alone can save.”

This is how we, too, must approach the Lord when we ask Him to rescue us from earthly and spiritual enemies—acknowledging, as we do in the catechism, that we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment, and acknowledging that He delivers  us purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.

The hymn writer reminds us

Other refuge have I none;

hangs my helpless soul on thee;

leave, ah! leave me not alone,

still support and comfort me.

All my trust on thee is stayed,

all my help from thee I bring;

cover my defenseless head

with the shadow of thy wing [1]

 

Prayer for Psalm 143 – Lord Jesus, you bring the first light of dawn to those who dwell in darkness and make your love known to them. Enter not into judgment against your servants, but let your Spirit guide us into the land of justice, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. Amen [2]

---

[1] Jesus Lover of my soul, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] For all the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY

Proper 15 Series A (Pentecost 12)

Isaiah 56:1, 6–8

Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32

Matthew 15:21–28

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matthew 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matthew 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matthew 15:27–28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. 

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (Romans 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. 

Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matthew 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Isaiah 56:7).

This woman. A nameless, faceless, person in the crowd. She has no credentials. No pedigree. Not a single recommendation from anyone. She stands alone. Yet, she is driven. To seek healing from the only one capable of helping her - Jesus. 

Notice her posture. Face down. Hands extended! "Help me!" she cries. It is the prayer of faith: "Kyrie Eleison!" Lord, have mercy!

She asks for crumbs and gets...Jesus! It's all about the bread which falls from the Master's table - it's about Jesus - the bread of life who enters our world, assumes our flesh, offering Himself for the life of this world.

A lesson learned from this miracle - when facing dire circumstances - continue to pray. Continue to seek the Savior's help and comfort. Never give up! Pray without ceasing. Embrace endurance. 

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 15:21–28

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

Matthew 15.21 

Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἐκεῖθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη Τύρου καὶ Σιδῶνος. 

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

Matthew 15.22 

καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα ἔκραζεν λέγουσα· Ἐλέησόν με, κύριε υἱὸς Δαυίδ· ἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται. 

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”

Matthew 15.23 

ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον. καὶ προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἠρώτουν αὐτὸν λέγοντες· Ἀπόλυσον αὐτήν, ὅτι κράζει ὄπισθεν ἡμῶν. 

But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 

Matthew 15.24 

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Οὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ. 

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15.25 

ἡ δὲ ἐλθοῦσα προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγουσα· Κύριε, βοήθει μοι. 

But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.

 Κύριε, βοήθει μοι – the most powerful prayer in Scripture 

Matthew 15.26 

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις. 

 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Matthew 15.27 

ἡ δὲ εἶπεν· Ναί, κύριε, καὶ γὰρ τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν. 

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”

Matthew 15.28 

τότε ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῇ· Ὦ γύναι, μεγάλη σου ἡ πίστις· γενηθήτω σοι ὡς θέλεις. καὶ ἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης.

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.[ ‘from that hour’]

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

 

– Romans 10:5-17 The message of Salvation is to all

 

The Lord. Who laid the foundation of the earth.” (Job 38:4) Is the Author and Giver of life.  Who governs all things by His Word. His wisdom and power. Are beyond our understanding. Except.  As He reveals Himself in the Incarnate Word, Christ Jesus. He has “entered into the springs of the sea.” And “walked in the recesses of the deep.” (Job 38:16), And He draws near to you in mercy. Have you been “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves?”  Tossed about by hostile winds?  (Matthew 14:24).  

 

Christ the Crucified Comes to Save Us by the Word of Faith

 

1. In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we do not always recognize the Lord Jesus.

A.        But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us. (Matthew 14:27, 31) 

B.        “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) 

 

2. And now we call upon Him in faith. 

A.        Because we have heard “through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).

B.        “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).

 

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

August 08 – Saturday prior to Pentecost 11 - Proper 14

Psalm 107: 23–26 -Tomorrow’s hymn of the day is Eternal Father, Strong to Save (LSB #717). is a hymn written by William Whiting in 1860 inspired by the dangers of the sea described in Psalm 107. This hymn is commonly associated with seafarers, particularly in the naval armed services, and is often referred to as the "Navy Hymn." This hymn also has a long tradition in civilian maritime settings and is regularly called upon by ship's chaplains and sung during services on ocean travels.

The first stanza, from the original Navy Hymn, proclaims the supremacy of our heavenly Father over the sea. The next two stanzas declare the authority of the Son and the Holy Spirit over the land and the air, respectively. Finally, the fourth stanza affirms the sovereignty of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, over all our foes. Let us put our trust in God alone for protection from all our enemies, whether physical or spiritual.

