The Heart of a Pastor

Sunday morning prayer - Pentecost Day

Happy Pentecost Day (and Mother's Day)!

Asking and receiving
Last night, while watching the news, I said to my wife that I had forgotten to pick up some candy at the store when we where there earlier.  The candy basket that I have for my children's lessons was nearly empty...not enough for the kids on Sunday.  So I started thinking that if I got going early enough, I could stop at the store on my way out to Belmont for worship.  The problem was that there was no guarantee I would remember to stop at the store.  Well...this morning when I went up to the sanctuary to prepare for worship; there on the counter in the sacristy was my children's lesson basket...filled with candy.  Wow...ask and you shall receive.  "Thanks, God."

A realization
I realized yesterday that I must be pretty serious about this marathon I am going to run in October.  Yesterday (Saturday, May 10) was to be my 9 mile run day.  My day was already pretty busy so my window of time to run was fairly small, but when it came time to run it was raining lightly.  Since I didn't have time to wait I still got ready and ended up running in the rain for a few miles.  I guess I AM serious about this running thing.  And you know...it was kind of nice (in a weird sort of way) to run in the rain.

Prayer
Today we recognize and celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit to those first disciples and to us.  We thank God for His presence in our lives.  We thank Jesus for not leaving us orphaned.  We thank the Holy Spirit for the gift of faith.  But let us not forget to thank our mothers today.  But don't forget those women (who may not be "mothers") for playing a motherly role in your life (or the lives of others).  They deserve thanks as well.  So with all that in mind, let's pray...

Good, gracious and loving God, you came to those first disciples on that first Pentecost Day in power and authority.  You gave them courage to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus dying and rising that we may live.  They announced forgiveness.  They announced Truth.  They proclaimed life.  Lord God, we pray for that same boldness; for that same Spirit to fill our hearts so we may be courageous in a world that demands much from us.  We pray for courage so others may come to know you through our words and deeds.  And, God...we thank you for loving us through mothers, whether they be biological or others who serve as a mother for us.  Mothers are indeed a gift from you.  Thank you, God.  We pray this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord...Amen.

God bless and take care!
-edh-

Sunday morning prayer

Happy Sunday morning to you all...and what a beautiful day it is...finally...

...first off, I am sorry that I have been so absent these past couple weeks.  It never seems to fail, that when May rolls around things start picking up again until school is done.  Also, last Sunday we (Salem) participated in a "Thanksgiving and Retiring Rite" for the Lutheran Book of Worship.  The service went well, but things did not really set in with me until this past week when I was removing all the LBWs and WOV (With One Voice) hymnals out.  It felt a little surreal.

Today at Salem is Dedication Sunday for our NEW hymnals...the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW/cranberry hymnals).  Today will mark a new chapter in our worship life.  It may also mark a time of new controversy as I know some people (a minority of people) are not in favor of these new books.  But my prayer is that over time, they will grow to understand that we do not worship books, but rather we worship an awesome God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  It will take some time getting used to the "new" page numbers (i.e. the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness is not on page 77 but on page 147).  I wonder if I will instinctively turn to pg. 77 this morning.  It will also take some time getting used to hymn numbers in the 800s.

But I also feel fortunate because I do not have to say "good bye" completely to the LBW.  Belmont Lutheran Church (the other congregation I serve) still uses the LBW.  Now I just have to stay focused; trying to keep the two worship services straight in my head (I wonder if I will ask Belmont to turn to pg 147 for the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness).

In any case, I am looking forward to worship this morning.  I am not sure what it will bring (but then again do I ever know).  But one thing I do know...is that my prayer will be that everything we do today (and everyday) be to the GLORY OF GOD and not to us.  And that also happens to be my sermon focus:  What does it mean to glorify God -- with the scripture reference the Gospel text from John 17:1-11.

