For “Daily Lenten Prayers” visit: www.Ltsg.edu/PrayerPartner
Ash Wednesday, March 1
Saturday, March 4
Eternally merciful and gracious God, we give you thanks
that you always welcome us into your arms when we return
to you seeking forgiveness. Open our lips to share your
goodness with others, and fill us with your Spirit that we
might bear your forgiving love to the whole world. In Jesus’
name we pray. Amen.
Gracious God, give us eyes to see greatness not as the world
would have us see, but as you see it: in the forms of the
little, least and lost. Then, grant us the courage to embrace
all of your “little” ones with love and grace, in your name.
Amen.
Psalm 51
Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen, Dean and Professor of
Systematic Theology
Thursday, March 2
Jonah 3:1-10
Rev. Kim Rapczak ’02
Matthew 18:1-7
Rev. Glenn Ludwig, President of the Gettysburg Seminary
Endowment Foundation
Sunday, March 5
Psalm 32
Kelsey Fitting Snyder, Student, Lower Susquehanna Synod
Merciful God, you continue to hear the cries of a groaning
world. Help us recognize our sin, so that we may turn from
Blessed are you, O God of the universe, for giving us your
law to teach us your will, prophets to call us back to obedi- evil and trust only in you. When we are in times of distress,
ence, and our brother Jesus to fulfill it. Grant us the grace to send us your peace, in times of doubt send us your assurance. Continue to walk with us on the way to the cross, and
recognize ourselves as sinners, so that in joyful repentance
give us your strength. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
we may turn to Jesus who in his person is the fulfillment
of the law and the gate to abundant life in you. In Christ’s
name we pray. Amen.
Monday, March 6
Friday, March 3
Romans 1:8-17
Kristen Wall, Student, Southeastern Minnesota Synod
God of all righteousness, we praise you for the gifts of grace
and faith. Teach us to live in gratitude for the communities
that surround us. Shape us to love one another according to
the selfless model of Christ. Embolden us to proclaim the
gospel in everything we do. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hebrews 2:10-18
Nancy Brody, Student, Delaware-Maryland Synod
Compassionate God, who understands our every struggle,
help us to confess sin that causes suffering, our own or
someone else’s. Enable us to experience Christ’s victory by
recognizing the dignity of our identity as complete in you.
May freedom from enslaving fear be intimately and universally known, bringing many to glory by your willingness to
accept all the challenges and sufferings of your sisters and
brothers. Amen.
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Tuesday, March 7
Saturday, March 11
Lord God, we are sinners no less than Cain: lost as we are
in our own self-interests and jealousies and insecurities. We
fall short in taking care of our brothers and sisters. We pray
you would reach out to us and put your mark on us, that we
may no longer be lost, and that our hearts may be broken
open by the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, by whose
name we were saved and born anew. Amen.
Almighty God, we give you thanks for a new day to experience your creation and draw closer to you. During this
Lenten season we are reminded of how we are like the centurion: unworthy, controlling, and sinful. We worship you
not as we ought, but as we are able, and often times place
our desires over your commands. Stir up your Spirit within
us so that we might direct our time and energy towards you
and in service to others. We ask all of these things in the
name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and
forever. Amen.
Genesis 4:1-16
Rev. Theresa Langdon, ’10
Wednesday, March 8
Matthew 18:10-14
Matthew Best, Student, Lower Susquehanna Synod
God who seeks out the lost, who doesn’t just sit by and wait
for our return, today we thank you for seeking us out. So
often we are lost – geographically, spiritually, emotionally,
and beyond. We don’t know what to do or where to go on
our own. We are so grateful that you seek us out with determination and bring us back into the fold where we can be
loved and bring love to others. Amen.
Thursday, March 9
Psalm 121
Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann, Visiting Professor of Homiletics
and Vice President of Advancement
Omnipresent God, grant us the ability to be mindful of
your compassionate presence at all times in this life narrative. Fill our hearts with gratitude that we might join with
the psalmist in giving thanks. Help us to hear the voices of
that great host around the throne that we might join in the
praise of eternity. Amen.
