Oh, how the Psalmist longed to worship in the house of God! Some circumstance kept him away for some time and he was even envious of the birds, who nested near his place of worship!

He wrote, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you (Ps. 84).

God grant us the same fervor to regularly worship him and receive the rich blessings of his grace through Word and Sacrament!

Puerto Rico – Gracious God, today we ask your blessing upon the new disaster response coordinator being called to serve and work with the pastors of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico. May this pastor bring the comfort of the gospel to the people of this hurricane-devastated island as he helps identify and prioritize specific needs, plans construction and repair projects, and coordinates volunteer efforts. Bless also his efforts in overseeing the continuing theological training for two men whose training was interrupted by Hurricane Maria last fall. May all he does be done to your praise and to the glory of your name. Amen.

• We pray for Ken Krueger’s father, Richard, who recently learned that following a lengthy round of treatments, his cancer had not diminished as much as had been hoped for. In addition, Richard has been experiencing significant nerve pain. It was discovered that he has a broken vertebra in his back. Dear Lord, we seek continued healing for Richard and ask that, according to your will, you would grant him relief from his pain and positive progress with his continued cancer treatments. Remind him of your care and secure him in your love. Give Richard and his family courage and hope in the days to come.
• As Dorothy Bladow’s nephew, Shawn Ludtke, was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has also spread to other areas, we ask, dear Lord, that you lead him closer to you as his source for strength and courage now; and especially for faith and confidence in you as Savior. Let him know the comfort of your gracious promises.
• We rejoice with Peter and Brittany Kolkmann at the announcement of their newborn son, Mason Robert. Grant these parents the wisdom to bring up Mason in the knowledge and understanding of Your Word, which makes us wise for salvation. As they look forward to bringing this child to you in Holy Baptism, watch over him with your tender care and grace.
• On Teacher Appreciation Week, we thank you, dear Lord, for the gift of teachers. We are grateful for their work and guidance on behalf of our children. The important work they do, here in our school, and in schools throughout our community and nation, is such a blessing to students and families in so many ways. We pray that teachers everywhere will lead children to become responsible citizens in our nation, and, in schools where God’s word is taught, that the students will be led closer to Jesus their Savior.
• Stephanie Geis had a baby boy, Bentley, born prematurely at 28 weeks, but doing well. He will be in an incubator for two full months. Grant mother and child the strength to overcome these challenges and, if it is your will, give him a full life in your grace.
• Lord, continue to bless our recently confirmed students: Haiden Becker, Neveah Gulig, Brent Lederer, Simon Seyfert and Kallie Ulm. Keep them close to you always.
• We pray that you allow a complete recovery for Maddie and Joe Eden, a KML brother and sister who were both recently injured in a serious car accident. Unleash your healing power for them. We trust your will and your plan for all our children and loved ones.
• Our prayers continue for Ken & Karen Goeden-Sieren, loss of father, Jerry Sieren; Bobby Waldorf, Emily Liesener’s younger brother who had open heart surgery to repair a valve; and Pam Vroman’s dad.