The Sixth Sunday of the Easter Season
May 25, 2025
known, liturgically, as Rogate (Ask) Sunday
Always Keep on Praying And Never Give Up —
Jesus says so!
Thought it’s been almost 30 years, dedicated baseball fans haven’t forgotten what happened in the first game of the 1996 American League championship series between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. It’s been talked about it since it happened, and my guess is that people will be talking about it for years to come, because it became part of baseball history. For those of you who aren’t big baseball fans, as well as those of you who might not recall the event, here’s what happened. The game was played in New York. Going into the bottom of the eighth inning Baltimore led 4-3. With one out and Armando Benitez on the mound, Yankee Derek Jeter hit a towering blast to right field. Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco ran back to the wall and timed his jump perfectly to snatch the ball before it hit high off the right-field fence. But before the ball landed safely in his glove, the unexpected happened. “To me it was a magic trick,” said Tarasco later, “because the ball just disappeared out of midair.”
Not quite. A twelve-year-old boy from New Jersey named Jeff Maier had skipped school that day to come to the game. He was seated in the front row in right field. When that towering fly ball fell straight in front of him, he did what any baseball fan would do: he reached out over the wall with his baseball glove and scooped up the ball. It wasn’t “magic” after all.
But it seemed to be working like “magic” for the Yankees. That’s because the umpire erroneously called it a home run, tying the score. The game ended up going into extra innings, and in the bottom of the eleventh Yankee Bernie Williams hit the home run that won the game, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the series. Afterward – understandably – the Orioles protested, calling for fan interference. Yankee fans, of course, referred to everything that happened as a miracle….and as part of the vicissitudes of baseball (namely, that sometimes unexplainable things happen). On the other hand, Orioles fans called it an outrage….especially after their appeal to reverse the play’s outcome (which would have given the Orioles a victory…) was turned down. The Yankees survived and advanced, and went on to win the series against the Orioles 4 games to 1.
Like the New York Yankees, in order for us to “survive and advance” (to heaven) we need outside, miraculous intervention. We desperately need our Savior-God to reach out and help us – and not just in our desperate moments. But – each and every day. We need His spiritual intervention through the life, death and resurrection of Christ to save us from our sins…and He has done that by His grace. We also need His gracious intervention, working and sustaining faith in us through the Holy Spirit, to keep our Spiritual heads “above water” in our daily lives. And, by God’s grace, that’s exactly what we have.
Although the Lord doesn’t always answer prayers the way He did in the following story, He does always answer our prayers….never forget that! Most importantly, He always answers in the way that He knows is best for us, His beloved children. He’ll never do you or me wrong!
Phil Callaway didn’t know what to say when his young children asked if Mommy was going to die. His wife, Ramona continued to suffer horrible seizures…and they were getting worse and worse. Hundreds of friends and relatives were praying for her, but Ramona’s weight plunged to 90 pounds. Medical specialists tried everything, but within a few months the seizures were no longer occurring daily, but hourly. Phil rarely left Ramona’s side. He wondered if she would even make it to her 30th birthday, which was only a couple of months away. One evening, when things looked utterly hopeless, and Phil was pacing in their dark back yard, he fell to his knees. “God!” he cried out. “I can’t take it anymore. Please do something!” Immediately a doctor’s name came to mind. Phil called the doctor, who saw Ramona the next morning. He diagnosed her as having a rare chemical deficiency. Under his care, within a week Ramona’s seizures ended. Her eyes sparkled again. Her weight began to come back. The miracle was so complete and so incredible that there could be do denying God’s intervention. Phil said, “God gave me back my wife.” He most definitely did!
The Necessity (and the misuse) of Prayer in our lives
Confident and persistent prayer should be at the heart of every Christian’s life. In fact, it’s as critical and essential to the Christian’s spiritual life as breathing is necessary for his/her physical life. What’s more, we should never use prayer as a last resort, only after everything else has failed. Nor should we pray only when we are in trouble or need. And we should not employ prayer merely as a spiritual “distress signal.” Such attitudes and approaches to prayer do not do justice to such a sacred exercise, nor do they bring appropriate honor to our God Who invites us to approach and speak to Him in prayer, with the promise that He will always hear us and bless us as His children.
