Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray…
Thursday, 2 May Anno Domini 2024
Luke 13:6-9
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
In the name of the Father and the ᛭ Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Lord seeks fruit from your branches. He has planted you in his vineyard. He has set his vinedresser to care for you. He looks for fruit. In other words, he expects good works. Good works are created by God for you. Now, he wants the harvest. When he finds none, he tells the vinedresser to cast you out. But the vinedresser pleads for you. He promises to dig around you and to tend and keep you, like a good gardener caring for his plants. This is the Lord Jesus caring for you. He died for you. He forgives your sins. He pleads for you. He is your advocate. He is also the one that prunes and puts on manure. When he prunes, it does not always feel great, but he knows what is best for you. He will not abandon you. His love for you is great. Thanks be to God. 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 Day:
Our merciful Father, the God who alone makes the minds of the faithful to be of one will, cause your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that among the manifold changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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 Word on the Web Bible study;
For those who care for loved ones in the hospital;
For the Faculty, Staff, and Students of the seminary in Lagos, Nigeria;
For the cleaning crew at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School;
For our pastors (Pastor White and Pastor Cholak);
For all the shut-ins and elderly of Our Savior Lutheran Church.