Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The fingerprint of the Holy One

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The fingerprint of the Holy One:  Psalm 8 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers . . . (v.3) Sovereign One, help us see and marvel at the beauty you've pl...

The fingerprint of the Holy One

 Psalm 8

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers . . . (v.3)

Sovereign One, help us see and marvel at the beauty you've placed in us and each other.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those struggling with body image

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Michael and all Angels

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Michael and all Angels:  Psalm 103:1-5,20-22 Bless the Lord, . . . you mighty ones who do his bidding, obedient to his spoken word.  (v.20) Lord of hosts, may we re...

Michael and all Angels

 Psalm 103:1-5,20-22

Bless the Lord, . . . you mighty ones who do his bidding, obedient to his spoken word.  (v.20)

Lord of hosts, may we receive your divines messages and be messengers of your grace.  Amen.

Prayer concern: Postal workers

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: A life of awe and wonder

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: A life of awe and wonder:  Psalm 5 I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.  (v.7) Teach us to develop awe, wonder, and gratitude in each moment.  In Je...

A life of awe and wonder

 Psalm 5

I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.  (v.7)

Teach us to develop awe, wonder, and gratitude in each moment.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Outdoor adventure and nature guides

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Birth Pangs

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Birth Pangs:  1 Peter 1:3-9 By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope.  (v.3) God, in scripture you are described as like a mothe...

Birth Pangs

 1 Peter 1:3-9

By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope.  (v.3)

God, in scripture you are described as like a mother.  Give us understanding to see where you are bringing forth new life.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those struggling with infertility

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Time after Pentecost - - - Lectionary 26

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Time after Pentecost - - - Lectionary 26:  Mark 9:38-50 You bear the name of Christ.  (v.41) Jesus, it's an honor and joy to bear your name.  Give us wisdom to bear your love in ...

Time after Pentecost - - - Lectionary 26

 Mark 9:38-50

You bear the name of Christ.  (v.41)

Jesus, it's an honor and joy to bear your name.  Give us wisdom to bear your love in the world.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Genealogists

Our needs fulfilled

 Matthew 5:13:20

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets . . . but to fulfill [them].  (v.17)

Thank you, Jesus, for being the embodiment of God's mercy and justice.  Help us to live illuminated by this truth.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Warehouse workers and delivery drivers

A bit of honey

 Psalm 19:7-14

. . . sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.  (v.10)

Creative God, thank you for helping  us taste the sweetness of life in Christ each and every day.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Beekeepers, chocolatiers, confectioners

Spirit of boldness

 Acts 4:13-31

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.  (v.31)

Holy Spirit, make us bold to speak in love and act in mercy for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Pastors and deacons

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Alone but not abandoned

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Alone but not abandoned:  John 8:21-30 And the one who sent me is with me;  he has not left me alone.  (v.29) God of eternal presence, help us trust that you come to...

Alone but not abandoned

 John 8:21-30

And the one who sent me is with me;  he has not left me alone.  (v.29)

God of eternal presence, help us trust that you come to us with the deep love shown in Jesus.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Children in foster care

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist:  Matthew 9:9-13 For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.  (v.13) O God, we rejoice that you welcome us.  In Jesus' name he...

Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

 Matthew 9:9-13

For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.  (v.13)

O God, we rejoice that you welcome us.  In Jesus' name help us welcome others we are tempted to exclude.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Government workers

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: A good kind of data breach

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: A good kind of data breach:  Psalm 139:1-18 O Lord, you searched me and known me.  (v.1) All-knowing God, you know us and love us fully and always.  Help us know you mo...

A good kind of data breach

 Psalm 139:1-18

O Lord, you searched me and known me.  (v.1)

All-knowing God, you know us and love us fully and always.  Help us know you more fully, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Cybersecurity specialists

PS:  Once again two bunny deaths in our household ...  Energizers :) and a lot of flies :)

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Time after Pentecost --- Lectionary 25

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Time after Pentecost --- Lectionary 25:  Mark 9:30-37 Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.  (v.35) Thank you, God, for making room for us through Jesus...

Michael Coffey

September 16-23

Michael Coffey is the pastor of First English Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas.  He is the author of Mystery without a Rhyme or Reason:  Poetic Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary (Wipf & Stock).

 

Time after Pentecost --- Lectionary 25

 Mark 9:30-37

Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.  (v.35)

Thank you, God, for making room for us through Jesus Christ.  In His name, help us make room for others.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  People on the margins of society

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Look for the Helper

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Look for the Helper: Psalm 54 But surely, God is my helper;  the Lord is the upholder of my life.  (v.4) O God, help me in my struggles, and help those who feel ...

