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Showing posts from July, 2024

Prayer

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  "Gracious and Loving Father, We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who gave us His body and blood in the Holy Supper for the forgiveness of our sins. We are deeply grateful for this sacred meal that forgives our hearts and nourishes our faith. Lord, in sorrow we witnessed the parody of the Last Supper during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, a mockery of the night in which the blessed promise and gift was instituted. However, we are not surprised by it. St. Peter wrote, "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." The world cannot see the Son unless guided by the Spirit, and therefore it will always drag its feet against the Gospel. Lord, we ask that in Your mercy You would touch the hearts of those who participated in this act. Through Your Holy Spirit, open their eyes to the truth of Your Gospel and transform their hearts with Your love. We forgive

So blessed - praying and speaking in non-confessional events

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    The 2024 RNC Convention had the participation of a LCMS pastor in its opening night. Pastor James Roemke brought to the stage three of the most regular activities Lutheran pastors engage with in public life: a pastor's Joke, a prayer and a blessing to those present. The function raises a question that is always important to revisit, that is, what are the blessings and the perils of engaging in public, non-confessional opportunities of praying, speaking and blessing(joking shouldn't be a big issue, I think)?         As Pastors, our duty is to provide spiritual support and guidance to all people, including those involved in political activities. We don't need to decline every opportunity of taking part in the public life of our nation bringing God's Word, presence and spiritual encouragement. The Church is the Church everywhere and she will share God's Word and Pastoral care with all members of society, regardless of their political affiliations.        There are