PRAYER TEAM

Our Hymnal

Is our Lutheran Service Book a book of prayer? Could it be used for devotions and prayers for individuals and church meetings? Yes, it certainly could. Just some of its benefits are listed below:

-"Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families” (pages 294-98) provides brief services throughout the day - morning, noon, early evening, and day’s end.

-"Prayers, Intercessions and Thanksgivings" can be found on pages 305-318 and the Small Catechism which is covered on pages 321-30, includes additional prayers.

-The tables of Lectionary readings, pages xiv-xxiii, can be used in preparation for upcoming Sunday Services. We are currently following the Lectionary readings from Year A.

-The calendar of Commemorations, pages xii-xiii, recognizes the saints, many of whom died for their faith in our Lord and Savior. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Starke, Stephen P. "The Hymnal As Prayer Book”, J. Herl, P.C. Reske, & J.D. Vieker (Eds.), Lutheran Service Book:
Companion To the Hymns Vol.2, p.173-174, copyright 2019 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved

Examples of hymns that are prayers to our Lord, follow:

Morning Prayer:

O blessed, holy Trinity,
Divine, eternal Unity,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
This day Your name be uppermost.

My Maker, hold me in Your hand:
O Christ, forgiven let me stand:
Blest Comforter, do not depart;
With faith and love enrich my heart.

LSB 876, stanzas 1 & 4. Martin Behm, 1557-1622

Evening Prayer:

Stay with us, till night has come:
Our praise to You this day be sung.
Bless our bread, Open our eyes:
Jesus, be our great surprise.

Stay with us, till day is done:
No tears nor day shall dim the sun.
Cheer the heart, Your grace impart:
Jesus, bring eternal life.

LSB 879, stanzas 1 & 5. Herbert F. Brokering, 1926-2009

Eternal Spirit of the living Christ,
I know not how to ask or what to say;
I only know my need, as deep as life,
And only You can teach me how to pray.

Come pray in me the prayer I need this day;
Help me to see Your purpose and Your will—
Where I have failed, what I have done a-miss;
Held in forgiving love, let me be still.

LSB 769, stanzas 1-2. Frank von Christierson, 1900-1996

Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.

LSB 767, Text: Luke 23:42

"Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” Revelation 22:20b - 21