The Fifth Sunday after Easter
also known as “Rogate” (Ask) Sunday May 09, 2021
Keep On Praying…And NEVER Give Up
Many years ago a ragged Indian, at the point of starvation, struggled into a western settlement asking for some food. He wore a bright-colored ribbon around his neck from which hung a small, dirty pouch. When asked what the pouch contained, he said that it was a charm that had been given to him in his younger days. He opened the pouch and took from it a crumbled piece of paper which he handed to the person speaking to him. The paper proved to be a regular discharge from the Federal Army which entitled him to a pension for the rest of his life. The paper was signed by the Commander-in-Chief, George Washington……Here was a man with a promise properly signed, which if presented in the right place would have secured from him — not for a day, but for a lifetime — sufficient provision to make him comfortable and well-fed. But instead he had been wandering about homeless and helpless, begging for food to keep from starving. He didn’t realize the kind of good life that was available to him.
As redeemed children of God by faith in Jesus Christ, we also have a powerful promise of provision and protection, signed by the holy, precious blood of Christ. Our Father in heaven has told us to call upon Him every day through prayer, asking — according to His will — for all that we need for our bodies and our souls. And He promises to always hear and answer in the ways that are absolutely best for each of us. What a blessing and privilege He has given us! Regrettably, what a shame (and great loss) it is when we fail to make use of the blessing of prayer on a regular basis. With the goal that we might all become more faithful and more confident in our prayer lives, this morning we will be giving our attention to the spiritual discipline and privilege of prayer, as well to some of the many benefits that God provides to His children when they actually pray to Him. And we couldn’t pick a more appropriate day to do so.
Rogate Sunday and its Emphasis on Prayer
This morning, then, part of our worship emphasis will be on the spiritual discipline and privilege of prayer, and we couldn’t pick a more appropriate day to do so. According to the historic “Church Calendar,” today is known as “Rogate” Sunday, while the three days which follow it (up to Ascension Day, which will be this Thursday) have been traditionally referred to as “Rogation Days.”
“Rogate” is the Latin word for “ask,” which is found in the ninth verse of our Gospel Lesson for this morning (a summary of that lesson comes later in this “worship focus”). The custom of “Rogate Sunday/Rogation Days” originated in 466 A.D. when there was great distress throughout Europe because of a number of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Bishop Claudius of Vienna decreed that the first three days before the festival of the Ascension that year should be set aside as a period for special prayer by the Church, calling upon God to remove the sufferings of His people. Gradually this custom found its way into other places, so that by the year 591 it had become an annual, church-wide practice. Even to this day, it is often used as a time during which Christians are encouraged to spend a considerable amount of time praying especially that the Lord would bless their land, safeguarding it from famine and their crops from pestilence. As a way of participating in that age-old tradition, and quite possibly as a means of enhancing your prayer practices, in today’s bulletin we have included a folder of “Daily Prayer Suggestions”. I hope that you will use this prayer-tool not only this week, but on a continuing basis as you pray for your fellow members, our congregation’s leadership and ministry, our Wisconsin Synod, our government, and our spiritually weak and unbelieving friends.
In Today’s Scripture Lessons
Today’s First Lesson is the story of the early Church’s earnest prayers for the imprisoned Apostle Peter, and their prayer’s answer via Peter’s miraculous rescue from prison (through an angel sent by God). As the congregation in Jerusalem prayed mightily for God’s will to be done, so may we today also prayerfully commend ourselves and our work as a church, confident that He will always bless us according to His gracious, perfect will. In this morning’s Epistle Lesson we have an example of “Intercessory Prayer” (prayer for another) as Paul asks the Lord to bless the congregation in Ephesus with spiritual strength and unity, and then concludes his prayer with a doxology (hymn) of praise to the Lord in which he expresses his confidence in God’s ability to answer his prayer. In our Gospel Lesson for this morning, a reading which customarily has been part of Christian worship on this Sunday for over 15 centuries, Jesus’ disciples have just asked Him to teach them to pray. In response He taught them the Lord’s Prayer. In our lesson, He now teaches them the necessity and blessing of being persistent in their praying. What’s more, He offers them (and all of us) this motivation to be persistent, powerful prayers: namely, that Christians have God’s direct encouragement to come to our Lord and “Ask” (this is where the word “rogate” comes from) Him for whatever we need. Furthermore, He couples that direction with His promise that, in response to our prayers, He absolutely, always will provide whatever is truly needful and beneficial for His children. Our Sermon Text for today is Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow. Here He offers us yet another example of the value of both confidence and tenacity in prayer….the latter being that God-pleasing, humble-yet-bold attitude (which doesn’t dictate to the Lord, but) which confidently, faithfully keeps on asking of the Lord until His answer – whatever it is – is received. Finally, in this morning’s Children’s Lesson we will use the example of an ordinary telephone call as an example and encouragement for every one of us to routinely, comfortably talk to (and listen to) the Lord through our prayers.