The Story Behind Eternal Father, Strong to Save

The original hymn was penned in 1860 by William Whiting, an Anglican churchman from Winchester, United Kingdom. Whiting grew up near the shores of England, and at the age of thirty-five had felt his life saved by God when a fierce storm nearly destroyed the ship he was traveling on, instilling a faith in God's control over the rage and calm of the sea. As headmaster of the Winchester College Choristers' School some years later, he was approached by a student about to travel to the United States, who expressed to Whiting a tremendous fear of the ocean voyage. Whiting shared his experiences of the ocean and wrote the hymn to "anchor his faith". Whiting is commonly believed to have been inspired by Psalm 107, which describes the power and danger of the seas in great detail:

"Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away."

1 Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm does bind the restless wave,

Who bids the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

 

Source:

https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/eternal-father-strong-to-save/

Image by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

August 07 – Friday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

 

Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus’ walking on the sea frightens the disciples. Jesus sends the disciples by boat to the other side of the lake while he went up a mountain to pray. When the boat was far from shore, a terrible storm developed, and the disciples were frightened. Three hours before dawn they had a greater reason to be scared. They saw a figure walking on the water. When Jesus assured them that it was he and not a ghost, Peter asked Jesus to let him come to him by walking on the water. When Peter saw the waves, he lost faith and began to sink. In desperation he cries to Jesus for help. Jesus took him to the boat, the wind stopped, and the disciples in awe confessed that Jesus was the Son of God.

It is easy to have faith when all goes well. It is not much of a test of faith when we sit in comfort and prosperity during church services. Faith is seen like a lamp when night comes. The disciples had a night experience on the sea when their faith was challenged. We need a faith that will not fail in times of crises. A faith needed for troubled times.

The disciples were “made” to go to sea. Jesus wanted and needed to be alone to pray about John’s recent murder by Herod. In their obedience they ran into trouble, a storm at sea. There is a fundamental truth here. As Christians we will get trouble, hardship, and crisis as we obey God’s commands. Jesus never promised all sunshine for his followers.

The fourth watch came between three and six in the morning, the darkest time of the night. Jesus came to the storm-tossed disciples after they futilely struggle against the storm throughout the night. A person’s extremity is God’s opportunity to rescue.

“Lord save me!” That was the cry of Peter. It is the cry of the voice of faith May this be our cry. Whatever the situation Jesus is able to help. Fear came knocking at the door, Jesus answered, and fear went away! May that be your experience throughout your journey of faith and your walk with Jesus as He orders your days and directs your path.

Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Image by Backhuysen, Ludolf. Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, Tenn.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Backhuysen,_Ludolf_-_Christ_in_the_Storm_on_the_Sea_of_Galilee_-_1695.jpg

Collect for Proper 14, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

August 06 – Thursday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

Romans 10:5–17—How are we saved? By grace alone (sola gratia) by faith alone (sola fide) in the merits of Christ alone (solus Christus). This salvation extends to Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) alike. But how are we to receive such saving faith? By Scripture alone (sola scriptura). Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

That is why Paul quotes Isaiah: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! For the preaching of the Good News of the Gospel engenders saving faith.

Christ the crucified comes to save us by the word of faith. In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we might not always recognize the Lord Jesus. But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us. (Matthew 14:27, 31) 

Paul assures us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) In every circumstance call upon Him in faith.  Christ remains near and constant. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8) Daily spend time with him in worship prayer and study. As you draw near to him in his word he will uplift and strengthen you. This is Christ’s enduring promise to you. 

Prayer 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 this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer in time of spiritual doubt and affliction: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, You have given to all who believe exceedingly great and precious promises. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may without all doubt trust in Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that our faith in Your sight may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collects from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

August 05— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

 Job 38:4–18—Job had questioned God, as to why He would let such great calamities befall him. Job had experienced the most devastating loss of family and fortune, had been struck down with a most painful disease, and was accused by his friends that his misfortune resulted from his own sinfulness – which he felt was a gross misrepresentation of his character. Job responds as most of us would – he questions God. “Why?” “Why had such things happened?

The Lord responds with a series of questions. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? was one of several unanswerable questions, which the Lord fired at Job in quick succession. Tell Me, if you have understanding!!

In response, the Lord answers Job by recounting His creation of all things, His ongoing involvement and dominion over that creation. God is not subject to nature; nature is subject to God. We as weak humans, created beings that we are, have no right to question our benevolent Creator, but simply to trust that what He does, he does for our benefit.

The cross of Christ is a divine participation in every aspect of our humanity, including our suffering. (See Hebrews 2:16-17) We may not see answers for suffering, “but we do see Jesus ... now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). When experiencing suffering anguish distress and affliction we need not ask why but instead look to Christ who has suffered for us and sustains us in the midst of our own suffering.

We see Jesus and, seeing him, it is enough.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving-kindness and heart of sweet compassion, and thank You that in my times of deep distress and suffering, You have gently brought other people alongside me, to walk with me through the different seasons of my life, to comfort and encourage, to help and to advise. Thank You for all those whom You have used to draw near to me, to be Your hands to help, Your arms to support and Your heart to love. Thank You that You never forsake us nor leave us comfortless, but so often send showers of refreshment through Your many faithful witness and other avenues of support.

Image Ed Riojas copyright Higher Things 

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-the-Suffering