The 5th Sunday after Easter (Rogate
Sunday) and its Traditional Emphasis on Prayer
This morning we will be giving our attention to 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” (Prayer/Ask) Sunday, while the three days which follow it (up to Ascension Day, which will be this coming Thursday – please join us in worship that night at 7 p.m.! ) have been traditionally referred to as “Rogation Days.”
The “History” Behind Rogate Sunday “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 B.C. 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.
Our Participation This Week in the Church’s Tradition of “Rogation Days” 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.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
Today’s Old Testament Lesson is the account of Good King Hezekiah’s prayer for healing, and how that
prayer was answered Hezekiah receiving an additional 15 years of earthly life in which to serve the LORD and His people. You might recall that the LORD had informed a very ill King Hezekiah, through a message God sent by way of the prophet Isaiah, that he would not recover and – in fact – would die very soon. In the face of such a clear message, Hezekiah nevertheless prayed that God might relent in His decision and extend his life. Did God change His plan and His mind? Yes and no. Yes, He delayed Hezekiah’s death; it would not be immediate. No, Hezekiah would still die – even if 15 years later. The LORD was honored and glorified by Hezekiah’s prayer. What’s more, Hezekiah’s faith was both confirmed and strengthened. Finally, across the centuries, this story has encouraged believers (like us) to pray to the LORD boldly and confidently.
Through this morning’s Epistle Lesson we’ll listen to Paul’s closing remarks and instructions in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Of particular significance to us on this “prayer Sunday” are the Apostle’s words encouraging his hears then (and today) both to pray “continuously” (that is, to always be reading and willing to pray – regardless of when or where we are) and to keep him, personally, and the ministry of God’s Word in their daily prayers.
This morning’s Gospel Lesson actually gave us the traditional name for this Sunday (“Rogate” — Latin for “ask”….in bold type). Here Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray by giving them the Lord’s Prayer (notice that Luke’s version is abbreviated compared to the “more complete” version found in Matthew 7). He also urges us to be persistent and confident in our prayers through the commands: “Ask, Seek, and Knock.” Finally, our Savior reminds us that the Father wants to (and will) give good gifts to all those who ask Him. (I wonder….. Do we — as individuals and as a congregation — lack because we don’t ask?).
Next, our Children’s Lesson look at the story of Aaron and Hur
helping Moses to pray while Israel fought a battle against the Amalekites by holding Moses’ hands up when he was too tired to do so. As long as Moses hands stayed up in prayer, the battle would go Israel’s way. So Aaron’s and Hur’s help in prayer was very valuable and Israel was blessed. Likewise, when others pray with us and for us (and when we pray for them), their help is so valuable and it does bring blessings to us and others.
Finally, 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.
Pre-Service Prayer Heavenly Father, please guide me in wisdom and truth through Your Holy Spirit, as I spend this hour meditating on Your Word and rejoicing in Your limitless love for me. Assist me in being attentive in heart and mind to Your Word, as well as to the hymns of praise, the various petitions, and the prayers of thanksgiving my voice directs toward You. Use this worship service, O Lord, to deepen my love for You, to strengthen my trust in You, and to renew my commitment to You. All this I ask for the sake of and in the name of Your One and only Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
Pre-service music Pre-service prayer
Pre-worship hymn singing, beginning at 9:25 a.m.
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Invocation
P: 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 Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Congregation Guard my life, for I am devoted to 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 Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
P You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You.
C Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me.
P Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; no deeds can compare with Yours.
C All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name.
P For 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 an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
C I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 478 “With the Lord Begin Your Task”’
With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended.
Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.
On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,
Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you.
With your Savior at your side, Foes need not alarm you;
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.
All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master,
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster.
If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,
Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing.
Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;
You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder.
After which, the Congregation will be asked to rise as
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 for all our sins.
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
to the tune of “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (CW 152)
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.
The Prayer for “Rogate” Sunday
O Gracious, Heavenly Father, + through Your Holy Spirit’s working in the Word today, + drive out every trace of spiritual darkness from our hearts + that we may see Your Son as our one and only Redeemer + and that we may confidently and faithfully + call on You in prayer as the only true God + to deliver us from all our troubles of body and soul. + Bless our worship of You this morning + that through our meditation on Your Word + our faith might grow stronger + and our love for Your truth might increase. + All this we seek for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the one, true and only God, + now and forever. + Amen.