Pre-Service Prayer
Heavenly Father, as Your Son’s disciples once asked, so I ask You this morning, “Please teach
me how to pray.” As I hear and meditate on Your Holy Word today, which speaks about the privilege, opportunities, and effectiveness of prayer, lead me to grow in my confidence toward Your promises regarding prayer. Assure me that You will always listen to my petitions and faithfully answer them in the ways that are best for my body and especially for my soul. Lead me to pray more humbly, more trustingly, more consistently, and more gratefully from this day forward. And Lord, as I pray, guide me always to seek not my will, but that Your will be done in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior and Mediator, I pray. Amen.
All Scripture Quotations in this worship flyer have been taken from
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019,
The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Pre-service prayer
Pre-worship music
Let Us Praise The Lord
Welcome and Invitation to Worship
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
Pastor “We begin this service in the name of the Father”
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: “And of the Son”
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: “And of the Holy Spirit”
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen!
Our Psalm for Today Psalm 86:1-13
Pastor Turn Your ear, O Lord. Answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Congregation Guard my life, for I am favored by You. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You.
P Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.
C Bring joy to the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
P Indeed, You, Lord, are good and forgiving, and abounding in mercy to all who call to You.
C Give ear to my prayer, O Lord. Pay attention to the sound of my cries for mercy. In the day of my distress I will call to You, because You will answer me.
P There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. There are no deeds like Your deeds.
C All the nations You have made will come. They will bow before You, O Lord; And they will give glory to Your name.
P Because You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God.
C Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth.
P Give me a wholehearted commitment to fear Your name.
C I will thank You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; and I will glorify Your name forever.
After which, the Congregation will be seated for
Today’s Opening Hymn “Dearest Lord, While You Are Watching”
sung to the melody of “Unser Herrscher” (CW 255)
Dearest Lord, while You are watching O’er Your universe today.
Pause a moment as we’re praying, Hear the words we have to say.
Bless us, please, oh Friend so dear, As to You we now draw near.
We have thrived on Your attention. We have prospered at Your hand.
Gifts too numerous to mention, You have showered on our land.
Earth and heaven sing Your praise, Mighty Ancient of all days!
Though at times we groan and grumble, Though our sinful deeds You see,
Though our prayers we often mumble, You forgive us constantly.
Could we find a friend so true, As the Friend we’ve found in You?
If You see some tear-drops falling, Lord, You know the reason why.
We are saddened at recalling, How You sent Your Son to die.
Such a wond’rous gift of love, We are so unworthy of!
Gracious God, oh please direct us, Every day and every night.
Send Your angels to protect us, From the Tempter’s evil might,
‘Til the day when we can see You in heav’nly majesty! Amen.
after which the Congregation will rise for
Hear Us and Forgive Us, Lord
Pastor – “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Congregation – “And also with you.”
Pastor – “God invites us to come into His presence and worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness.
Congregation – “Holy and most merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; Each day I turn away from Your Will. I have left
undone those things which You have asked me to do, and I have done those things which You tell me not to do. I do not love You or my neighbor the way I should. Because of these, and all of my other sins, too numerous for me to recall, I acknowledge that I deserve nothing less than Your punishment both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for the evil that I have thought, spoken, and done, and trusting in the perfect life, and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, forgive me all my sins, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen my weak faith through the promises of Your divine Word that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor – “Find comfort for your souls, then, in these words of our Lord: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will purify us from all unrighteousness, because we have One Who speaks to the Father
in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” And now, upon this, your voluntary confession, I, because of my office as a called servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place of, and according to the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God be with you. Amen.”
