Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray…
Wednesday, 24 April Anno Domini 2024
Luke 10:1-12
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
In the name of the Father and the ᛭ Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Jesus is sending the 72 into the midst of wolves. He knows that it will be dangerous. The work of proclaiming the Gospel is always dangerous. There are wicked and dangerous enemies. Their God was their protection. He sends his Word into the most unwelcoming and unhappy of places. Jesus knows that it is only his Word that can unravel the power of our enemies. He knows that the Word alone is our life and our protection. He knows that by the preaching of that Word your sins are forgiven and life and salvation are granted you. Jesus sends his Word to you that you would know that the Kingdom of God has come near you and that Jesus dwells with his people. 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:
Almighty and everlasting God, the heavenly Father who shows the light of truth to those who are in error so that they may return into the way of righteousness, cause all who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Church to avoid those things that are contrary to their profession and to follow all such things that are agreeable thereto; through the same 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 Mrs. Leamon, our Art Teacher;
For the Spring FAST classes that meet tonight;
For marriage and family, that God would strengthen the love between husbands and wives;
For our pastors (Pastor White and Pastor Cholak);
For all the shut-ins and elderly of Our Savior Lutheran Church.