And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22

A few essentials are needed to run: water, food, clothes, shoes, and, of course, breath. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? You need to breathe when running. If you don’t breathe, you won’t go far. After Jesus’ resurrection from the grave and before His ascension into heaven, His disciples learned that a few essentials were also needed to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the world. They needed living water (John 4:10), the bread of life (John 6:51), clothes of righteousness (Galatians 3:27), shoes (Ephesians 6:15), and breath.

But this breath is different than the breath needed by a runner. Jesus breathed on them the breath of life, the Holy Spirit. As the One who calls, gathers, and enlightens, the Holy Spirit was essential for the disciples to be able to complete the work Christ gave to them. This life-giving breath is also essential for us. The Holy Spirit called us by the Gospel, gathered us into God’s kingdom, and enlightened us with His gifts. Only He can begin faith in one’s heart, and only He can equip us to share that faith with others.

Welcome Home effort – Jesus, our loving Shepherd, “we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way,” but you have sought us out and brought us into your fold. May our thanks for your mercy drive us to show the same love to and patience with our fellow members. Help us to invite them to worship and Bible study, to grow in your Word and through the Lord’s Supper, because we know the joy and confidence this brings. Bless our synod’s “Welcome Home” efforts to bring us all closer to you. Amen.

• Dear Savior, as our school year has come to a conclusion guide our graduates, keep them strong in our faith and connected to You through your Word. Help us to always treasure our mercy relationship with you, the only true God. Thank you, dear Lord, for the blessings of this past school year. Surround our students and families with Your care and protection through the days of summer.
• We praise and thank You for bringing Platzer to us for the past school year. We are grateful for the blessing she was to our children & families. And now, we ask that you continue to bless the Platzers as they move to Illinois where they will continue to share the good news of Jesus. Thank you for the faithful labor of all of our teachers and staff, including those with notable years of service: Mr. Grulke who has served in the teaching ministry for 30 years, Mrs. Grulke, who has served at Our Savior for 10 years, Tom Hering our Staff Minister, who has served at Our Savior for 20 years, and Mrs. Smith, who has served as our church secretary for 5 years. And Lord, as both Mr. and Mrs. Grulke have been extended calls to teach and administrate at Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, guide their deliberation as they seek Your will as to where you would have them serve. Lead them to a peaceful decision.
• Two of Ellie Lembcke’s friends are experiencing difficult times. Lord, support Candy Taylor, who in the last couple days lost two special people in her life – her Aunt Eva, for whom she was a caretaker, and also a long-time friend who died of cancer. Also, please grant calm and trust in You to the family of Steve Last as they await the birth of a son who is known to have a significant heart defect. Help these families draw close to You in their time of need and receive strength from your promises for both body and soul.
• Dear Savior, surround with your care the family of Elaine Schrameyer, a member who has been home-bound for many years. We seek You’re the comfort of your mercy and promises as she has now entered the glory of eternity.
• Lord, continue to extend your compassion to the Grossman and Wagner families as You have recently called home to heaven “Bud” Grossman and Ronni Wagner’s mother, Judy Thiede. Grant comfort and faith to these families. Give them peace knowing that their loved one has now arrived at their new home in heaven, where You returned to prepare a place for them.