Our Response To God’s Forgiveness
ALL sing: to the tune of “I Know That
My Redeemer Lives”
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee For Thy forgiveness, full and free,
He, who by grace, this truth believes The blessings of Christ’s love receives
Praise God the Father, God the Son And God the Spirit, Three in One,
As ’twas, is now, and so shall be World without end, eternally! Amen.
Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us
Pastor For all that we need in life, Lord God, hear our prayer. We pray for the wisdom to use everything You have made with God-pleasing responsibility, gratitude and joy:
Congregation Lord, have mercy upon us!
Pastor We pray for the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love:
Congregation Christ, have mercy upon us!
Pastor We pray for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil:
Congregation Lord, have mercy upon us, as we place our trust in You.
Pastor Merciful God, Maker and Preserver of life, uphold us by Your power and keep us always in Your gracious care.
Congregation Amen.
after which the Congregation may be seated as
We Give Our Attention to God’s Word
The First Lesson Acts 12:1-17
At about that time, King Herod laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread.
4 After arresting Peter, Herod put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. Herod intended to bring him before the people for trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church earnestly offered up prayer to God for him.
6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains, while sentries were in front of the door, guarding the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood near him, and a light shone in the cell. The angel woke Peter up by striking him on the side, saying, “Quick, get up!” The chains fell from his wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” So he did so. Then the angel told him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9 Peter went out, following the angel, but he did not realize that what the angel was doing was really happening. He thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed through the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. It opened all by itself for them. They went outside, walked down one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.”
12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, who is also called Mark. Many had gathered there and were praying. 13 When Peter knocked at the entrance gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 She recognized Peter’s voice and was so overjoyed, she did not open the gate. Instead she ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15 They told her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept on insisting it was so, and they started saying, “It’s his angel.”
16 Meanwhile, Peter kept on knocking. When they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned to them with his hand to be silent and described to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he left and went on to another place.
The Epistle Lesson Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from Whom the entire family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of His glory, He would strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner self, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 I pray that you would be able to comprehend, along with all the saints, how wide and long and high and deep His love is, 19 and that you would be able to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him, Who is able, according to the power that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
After which the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson Luke 11:1-13
On another occasion, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”
5 He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine who is on a journey has come to me, and I do not have anything to set before him.’ 7 And the one inside replies, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you.’ 8 I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his bold persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, it will be opened. 11 “What father among you, if your son asks for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
The Children’s Lesson Isaiah 58:9
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer. You will cry out, and He will say, “Here I am!”
“He Always Hears Us When We Call”
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 411 “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
1 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear–
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3 Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there. Amen
Sermon Text Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told them a parable about the need to always pray and not lose heart: 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who did not fear God and did not care about people. 3 There was a widow in that town, and she kept going to him, saying, ‘Give me justice from my adversary!’ 4 For some time he refused, but after a while he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or care about people, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice so that she will not wear me out with her endless pleading.’”
6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Will not God give justice to His chosen ones, who are crying out to Him day and night? Will He put off helping them? 8 I tell you that He will give them justice quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
When God Seems Silent
following the sermon the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will! Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Because we aren’t able to pass an offering plate today, as we would during a regular worship service, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers of the Church
In our Prayers this morning we include:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Tim and Marisol Huebner,
who were united in Christian marriage yesterday; and
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Becca Johannes who graduated from college yesterday;
and A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Sadie Hahn, who graduates from high school Saturday.
The Lord’s Prayer and Response
Congregation Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;
Pastor Grant Father, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed freely among us and throughout the world, and that we may live holy, Godly lives to the glory of Your name.
C: Thy Kingdom come;
P: Grant, Father, that the proclamation of the Gospel may bear much fruit, so that large numbers of men, women, and children from every nation and tribe may come to know and believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
C: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
P: Grant , Father, that we may never forget that it is Your will that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Grant that we may remember that we are to carry out Your will by being witnesses of Christ to the world. Father, may Your will be done through us!
C: Give us this day our daily bread;
P: Grant, Father, that we may always remember that every good gift is from above and that the earth and all that is in it are Yours. May we also trust in Your for our daily bread. Then we will confidently share our blessings with others and return to You a large, generous portion of the gifts You have entrusted to us.