Feed Us, Lord
The Old Testament Lesson II Kings 20:1-11
In those days Hezekiah became sick and was dying. Then the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the Lord says. Give instructions to your house because you are going to die. You will not recover.”
2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your eyes.” Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Isaiah had not yet gone out from the middle courtyard when the word of the Lord came to him:
5 Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, that this is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says. I have heard your prayer, and I have seen your tears. I will certainly heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the House of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will protect this city for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.
7 Then Isaiah said, “Get a cake of figs.” So they got it and put it on the infected sore, and Hezekiah recovered.
8 Then Hezekiah asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the House of the Lord on the third day from now?”
9 Isaiah said, “This will be a sign for you from the Lord that the Lord will do the thing which He said. Shall the shadow extend forward over ten more steps, or shall it move backwards ten steps?”
10 Hezekiah said, “It’s easy for the shadow to get longer and cover ten more steps. Instead, have it go back ten steps.”
11 Then the prophet Isaiah called out to the Lord, and He caused the shadow, which had gone down on the steps of Ahaz, to go backwards ten steps.
The Epistle Lesson I Thessalonians 5:12-28
12 Brothers, we ask you to take note of those who work hard among you, who exercise leadership over you in the Lord, and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love, on account of their work. Live at peace with each other.
14 We also encourage you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle. Encourage those who are discouraged, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil with evil, but instead, always strive to do good to each other and to everyone else.
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not extinguish the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 But test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Keep away from every kind of evil.
23 May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The One Who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I put you under oath to the Lord to read this letter to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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 Public Confession of our Christian Faith
according to the words of the Apostles Creed
to the melody of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” (CW 169)
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling, By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion, Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Exodus 17:8-13
8 Then the Amalekites came and fought against the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Select some men for us, and go out and fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop, and God’s staff will be in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did just as Moses told him.
While Joshua was fighting against the Amalekites, Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, the Israelites would start winning, but whenever he lowered his hand, the Amalekites would start winning. 12 When Moses’ arms became tired, they took a stone and placed it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands—one on one side, and one on the other side. In this way his hands were steady until sunset. 13 So Joshua defeated the Amalekite army with the sword.
When You’re in Trouble……PRAY !!!!!
(and ask others to pray for you, and with you, too!)
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
Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Ev’rything 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 ev’ry 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 your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
You will find a solace there.
Sermon Text Daniel 10:1-14
In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar. Now the message was true. It was about a great war. He understood the message, and understanding came to him through the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks. 3 I ate no expensive food, and no meat or wine entered my mouth. I did not anoint myself at all until the completion of three whole weeks.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was beside the Great River, that is, the Tigris. 5 I looked up, and there, right in front of me, I saw a man dressed in linen. Around his waist he was wearing a belt made from gold of Uphaz. 6 His body was like topaz, and his face looked like lightning. His eyes were like burning torches, and his arms and feet were like polished bronze. The sound of his words was like the sound of an army.
7 Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see the vision, but they were overwhelmed by fear and trembling, so they ran away to hide. 8 I was left alone, and I saw this great vision. No strength was left in me. My appearance changed for the worse. I became very pale, and I had no strength. 9 I heard the sound of his words, but as I heard the sound of his words, I was in a deep sleep, facedown, with my face to the ground.
10 Then a hand touched me and pulled me up, trembling, to my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you are a highly valued man. Understand the words that I am speaking to you. Stand up where you are, because now I have been sent to you.” When he spoke this word to me, I stood up, shaking.
12 He said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, because from the first day that you began to commit your heart to gaining understanding and to humbling yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 However, an officer of the kingdom of Persia was standing against me for twenty-one days. Yet Michael, one of the chief officers, came to help me, for I had been left there against the kings of Persia. 14 I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, because the vision concerns days still to come.
The Power of Persistent, Confident Prayer
following which the Congregation WILL REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
Lord, Receive our Offerings and Prayers
The Offering
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship. However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash, please) to our church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or
2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
as the offerings are brought forward the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers of the Church
Included in our prayers is a prayer of Thanksgiving
for Olivia and Craig Laine, whose anniversary is tomorrow.
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 waster 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.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look with favor upon you, and give 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!