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The Institute of Lutheran theology not only provides programs to train pastors and teachers, but it also provides educational and devotional resources for individuals and congregations. These resources are provided free of charge and made available through our web page. Please subscribe to and use any of these resources.

The Institute of Lutheran theology not only provides programs to train pastors and teachers, but it also provides educational and devotional resources for individuals and congregations. These resources are provided free of charge and made available through our web page. Please subscribe to and use any of these resources.

Eighth Sunday After Trinity, July 21, 2024

Eighth Sunday After Trinity, July 21, 2024

As Jesus goes on to reveal in the subsequent verses, his name is not a magical talisman to be invoked by those coveting its authority. Those coveting the authority of Jesus’ name might call him Lord, but they had no intention of being under his authority. They merely wanted to use the authority of his name to give themselves authority, to impress others with their prophecy… with their casting out of demons… with their mighty works. To truly call someone Lord recognizes that person’s authority over you. When you say, “Lord,” you are acknowledging your Lord’s authority of life and death over you… you are recognizing your Lord’s right to your life, to your very being… you are accepting that you have nothing, that you are nothing, for you and all you have belong to your Lord. To call God… to call Jesus Lord, comprehends the almightiness of a God… of a Savior… whose work is sure and certain… whose work is unthwartable. “I work, and who can turn it back” (Is. 43:13).

Prayers from those reluctant to comprehend the almightiness of God…

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. Grant me to comprehend the unthwartability of your work that I may speak truly when I call you ‘Lord’. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. When confronted by your unthwartable work, grant that I comprehend it through your mercy revealed in Jesus Christ. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. As I look for your mercy in Jesus Christ, grant that I look no further than your Word and your Word alone. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. When I receive your mercy and love through your Word, Jesus Christ, grant that I would be of use to my neighbors in providing them with their daily bread so that they would have life in this world and the world to come. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. As I am being of use to my neighbors, grant that they are of use to me. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. I pray that the Institute of Lutheran Theology continue in the unthwartability of your work. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.

Father in heaven, you are God Almighty. When the days grow long in number as I and the entire world awaits the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant me such faith that I never cease in my anticipation and hope of that glorious day. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.