Look for the Helper

Psalm 54

But surely, God is my helper;  the Lord is the upholder of my life.  (v.4)

O God, help me in my struggles, and help those who feel helpless and alone.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  First responders

 

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Seeing what's already there

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Seeing what's already there: James 3:13 . . . 4:3, 7-8a Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (4:8) Ever-present God, open our eyes to see where and how you ar...

Seeing what's already there

James 3:13 . . . 4:3, 7-8a

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (4:8)

Ever-present God, open our eyes to see where and how you are near to us now, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those looking for God in their lives

 

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The medium is the message

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The medium is the message:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5 . . . so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.  (v.5) God of grace, help us know your...

The medium is the message

 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

. . . so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.  (v.5)

God of grace, help us know your great love through the humble sacrifice of Christ.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Stationary and greeting card makers

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Christian Courage

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Christian Courage:  John 7:25-36 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.  (v.29) Lord Jesus, grant courage to those who follow in your footsteps of ...

Christian Courage

 John 7:25-36

I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.  (v.29)

Lord Jesus, grant courage to those who follow in your footsteps of care and compassion.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Inner-city churches, pastors, and staff

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Holy Cross Day

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Holy Cross Day:  1 Corinthians 1:18-24 But we proclaim Christ crucified.  (v.23) Jesus, we praise and thank you for the holy cross, symbol of our salvation ...

Holy Cross Day

 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

But we proclaim Christ crucified.  (v.23)

Jesus, we praise and thank you for the holy cross, symbol of our salvation through your death and resurrection.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those traveling today

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Wandering Sheep

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Wandering Sheep:  Psalm 119:169:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant.  (v.176) Send us out as your agents, gentle Shepard, to seek...

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Under God's authority

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Under God's authority: Matthew 21:23-32 Bu what authority are you doing these things, and who have you this authority? (v.23) Thank you, God, that part of Jesus&#3...

Wandering Sheep

 Psalm 119:169:176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant.  (v.176)

Send us out as your agents, gentle Shepard, to seek your lost sheep and bring them home.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those seeking a welcoming congregation

Under God's authority

Matthew 21:23-32

Bu what authority are you doing these things, and who have you this authority? (v.23)

Thank you, God, that part of Jesus' authority is to be with us and give us strength to act, even amid fear and danger.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Families of victims of the 9/11 attacks

 

Thanksgiving for recovery

 Psalm 116:1-9

The ord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.  (v.6)

Dear God, thank you for your healing power in time of sickness.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff

What is your legacy?

 Hebrews 11:17-22

By faith, Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.  (v.22)

Dear Lord, may my faith in God shine through to all around me today.  in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Grandparents

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Moving Mountains

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Moving Mountains: Matthew 17:14-20 You will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move.  (v.20) God, grant us faith to trust ...

Moving Mountains

Matthew 17:14-20

You will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move.  (v.20)

God, grant us faith to trust your power and presence to help us face the problems of each day.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those facing a hard choice or decision

 

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Bluegrass evangelism

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Bluegrass evangelism:  Isaiah 38:10-20 We will sing to stringed instruments . . . at the house of the Lord.  (v.20) Thank you, dear God, for instruments and music...

Bluegrass evangelism

 Isaiah 38:10-20

We will sing to stringed instruments . . . at the house of the Lord.  (v.20)

Thank you, dear God, for instruments and music to sing your praises.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Church musicians of all ages

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The gift of mercy

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: The gift of mercy:  Psalm 146 The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.  (v.8) Dear God, bless all ministries that show your love to those who are bowed down...

The gift of mercy

 Psalm 146

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.  (v.8)

Dear God, bless all ministries that show your love to those who are bowed down.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Singing our faith

Christ in our Home 5112 SW 33rd ST. Topeka KS 66614: Singing our faith: Isaiah 30:27-33 You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept.  (v.29) Dear Lord, bind us together as we worship and si...

Singing our faith

Isaiah 30:27-33

You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept.  (v.29)

Dear Lord, bind us together as we worship and sing in our congregations.  In your holy name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who minister through music

 

Writers

Louanne Isernhagen

September 1-15  Louanne Isernhagen and her husband, Glenn, a retired ELCA pastor, are members of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colorado.  They have two grown children and five grand-children.  She has worked as a teacher, librarian, and TWA flight attendant.  She sews quilts for Lutheran World Relief and writes lots of letters.

PS:  Pastor Glenn was our pastor for many years too 

Golden calves and other idols

 Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48

They exchanged the glory of God for the images of an ox that eats grass.  (v.20)

Thank you, Lord, for you are good:  your steadfast love endures forever.  Let all the people say:  Amen.

Prayer concern:  People who work in recovery and rehabilitation facilities