So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.  

2 Samuel 15:6b

The Bible story of King David and his son, Absalom, is a story of family betrayal. Absalom was plotting to overthrow his father and seize his kingship. His conspiracy left a trail of deceit, betrayal, lies, and even plans to murder his father. In the end, it was Absalom who would die, and only his father’s pain remained. 

O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you…

2 Samuel 18:33b

Betrayal in a family exchanges doing for one another with “How could you do this to me?” Trust is destroyed when trust should abound. Forgiveness is withheld when grace is required. Betrayal is devastating but can be overcome when God’s love abounds and hearts are softened. David never stopped loving his son, as Scripture teaches us all, “…keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8b). Forgiveness and reconciliation are found in Christ.

Congregational Counseling – Lord Jesus, you gave yourself for the Church and continue to bless us with many gifts, including those who serve our synod through WELS Congregational Counseling. Bless these men and their support staff as they listen carefully to challenges congregations are facing. Give them the wisdom to provide helpful guidance to churches so that more souls can be reached with your saving Word. Amen.

• Lord Jesus, the time for a homecoming has arrived for Norbert Netz who fell asleep on Friday afternoon and has now awakened in your presence.  We rejoice first in your grace for him and by your gift of the Holy Spirit also in his assurance of faith.  Comfort all who will miss him in the days and months ahead, and remind each of them that our ultimate goal is to die clinging to your sacrifice and your resurrection. 
• Lord, we ask for your care and healing for Ray Fuerstenberg after he sustained a serious head injury due to falling on the ice.  As he now follows a plan for rehab at the hospital, sustain him with faith, hope and love from all who support him.  If it is your will, grant him a full recovery. 
• As we have extended a divine call to Mrs. Jillian Igl for 1-2^nd grade in our LES, we now seek your guidance on her deliberation.  Clarify for her our need and her gifts in such a way that, if they mesh, she might be willing and able to serve the children of our school. 
• We add prayers along with Becky Clement’s friend Nancy Gibour whose granddaughter Kerri.  First, they discovered Type 1 diabetes, and then swelling on the brain.  We seek your care for this little one and the sharp abilities of doctors to help her.
• Lord, surround Sandy Hadfield’s brother, Richard Kunz, with your love and care as he is hospitalized with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Grant the doctors and medical personnel wisdom and understanding as they seek to find a treatment for Richard. Remind Richard and his loved ones of your grace, and grant them strength during this difficult time.
• And we add an earnest and serious prayer of concern for Anita Gurgel, as they have discovered that she has pancreatic cancer.  Over the months to come they will start with chemo treatments, move to radiation and then likely surgery.  Be with Paul & Anita and support them through family and friends as they have often done for others. 
• Our continuing prayers go up for Casey Gahan, now immobilized for months.  Lord, give her answers to the multiple symptoms and, according to your will, grant healing.