The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

+SERVICE OF THE WORD+ Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24C) Oct. 19, 2025 GOSPEL Luke 18:1–8 [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24C) Oct. 19, 2025 In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For grace and faith to hear and heed the voice of God’s Word, just as Jacob wrestled with the Lord and would not depart without a blessing; and for patience, courage and endurance in time of trial, that we may not despair when we suffer for the sake of the kingdom, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For a fervent desire for the truth of God’s Word among His people, that pastors may preach and teach the Word with patience, sober-mindedness and faithfulness; and that listeners may be made wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For husbands and wives, that they might live in faithfulness to each other; for all mothers with child; for all children; and for those who bring children to Baptism and nurture them in the faith, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For Donald, our president; the Congress of these United States; all governors; and all elected and appointed officials of government, that they would have integrity and promote good and just laws for the benefit of all people as they serve the highest good; and for those whose sacrificial service regularly protects and defends us here and abroad, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. That we would be delivered from evil; and for the lives of those who face sickness, injuries and troubles, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For faith and repentance, that we may receive the blessed food of Christ’s body and blood and be brought into the Holy Communion to bear fruit in lives of holiness, righteousness and service, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For persistence to pray because the Lord loves us, always provides for us and promises to give justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night; for faith that wrestles with the Lord but trusts that He remains in control; and for forgiveness, guidance and eternal life with Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. Merciful Father, as You have promised, keep safe our coming in and our going out from this time forth and forevermore, for we pray in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN OF THE DAY Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24C) Oct. 19, 2025 "I Trust, O Lord, Your Holy Name" (LSB 734) 1. I trust, O Lord, Your holy name; O let me not be put to shame Nor let me be confounded. My faith, O Lord, Be in Your Word Forever firmly grounded. 2. Bow down Your gracious ear to me And hear my cry, my prayer, my plea; Make haste for my protection, For woes and fear Surround me here. Help me in my affliction. 3. You are my strength, my shield, my rock, My fortress that withstands each shock, My help, my life, my tower, My battle sword, Almighty Lord— Who can resist Your power? 4. With You, O Lord, I cast my lot; O faithful God, forsake me not, To You my soul commending. Lord, be my stay, And lead the way Now and when life is ending. 5. All honor, praise, and majesty To Father, Son, and Spirit be, Our God forever glorious, In whose rich grace We run our race Till we depart victorious.

Earlier this year, the Concordia University System (CUS) unveiled a new scholarship program for students pursuing church work at one of the CUS universities. Students were invited to submit applications in June and July, and the scholarships were awarded in early August. CUS was able to award $5,000 each to 120 students scattered across the CUS system pursuing a variety of church work programs: pre-seminary, deaconess, Lutheran school teacher, director of Christian education, director of parish music and others. https://thelc.ms/46P3VHr

Words are important, especially the words that Christians use to explain the faith. And while language has its limits, Christ, the very Word of God made flesh, has redeemed even human language. This month's issue of "The Lutheran Witness" considers a variety of common words Christians use — words like "faith," "grace," "worship" and more — and explains the way Lutherans understand these words in light of Scripture and in contrast to the way other church bodies may use these terms. We'll be sharing the definitions from the issue in the coming weeks in anticipation of Reformation Day at the end of the month — won't you share them with your friends and family? INSPIRATION: FROM OUR CONFESSIONS “We know that God does not lie [Titus 1:2]. I and my neighbor and, in short, all people, may err and deceive. But God’s Word cannot err.” — Large Catechism IV 57

We invite you to memorize Exodus 31:13 with us this week. Memorizing Scripture is a valuable practice for Christians, even in a digital age. Join us each week as we hide God's Word in our hearts. Learn more at lcms.org/memoryverse.

Every Wednesday at lunchtime, join your brothers and sisters in Christ by pausing to pray the Litany. The Litany is an ancient order of prayer that Christians have used for hundreds of years. It is a prayer that is relevant every day of our lives, in times of hope, fear, joy and grief. Pray the Litany: Lutheran Service Book, pp. 288–289 Online: https://lnkd.in/dJ9jkh3r

For more than a decade, Drew Davidson could be found behind the camera during NFL games, shooting and producing video content for the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts. In May, the five-time Regional Emmy Award-winning cinematographer left the fast-paced sports world to serve as director of video production for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). In this role, Davidson oversees all video production for the LCMS and looks for new opportunities to share the church’s message through digital media. https://thelc.ms/4noL1OO

The 2026 Committee for Convention Nominations urgently requires nominations for officer, board and commission positions to be elected by the 2026 Synod convention. Nominations are due Oct. 18, 2025. Learn more: lcms.org/nominate Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dCrUBMdN

Words are important, especially the words that Christians use to explain the faith. And while language has its limits, Christ, the very Word of God made flesh, has redeemed even human language. This month's issue of "The Lutheran Witness" considers a variety of common words Christians use — words like "faith," "grace," "worship" and more — and explains the way Lutherans understand these words in light of Scripture and in contrast to the way other church bodies may use these terms. We'll be sharing the definitions from the issue in the coming weeks in anticipation of Reformation Day at the end of the month — won't you share them with your friends and family? GRACE: FROM SCRIPTURE “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:17