So with that, let's pray together...
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  I can't help but think of that Psalm today, O God.  When I think of all you have created and all you have done, you are still mindful of us.  You still remember us.  You still care for us.  Within this massive creation you know our needs, you give us daily bread and you love us as if each one of us were the only person in the world.  But if that was not enough, you sent you one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die and rise from the grave so we may have life. It is for these reasons (and many more) that all praise, honor and GLORY belongs to you.  O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  Amen

God's blessings to you this day and always.  Take care.
-edh-

Sunday morning prayer

It has been a long time (last Monday) since I have been here.  I guess part of it is that early in the week the weather was so beautiful that I tried to spend time outside.  Then the cold and snow hit...reminding me that I live in Minnesota.  I also had a funeral this week, which went very well.  And (as I mentioned last Monday) my secretary, Vicki, returned to work.  That meant we had a lot of catch up...which is going very well.  So this past week has been a good one over all, just not a good one for blogging.

But...to get you up-to-date in very quick fashion, here are some (very) random updates for you:
(1) My running is going great.  I am feeling stronger and stronger all the time.
(2) I went to an awesome concert on Thursday by a group called "Naturally 7".  I will try to post a You Tube video of them.  They were truly amazing.
(3) I killed one of my cacti the other day.  I know they don't need much water over the winter, but they still need some. 
(4) Did I mention we got snow.  Stupid weather.

Anyway...that should about do it for the random updates.  How about a little prayer time?  Yes?  Great.  First...here's a reading, from 1 Peter 3:15-16, that I will be focusing on today:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

Now...let us pray...
Heavenly Father, you give us life and hope.  You give us a reason to live.  You give us strength to endure life's pains and sorrows.  You give us a future of joy and happiness.  Lord God, please give us opportunities to share with others this hope.  And when these opportunities come our way, give us the words to say so others may come to know you or know you better.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

I hope and pray that you have a very blessed day.

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 04/20/08

Great news...

...our church secretary, Vicki, is finally home and feeling much better.  There is a strong possibility we will have her back next week, at least for a little bit.  But I want to make sure she takes it slow and not rush back.  We don't want her over doing it too soon.  Thank you for the prayers.

In other news...the parishioner I talked about earlier, G, that had a massive heart attack, died on Friday.  He was all set to come home to the Jackson hospital when he developed pneumonia and had another heart attack.  That was Thursday and died by 3pm Friday.  G was all set to die and was not afraid.  His faith definitely gave him peace during this difficult time.  Thank you for the prayers.

With that being said, let's join ourselves together in a word of prayer.

Loving God, there are so many times that we just don't understand; where we throw up our hands with the psalmist and ask, "How long, O God?  How long?"  We search and search for answers.  We search and search for clarity.  But the more we search the more things become cloudy.  And in the end all we are left with is a hope through Jesus Christ.  And even that becomes cloudy in our doubts.  O God, grants us patience and help us to trust you more, knowing that your Will, will indeed be done.  And when your Will is done, may we rejoice and give you all glory.  Thank you, God, for your loving faithfulness.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

God bless you and take care.

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 04/13/08

Greetings from a very cold and snowy Jackson, MN.  It is April and it is supposed to be "nice" outside, not cold and snowy.  This long, cold, dark winter keepings going on and on and on...(it is beginning to sound like the annoying Energizer bunny).

Anyway...

A quick prayer update before we pray together this morning:  My secretary, Vicki, is back in the hospital.  You may remember a while back I mentioned and asked for prayers for Vicki.  She began to feel sick before Palm Sunday, had her gall bladder out after Easter, was diagnosed with bronchitis after she got home and now is in the hospital with blood clots in both lungs and in her right leg.  When it rains it pours.  Right now Vicki is getting very frustrated and is wondering why this is all happening to her.  But in the next breath she does talk about God having a plan so she puts her faith in God.  But she would still like to feel better soon.  So if you could...say a little prayer for Vicki.  She definitely needs all she can get.

With that, let us join together as the Body of Christ for a word of prayer...

Gracious and loving God, in your abundant mercy you created us out of dust to love you and to be loved by you.  But when you created us you did not leave us to our own strength.  You did not desert us.  You did not turn your ears away from our cries.  Instead you sent your one and only Son to serve as our Shepherd in this life, so we may find our way back to you.  Thank you for loving and caring and providing for us as a shepherd does for his sheep.  Thank you for our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Rise Lord and Savior, Amen. (Biblical reference: John 10:1-21)

God bless you this day and always. Take care!

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 04/06/08

Ahhh...

...back into my routine again...and oh how I have missed that...really.

