“Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks!  Do not harden your hearts.”

Hebrews 3,15 (Watchword)

Hymns of the Lutheran Church

• Faith and Truth and Life bestowing (LSB 584)
• Thy strong Word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
• God´s Word is our great heritage (LSB 582)

God´s Holy Word for this Sunday

The Introit teaches us to pray with God´s holy Word:

O Lord, your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven.
 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.
You established the earth and it stood firm.
Today they stand firm by your decrees, for all things are your servants.
If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow.

Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!

Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.

Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.

Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live. Do not disappoint me.

Psalm 119,89-92.103-105.116)

Inspired by the triune God the holy prophet Isaiah proclaims in God´s name (Sermon text)

“Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,” says the Lord, “for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.

The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat. In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.”

Indeed, you will go out with joy; you will be led along in peace; the mountains and hills will give a joyful shout before you, and all the trees in the field will clap their hands. Evergreens will grow in place of thorn bushes, firs will grow in place of nettles; they will be a monument to the Lord, a permanent reminder that will remain.

Isaiah 55,8-13

In the letter to the Hebrews, we read the Holy Spirit´s illustration of the divine Word:

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.”

Hebrews 4,12-13

Our holy Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told this parable recorded by His evangelist St. Luke:

“While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from one town after another, he spoke to them in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled on, and the wild birds devoured it. Other seed fell on rock, and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and they grew up with it and choked it. But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain.” As he said this, he called out, “The one who has ears to hear had better listen!””

Luke 8, 4-8

Sermon outline

• Goal: You will go out in peace – and even creation will clap its hands and dance with joy.
• Malady: Our plans are not his. (Rebellion/hardened hearts)
• Means: He does, what he wants by his Word.

Prayer of the Church—Responsive Form: Sexagesimae 12 February 2023

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Almighty Father in heaven, Maker and Provider of all things, give us hearts to receive Your gifts with thanksgiving. Free us from the cares of this world, and fix our eyes on the saving work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Root us deeply in Your Word, that we would look to You for all our needs of body and soul and remain faithful until death. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, Your Holy Word is cast like seed into the ground. Wherever the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown, let it bring forth a bountiful harvest for Your kingdom. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, bless Your Church, that all the baptized would continue to hear Your Word, hold it fast in good and honest hearts, and bear fruit with patience. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, graciously remember this nation. Grant wisdom to our elected officials in their pursuit of policies for the common good, protect those who serve in our armed forces, and thwart all forces of injustice and tyranny here and in every place. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Show Your kindness to all who are in any need of body or soul [especially _____________]. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Everlasting Father, Your Son has promised to be with us always, until the end of the age. Strengthen and preserve us today as He comes to us in His Holy Supper. Grant that we would faithfully receive His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, and so obtain everlasting life. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank You that through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have sown Your Holy Word among us. Prepare our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we may diligently and reverently hear Your Word, keep it in good hearts, and bring forth fruit with patience; and that we may not incline to sin, but subdue it by Your power, and in all persecutions comfort ourselves with Your grace and continual help; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the same Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. LCMS Prayers for one-year-series.