C: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
P: Forgive us, Father, for all the times we have given offense and kept others from coming to You. Forgive us for being so indifferent and cold to Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to every nation. Forgive us for so frequently forgetting that Christ died for us and that we should no longer live for ourselves, as a result, but for Him who died and rose again for us. Grant that we may also forgive those who sin against us, love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and do good to those who hate us, that we might, by all means possible, lead some to Christ.
C: And lead us not into temptation;
P: Grant, Father, that Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh may not tempt us to neglect the supreme task of the Church. Grant that we never squander away our time while the world rushes toward Judgement Day; that we never waste our financial resources on the pleasures and luxuries of this life, and in so doing deny others the Bread of Life. Heavenly Father, keep us from these and all other temptations.
C: But deliver us from evil;
P: Protect us, Father, from all harm and danger, but grant that we will always boldly confess our faith in Jesus no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the result may be.
C: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Now Dismiss Us, Lord
Benediction
Brothers and sisters, now go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. And Serve the Lord in gladness.
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 408 “Christians, While On Earth Abiding”
1 Christians, while on earth abiding, Let us never cease to pray,
Firmly in the Lord confiding As our parents in their day.
Be the children’s voices raised To the God their parents praised.
May His blessing, failing never, Rest upon His people ever.
2 Bless us, Father, and protect us From all harm in all our ways;
Patiently, O Lord, direct us Safely through these fleeting days.
Let Your face upon us shine; Fill us with Your peace divine.
Praise the Father, Son, and Spirit! Praise Him, all who life inherit! Amen
Announcements
Last Week at Grace Lutheran Church Sunday Worship Attendance: 67 (Communed: 59)
Sunday Bible Class: 20 Sunday School: 5 Budgetary Fund Offerings: $3300
Online Budget Offerings: $41.50 Capital Improvement: $50 Endowment Fund: $100
Tuesday Bible Class: 12 Wednesday Bible Classes…..Women: 4 Men: 4
Serving Us NEXT SUNDAY (5-18) Altar Guild – Harriet Johnson, Tina Wambold
Ushers – Tom Otto, Kent Mayer Elders — Vic Walker, Rick Tragasz
Birthdays and Anniversary This Week 5/09 – Sadie Huebner 5/10 – Angie Taylor; ‘
5/11 – Terry Bruns; 5/12 – Ryan & Lindsey Bratton; 5/12 – Rudy Ryskey;
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m
Fellowship Period, 10:35 a.m. Bible Class and Sunday School, 11 a.m.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible Classes, 6 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Ascension Day Worship Service, with the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.
Saturday Outreach Calling/Visitation, 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship including Communion, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time, 10:45 a.m. Bible Class/Sunday School, 11 a.m. Youth Confirmation Class, 12 to 1:15 p.m.
The Upcoming Edition (May/June to August) of “Meditations” is Available for all of you. This is our Synod’s very good, daily devotional booklet. It can be found on both tables in the front entryway, and on the table in the west entryway . Please take home your copy today.
Ascension Day Special Worship Service Reminder – In four more days…..this coming Thursday, May 13th…… we will conduct an Ascension Day service, beginning at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in our chapel. Please join us (and bring a guest) for this often-overlooked, but spiritually significant celebration. We’ll include the Lord’s Supper as part of our service that evening.
Bible Classes This Week – In today’s Bible class, after a few closing comments on I John, we will begin a study of John’s second Epistle. Throughout it we’ll be considering the dangers that existed in John’s day — as well as our own — from false teachers that arise within the church. Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 am we’ll continue our study of I Kings. This week we’ll be examining the end of chapter 13 as well as chapter 14. We’ll talk about the reigns of Judah’s King Rehoboam and Israel’s King Jeroboam. If you can’t attend in person, you can participate over the phone by calling 1-701-802-5405, then dial 7519304#. Then, on Wednesday evening we’ll hold two Bible classes — one for women and the other for men. We meet from 6-7 p.m. Our women are studying Philippians, while our men are working through various Psalms. You can participate in person, or over the phone by calling….women’s class: 1-605-313-5470, then dialing 334007#; Or the men’s class: 1-701-802-5405 and dial 7519304#.