After a week of vacation and a week of continuing education I am finally back in the office.  It was nice to be away for a while, but it is also nice to be back again.  Especially considering my secretary is still out.  Almost 2 weeks ago Vicki had her gall bladder out and now she has bronchitis.  She is on a strict work restriction until at least April 14.  But at least she is sounding better.  So once again I will be flying solo this week.  Please keep remembering her in your prayers.

As for me...I am still enjoying the "wonderful" surprises my wife and friends left for me when I returned.  During the week, my wife with the help of some WONDERFUL friends completely remodeled a room Connie and I have wanted to do for quite some time.  They had many late nights scraping wall paper adhesive and painting.  Thank you, thank you...I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends.

But some of these "wonderful" friends left me some other surprises.  One of which was turning all my books around in my office...so all the binding are facing in.  Now I walk in my office and see and sea of white pages shining out from my bookshelf.  But in all honesty, I had that coming (too much to explain right now).

Anyway how...all in all...I feel very thankful this morning.

Now...let's get back into OUR routine and pray together this morning.  Let us pray...

Merciful and Mighty God, the radical event of the cross brought drastic changes to this world.  Through Christ's death and resurrection a new hope has been written into our stories with the promise that there is nothing in all of creation that will be able to separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.  In and through this resurrection our future reality is one where pain, sorrow and death are no more, for those things will pass away.  Teach us, affirm in us, proclaim to us, each and every day, this promise so we can sustain and endure through life's trials and dark times.  Help us see this story and future hope so we may boldly proclaim this to others through word and deed.  Thank you God, for you unending love and mercy. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Take care and God bless!
edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 03/16/08

Good morning!

Holy Week is upon us...the most holy week on the Christian calendar.  Today (Palm Sunday) we journey with Jesus into Jerusalem as we sing his praises; shouting "Hosanna!" only to turn on him in a few short days as we shout "Crucify him!"  For many people this is a very strange thing.  For many people this is foolishness.  Why would Jesus allow such a death to occur...because Jesus LOVES US MORE THAN WE CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE!!!

Today we journey with Jesus but remember that we are not much different than that first Palm Sunday crowd; for we too live in a Palm Sunday world...we want Jesus to save us from our rotten lives...NOW.  We look for Jesus to fix things NOW.  We want prosperity NOW.  But Jesus doesn't come to do those things, rather Jesus brings a cross.  But what we often forget...that cross means salvation for us...NOW.

So join me and pray as Palm Sunday people looking for salvation:
Gracious Lord, victorious God...we live in a Palm Sunday world where we get the wrong idea of you.  We want the good life NOW.  We want stuff NOW.  We want all the best that life has to offer NOW.  But what we often forget is that you did and do bring and give us the best...Jesus Christ.  Jesus suffered death for us.  Jesus rose from the grave for us.  Jesus gives us life.  Loving God, knock some sense into us when we stray and lead us back to THE reason and purpose to our lives...Jesus Christ our Lord.  Thank you God for never giving up on us.  You are awesome and worthy of all praise.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen!

God bless you this Holy Week and I pray that you may experience the depths of God's graciousness all the days of your life.

Take care!
-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 03/02/08

I don't know about you, but March has snuck up on me.  It still feels like it should be February still.  Don't get me wrong...I am looking forward to spring (I am getting sick of the cold weather), but somehow my internal clock is a little slow this year.  Maybe I need a battery change.

"Spring" is here
I know it is not technically spring for another 18 days, but it sure felt like it here today.  I got a chance to run outside for my first time in a couple months.  Wow...that felt great.  I went an exhilarating 5 mile run and felt great afterward.  So far training is going well.  No shin splints like I suffered earlier this year.  This time I am taking things slow and slowly building up my mileage.  When I felt great after runs like yesterday I just want to keep going, but I need to be patient and stop.  Not an easy thing to do.

Thanking God
A couple friends of mine and Connie's returned home safely on yesterday from the National Pastor's Convention in San Diego.  I not only thank God they returned home safely, but that they have a good sense of humor (not that I had any doubt).  You see...Connie and I along with a couple other friends, played a couple practical jokes to welcome our friends home.  We had fun sneaking around their home late at night - hoping the neighbors wouldn't call the police.  In the end...our friends got a good laugh, now it is time for the rest of us to look over our shoulders...because we know revenge is coming...and deservedly so :)

Prayer
The Gospel text for today (Lent 4) is from John 9 (the story of Jesus healing the man born blind).  My focus is on verses 4 and 5 where Jesus talks about being the light of the world.  But Jesus is not the only light...we are called to be lights in the world.  So with that, I am taking this text and the song "This Little Light of Mine" and talking about being lights in this dark world.  Of course, following the sermon, we are singing "This Little Light of Mine".  Should be fun.

