The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 17, 2025
Lord of Life LIVE!
The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
Join us next Sunday as
we celebrate the Tenth Sunday After Pentecost!
The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
Take A Breath; Good Question, Better Question
August 24th, 2025 - 9:30AM
Rainbow Time is offered next Sunday Morning! All Children welcome!
Faith Quest resumes in September.
Lord of Life LIVE! will not live stream next week.
Upcoming Events:
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In The Spirit
Awake My Soul
Tomlin
refrain:
Awake awake awake my soul
God resurrect these bones
From death to life for You alone
Awake my soul
vs. 1
Breathe on me
Breath of God
Breathe on me
Breathe on me
Breath of God
Breathe on me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You breathe on me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You breathe on me
(refrain)
vs. 2
Speak to me
Word of God
Speak to me
Speak to me
Word of God
Speak to me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You speak to me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You speak to me
(refrain)
Litany Trusting God’s Faithfulness In Each Breath
PSALM 66
Today we trust anew The One who breathes on us, and speaks to us, and awakes our souls; invites us to take a fresh breath in grace, and to do all that is easier said when done, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice. The Lord listens to me, and strengthens me in my searching; therefore, I will call on his name as long as I live.
People of God: Jesus renews us, when our journey is uncomfortable, even when our devotion brings division. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have chosen what is safe and secure, when we have chosen not to do, what was easier said than done.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ, the One who fulfills all that is easier said when done, blesses us to take a fresh breath in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. When we say, “O Lord, I pray, save my life;” hear His voice calling you, take a closer walk with thee!
Song Anew in Grace
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 1
I am weak but thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk let me walk
Close to thee
(refrain)
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
Today I trust the Lord loves me and protects me. Jesus has restored me and saved my life. Though at times being faithful is easier said than done, I love The Lord and I lift my voice.
Friends, when our faith challenges us, in the midst of division and uncertainty, The Spirit blesses us, to see growing in faith, calling on his power, rejoicing in his name, taking a closer walk with thee, is easier said when done.
Song Anew in Grace
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 2
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter Lord who cares
Who with me my burden shares
None but thee dear Lord
None but thee
(refrain)
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
Loving God, today we give you thanks; in grace, you faithfully do for us, what is easier said than done, on our own. Increase our faith, to stand firm, to rejoice, to love you, to share a closer walk with thee. By your Spirit, help us to take a deep breath, to trust you alone, even when others question our faithfulness, devotion, and our passion for you alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
JEREMIAH 23:23–29
Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, “I have dreamed, I have dreamed!” How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back – those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word, speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Anew In The Spirit
Listen, God Is Calling
Tanzanian Traditional
refrain:
Listen
Listen God is calling
Through the Word inviting
Offering forgiveness
Comfort and joy
(repeat)
vs. 1
Jesus gave his mandate
Share the good news
That he came to save us
And set us free
(refrain with repeat)
vs. 3
Help us to be faithful
Standing steadfast
Walking in your precepts
Led by your Word
(refrain with repeat)
Gospel
LUKE 12:49–56
Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled. I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son, and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
(New Revised Standard Version)
BASED ON PSALM 89
As we hear God’s Word, let us take a deep, fresh breath, and boldly speak of all we believe, trusting God’s power and grace in Jesus Christ.
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the sky can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, great and awesome above all that are around him? O Lord, God of hosts, who is as mighty as you? Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.
Children are invited to join volunteers for Rainbow Time during today’s Sermon! Join us for a time of storytelling, coloring, and time with friends! Children will return to their families after the Sermon.
Take a Breath … Easier Said When Done
JEREMIAH 23:23-29; HEBREWS 11:29-12:2; LUKE 12:49-56
Have you ever taken on something that sounded easier said than done? To stand up for what we believe in, to speak up for something when everyone else is speaking against it, to hold up a light everyone else cannot wait to blow out, to ground yourself in something others say will not last; this is so much easier said than done. If those challenging you, if those questioning where you stand, are those closest to you; spouse, parent, child, friend - how are you expected to take the first step or to utter the first word? Jesus reminds us today, to follow him will not be easy. To hold up The Christ, to make God and neighbor first, will divide us from others. Those we want to like us, to accept us, to love us, may not understand our conviction, our risk for the sake of truth rather than acceptance. Have you ever noticed, tough things are easier said when done? Take a deep breath in grace and trust the Lord of life has done all the doing for us. Jesus spoke first. Jesus stood firm on our behalf. Grace and power have done what we could never do alone!
