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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.

Fifth Sunday After Trinity, June 30, 2024

Fifth Sunday After Trinity, June 30, 2024

Simon speaks the truth. He speaks the truth for himself. He speaks the truth for every human being. He rightly discerns Jesus as the presence of the divine… the holy… the righteous. Sin cannot exist alongside such things. For the sinful creature to be face-to-face with the divine, holy, and righteous God means death (Ex. 33:20). Simon speaks the truth and pleads for his life. Jesus’ departure would be an act of mercy, letting Simon live. But Jesus refuses that act of mercy for which Simon has pleaded. Jesus not only remains in Simon’s presence, continuing the threat of death to the sinner, but he issues forth a prophecy that Simon and the others will not only live but exercise their skills as fishermen by catching people. In Jesus, the divine, the holy, and the righteous God is not merely deadly but life-giving as well.

Prayers from a sinner…

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. Grant me to know and confess the depths of my sin so that your life-giving mercy would attend me. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. As you attend me with your mercy and steadfast love, let me not be ashamed and let not my enemies’ triumph over me. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. As you set a table for me in the presence of my enemies, feed me well upon your rich feast of forgiveness and life. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. As I am well-fed at your table, send me forth to proclaim to my neighbors, “Come. Eat. The feast is prepared.” Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. When my neighbors gather and join me in feasting at your table, make us a community… a fellowship… one in faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. Grant that the faith that you work through your Holy Spirit attends the Institute of Lutheran Theology, binding it to the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Holy Father, you are the one who works death and life in all. As I hear your Word, feast at your table, and receive the forgiveness of sins, fill the days of my baptism with confidence in your faithfulness and with my usefulness to those around me. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.