Anyway...let's pray...
God of all creation, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the light of the world.  Now that Jesus has died and risen from the grave for us, we are now called to be lights in this cold, dark world.  Ignite our hearts with compassion.  Kindle the flame of our faith.  And shine your love in our lives so our light may shine forth, so much so, that people may see our good works and give you, and you alone, glory.  We need to be lights in this world...following the call and example of Jesus Christ...so hope can be proclaimed now.  Light the way for us so we may serve you and others with passion and compassion.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

I hope and pray that you have a very blessed today.  Take care!
-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 02/24/08

Greetings and salutations...happy morning to you all!

...don't ask...I just woke up this morning full of energy and ready to go...despite the trying week I have had.  Maybe it's because I haven't preached and lead worship for a couple weeks...I don't know, but I am ready for the day.

Another death
My trying week involved not only mourning my grandma's death but also mourning the very unexpected death of a 77 year old woman in my congregation on Wednesday morning.  Gladys went in on Tuesday for a "routine" surgery (whatever that means), developed a blood clot on Wednesday and died at around 2am Thursday morning.  I was at the hospital on Wednesday night with the family (I never got to see Gladys) but left at 10pm...fully expecting to see Gladys the next day.  I guess you just never know.  Please pray for her family.

The orchestra
My highlight of the week, though, was listening to the Minnesota Orchestra during their concert here in little ole Jackson, MN.  It was an absolutely amazing show.  One of my favorite pieces featured a bassoon duet.  WOW!  According to my wife, bassoons often get the nickname "belching bedposts" (no offense to any of you bassoon players) but these two bassoons were far from being "belching bedposts".  They were amazing.  My wife and I along with four of our friends went to the concert...dressed in "formal" wear.  After all...we were going to the orchestra.

So this week has been an up and down one.  I am praying for an "up" day today.  So to start things out let's join together in a word of prayer...

Loving God, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.  You sent your Son, Jesus Christ to seek and save us.  You know our sins.  You know our past. You know that we will let you down again and again...but that doesn't matter to you...for your love is great.  Thank you for sending Jesus into the hostile territory of our hearts; quenching our spiritual thirst and desire.  Thank you God for not holding our sins again us but rather offering "Living Water" to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Thank you God for saving our lives.  In Christ's name we pray...Amen. (reference made to John 4:5-42 - The woman at the well)

Take care and have a very blessed day.
-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 02/10/08

Grandma update:  She is STILL hanging in there.  Mom tells me grandma is getting weaker and weaker and thinner and thinner all the time.  Everyone is blown away by her resiliency.  As for the misunderstandings that were going on in the family a little while ago, about the nature of hospice care, things seem to have been cleared up.  Talking and open conversation has prevailed.  Praise the Lord for answering that prayer and for bringing us closer together!

Evangelism blog:  I know I have not done much with this in the past week or so (maybe starting a new blog right before Lent was not such a good idea).  But I do plan to post something early next week.  I still desire to continue our conversation about evangelism; discussing, encouraging and searching for better ways to proclaim this awesome message of God's love.  I have so many things running around in my head right now...I just need to "catch them" and put them in print.

Deep freeze:  It's -11 degrees F right now (wind chill is much colder).  Need I say more.

Prayer: As we begin our days (in whatever way that looks like), lets join together in a word of prayer...

Loving and merciful Father, we enter this Lenten season with heavy hearts as we ponder and reflect on our sinfulness and mortality.  We know that we have let you down.  We have not lived up to your expectations.  We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  But gracious God we ask that you would hear our cries and soften our hearts so we can see and begin to understand our rebelliousness.  We want to serve you.  We want to please you.  Dear God...grant us healing, grant us understanding, grant us discipline so we can better serve you and others.  And God...thank you for sending your Son so we may live.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

God bless your day and take care!
-edh-