My Prayer for the 2026 LCMS Convention
- Tim Ahlman
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Dear Jesus,
You love the LCMS, sinful warts and all.
You’ve sustained us since 1847.
You’ve sustained us through the chiliasm controversy (look it up)
doctrine of election diverse teachings
battle over the Bible blunders (Seminex)
liturgical style conflicts
red and blue and maroon
screens and guitars and organs
chanting and praising and prancing—
oh my—
the role of women
trust and distrust of leaders
church fellowship concerns,
and through faithfully conversing on how to faithfully give Your body and blood to your sinful people.
Risen and reigning Jesus—You’ve sustained us.
Sustain us still.
You’ve helped us start ministries to reach millions
LHM, CPH, CUS, LCMS World and National Missions, etc.
You’ve sustained us through growing diversity in the U.S.
We’re far from perfect—You know that.
You died and rose for that.
We’ve been justified, sanctified, and mobilized
for mission to millions
mission is our mandate
from You, the Great Commissioner.
Risen and reigning Jesus—You’ve sustained us.
Sustain us still.
Satan roars around
seeking to devour.
Round us in Your Word
Your Word is truth.
Silence, Holy Spirit, the lies of the Liar
give the delegates patience
a listening and discerning ear
courage to speak
wisdom to know when not to speak
in essentials, unity
in non-essentials, liberty
in all things, charity.
Risen and reigning Jesus—You’ve sustained us.
Sustain us still.
Bless our leaders with wisdom.
Help us elect leaders of character and competence
leaders who love You and Your Word
more than power, prestige and position
leaders with humility and hope
patience and persistence
strength and self-control
leaders who unite, rather than divide
leaders who listen openly
to all people and perspectives
trusting you, Holy Spirit,
in all things.
Risen and reigning Jesus—You’ve sustained us.
Sustain us still.
I’m amazed You’ve sustained Missouri this long.
I shouldn’t be
the world needs her mission
and her faithful confession of You, King Jesus,
Word and Sacraments
faithfully distributed
Law and Gospel
rightly handled
broken sinners consoled
self-righteous sinners convicted
local churches on mission
in homes
in neighborhoods
in marketplaces
your hands, feet, and mouthpiece
felt-needs met
with forgiveness, life, and salvation
being our greatest need.
Hear our prayer, Lord of the Church.
Risen and reigning Jesus—You’ve sustained us.
Sustain us still.
Amen.