κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

[Prayer] Almighty God, you have called your church to testify to the Gospel ... that ... because of the blood of Christ ... you have reconciled yourself to us and made us holy just as you are holy. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, we may join your angels in proclaiming this good news of your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 1. Who Is Like God? Not even the angels, that’s who. But I am sure, based on our readings today, that Saint Michael ... whose Hebrew name מִֽיכָאֵל literally could be translated as “Who is Like God?” ... is perfectly good with that confession. Michael and his Angels are not like God in the sense of being almighty, all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, all-present. But they are holy like God because he made them that way. Therefore, it is right to call them saints. Today is one of the days we recognize this reality. Today is Saint Michael and All Angels Day ... also known as Michaelmas. Today is one of 35 special feasts and festivals listed in our [L...

Paul writes, I, therefore, encourage you ... I, the prisoner in the Lord ... to walk worthily of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, enduring with one another in love, being eager to treasure the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one body and one Spirit, just as y’all were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (vv 1-6). [Prayer] Heavenly Father, you have called us through the work of Your Son to be your beloved children. In his humility, gentleness, and patience, he endured the cross and rose from the dead, and now he unites us to himself and each other in Holy Baptism and the Holy Sacrament. Grant us the mind of Christ, that we endure together, trusting in Your mercy that abides in all things, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Introduction] And it came to pass one Saturday long ago that Jesus was invi...

Saint Paul writes: Therefore, I ask [you] not to be discouraged in my tribulation on behalf of you, which is your glory (v 13).  [Prayer] Lord, we know that everyone in heaven and earth will bow before you, and that those who confess your name will receive eternal life. Grant us courage to be faithful to you in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help us to remember those who have gone before us and who sacrificed much, even their very lives, rather than dishonoring your name by denying the faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  [Introduction] It’s easy to become discouraged as a Christian ... Isn’t it? It’s easy to lose heart ... that is, to give up in the face of tribulation ... to say you want nothing more to do with the church and those YOU think are Christian in name only ... Isn’t it? It’s easy to feel persecuted for the faith that God gave you ... Isn’t it?  Whenever you feel this way, I think from now on, I will commend to you Saint Paul’s epist...

Jesus said, Do not worry in your life (v 25a). [Prayer] Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for all the good things you give. Grant us the faith to trust in You above all things. Grant us Your peace from above. And grant us joy in Your grace now and in the life to come, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [Introduction] There is a reason we worry and become anxious about what’s about to happen: We don’t trust God. ... We are idolaters. ... There’s a reason why we feel crushed when we don’t get what we want when we want how we want: We don’t trust God. ... We are idolaters. ... There’s a reason we grumble and complain about the gifts that come from above: We don’t trust Our Heavenly Father. ... We are idolaters. There’s a reason we stop coming to church: We don’t think we need God. ... We trust ourselves. ... We are idolaters. When your heart does not take refuge in God alone ... but clings to...