The Heart of a Pastor

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-