Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray…
Friday, 16 February Anno Domini 2024
Mark 1:40-45
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
In the name of the Father and the +Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Lord Jesus comes to us in our situation of pain and sorrow. He comes because of our sin. He comes because we have fallen short of God’s glory and he rescues and redeems. He is full of compassion and love. He comes full of mercy and pity. It is his will to make new what sin has destroyed. Thus he does what was unacceptable. He touches the leper. He heals and makes new. This is the God who has mercy on you and me. This is the God that has made you righteous before his Heavenly Father. This is the Savior that makes you Children of God by keeping the Law and suffering for us. He dies that you would live. He goes to the cross that you would be made free. He wills it. You, too, are clean by Jesus blood. In the name of +Jesus. Amen.
You may utilize the Order of Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families (pages 295-298) in Lutheran Service Book for your family prayers.
The Collect of the Week:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wickedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for us and others:
For the pre-born, the weak, the sick, those in hospital, those in hospice, and those who cannot care for themselves;
For the preaching of the Word to all the world;
For pastors and preachers of the Gospel all over the world;
For those who mourn their unborn children;
For Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Prestwood, our Kindergarten teachers;
For our pastors (Pastor White and Pastor Cholak);
For the elders of Our Savior Lutheran Church as they work to call an assistant pastor;
For all the shut-ins and elderly of Our Savior Lutheran Church.