1. It sounds easier said than done, to stand firm, even when others do not agree, understand, believe.
Jeremiah 23:28; Hebrews 11:29-39; Luke 12:51-53
A. To be a follower of Christ today is so very difficult, especially when others challenge us. It is so much easier said than done.
i. Was it easier to be at Christ’s side? Not necessarily.
ii. Many things divide our world. Unfortunately, in the name of faith, in the name of Christ, many people, many families, many spirits of individuals are still divided.
B. To risk being a prophet, a messenger of God, to speak truth and conviction, rather than wanting to be liked, is easier said than done.
2. Have you ever noticed how some things are easier said when done? We are unsure, until we make the attempt, or until someone goes first, or until we know we are not alone.
Hebrews 12:1-2; Luke 12:51, 56
A. Let us stand firm, speak out, risk believing, risk faith, when others challenge or question us, knowing and believing Who stood firm, Who hung high, Who spoke out for us in grace!
i. Jesus went first. Jesus faced divisions we will never face.
ii. This has all been done for us, to make it a little easier, much easier for us, in grace.
B. Have you noticed, the more you do something, the easier it gets?
i. Standing firm when others question us, is easier said when done. The first few times are the hardest.
ii. It is easier said when done for us when we make God and neighbor first, and rely on faith as a first resort.
iii. It is easier said when done to trust so much, that others see in us not arrogance, but confidence, not in ourselves, but in our God who went first for us, who is beside us.
3. God does not promise life will be free of mountains, demands, circumstances, challenges. To face these, is easier said than done. To face them alone is impossible. To face them taking a deep breath in Christ, in grace, in hope, trusting Who will move them and make them fall, is much easier said when done, in the strength and power and presence of The One who has made the biggest division of all, of The One who has stood the most firm of all! What could be easier?
Jeremiah 23:23-24; Luke 12:49-50
New Testament Lesson
HEBREWS 11:29–12:2
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. ... Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Song Anew In Life & Grace
Just As I Am (I Come Broken)
Cottrell
vs. 1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God I come I come
vs. 3
Just as I am I would be lost
But mercy and grace my freedom bought
And now to glory in your cross
O Lamb of God I come I come
refrain:
I come broken to be mended
I come wounded to be healed
I come desperate to be rescued
I come empty to be filled
I come guilty to be pardoned
By the blood of Christ the Lamb
And I’m welcomed with open arms
Praise God just as I am
Sharing our Needs and Joy with God in Prayer
… as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
With each breath, breathe on us anew, your Spirit and your grace.
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.
For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.
Song During Holy Communion
Better Is One Day
Redman
vs. 1
How lovely is
Your dwelling place
O Lord almighty
My soul doth long
And even faints for You
For here my heart
Is satisfied
Within Your presence
I sing beneath
The shadow of Your wings
refrain:
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(repeat refrain)
Than thousands elsewhere
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ, The Lord of life. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, as you take each breath, each deep, fresh breath, in the living grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Anew In Grace
All the People Said Amen
Maher
vs. 1
You are not alone
If you are lonely
When you feel afraid
You’re not the only
We are all the same
In need of mercy
To be forgiven and be free
It’s all you got to lean on
But thank God it’s all you need
refrain:
And all the people said Amen
Oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord
For His love never ends
And all the people said Amen
vs. 2
If you’re rich or poor
Well it don’t matter
Weak or strong
You know love is what we’re after
We’re all broken
But we’re all in this together
God knows we stumble and fall
And He so loved the world
He sent His Son to save us all
(refrain)
bridge:
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Who are torn apart
Blessed are the persecuted
And the pure in heart
Blessed are the people hungry
For another start
For theirs is the kingdom
The kingdom of God
(refrain twice)
And all the people said Amen
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Today, Sunday, August 17, we celebrate The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost!
“Take A Breath; Easier Said When Done!” Rainbow Time is offered this morning! All children welcome! Faith Quest resumes September 7! Registration now available!
Join us next Sunday, August 24, as we celebrate The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost!
“Take A Breath; Good Question, Better Question!” Rainbow Time is offered next Sunday morning! All children welcome! Faith Quest resumes September 7! Registration now available!
As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary.
We hope our worship will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Trusting God’s Faithfulness In Each Breath – written based on Psalm 66; “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “Listen, God Is Calling,” © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW “Awake My Soul” © 2012 S.D.G. Publishing, CCLI #6453172 “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #30639 “Listen, God Is Calling” © 1993 Augsburg Fortress, OL #05497 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Just As I Am, (I Come Broken)” © 2009 CCTB Music CCLI #5635850 “Better Is One Day” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1097451 “All The People Said Amen” © 2010 Bethel Music CCLI #5508444 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.