Friday, March 10
Micah 7:18-20
Rev. Carolyn Hetrick, ’11, Alumni Council President
Our God, who indeed is like you? We give thanks that your
anger does not remain, but is replaced by the mercy you
delight in showing. you toss aside our failings to show love
and forgiveness in their place. Who indeed is like you? you
remember your promises though we can be prone to faithlessness. In your compassion, help us to walk ever closer
in your way, dwelling in the promise and blessing of your
forgiveness and love for all. We ask this in the name of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Luke 7:1-10
Wicky Barnes III, Student, Lower Susquehanna Synod
Sunday, March 12
John 3:1-17
Rev. Scott Schul, ’11
God of Mercy, in the dark night of our soul we come to
you, bearing our fears and seeking a rebirth of hope in our
hearts. Fill us with your Spirit and open our eyes to see
nothing but Christ, for he is our salvation and an oasis of
grace and love in this broken, barren world. May we cling
only to Jesus, in whose sacred name we pray. Amen.
Monday, March 13
Hebrews 3:1-6
Rev. Dr. Susie Folks, ’94, Alumni Council
God of Hope, we have the great cloud of witnesses to
guide us along the path of faithfulness. You sent Moses to
guide your people Israel, and he has also been a light to
the Gentiles. And yet, as your holy partners in a heavenly
calling, Jesus, God made flesh, is the one to whom we ultimately turn to guide our lives in our baptismal callings to
be servants of your hope. At a time when the world needs
desperately to know and feel your hope, work through us
to be your light in the world. In Jesus’ most holy name we
pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 14
Psalm 128
Rev. Lauren Muratore, Director of Admissions
God of the people, your ways are not our ways, and yet we
long to follow your paths of peace. Grant us wisdom in our
daily work, as we steward the homes you have provided for
us, and as we grow in relationships with others. Give us a
measure of joy, so that we might bring joy to those we meet
along the way. Amen.
Wednesday, March 15
Ezekiel 36:22-32
Beth Smaligo, ‘16
O Holy God, we give thanks to you for calling us your
people. We humbly ask you to forgive all our transgressions and renew us again to be enfolded in the arms of your
grace. May we be ever aware of your warm embrace, so that
we might rest assured of your comfort and care. Amen.
Thursday, March 16
Colossians 1:15-23
Chelle Huth, Director of Lifelong Learning; Director of
Theological Education with youth (TEY) for Gettysburg &
Philadelphia Seminaries
Dear Lord, in these chaotic times we pray to remain steadfast to faith in Jesus Christ, the visible image of the invisible
God. Just like Paul, a servant of the gospel of Jesus, help us
hold fast to the hope promised by this gospel. Amen.
Friday, March 17
Psalm 95
Rev. Jonathan Adams, ’16
Good and gracious God, you have made all things, and you
have made them good. Help us to open our hearts as well as
each of our five wonderful senses to recognize the blessings
you have given us, so that we might offer up our praise and
thanksgiving. In your holy name, we sing a new song of
praise. Amen.
Sunday, March 19
Romans 5:1-11
Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig, Professor of Church in Society in
Town and Country Ministry, TCCI
Lord God, as we walk the way of the cross, in stark contrast between suffering and glory, nevertheless encourage
us by your word that God’s love has been poured into our
hearts and that you have been working redemption beyond
any way we would ever dare. In Christ we are bold to pray.
Amen.
Monday, March 20
2 John 1-13
Rev. Pam Illick, ’16
God of grace and mercy help us to walk in your truth. Give
us the courage to love others, especially those who are different than us and those who come from faraway places.
Fill us and all for whom we pray with your peace. In the
name of your Son, Jesus Christ, hear our prayer. Amen.
Tuesday, March 21
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Rev. Nancy Knol, ’14
Faithful God, guide us throughout this Lenten season to
view all as your children. Provide the spiritual food we
need to have strength to persevere in the disciplines we
have chosen. Keep us faithful to Christ our rock in whose
name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, March 18
Wednesday, March 22
God our creator, who looks at us and calls us good, help
us to hear you. Be our ever-present filter when sorting
through the many distracting voices of this life. Guide us
away from the temptation to follow the calls of human selfinterest and self-preservation. Though the world may test
us, bring us to your truth and peace. In your most heavenly
name we pray. Amen.
Gracious God, you have set us on this Lenten journey, to
deepen out connection with you. Help us to not only hear
you, but to listen to what you have told us. Help us to take
to heart and to follow what you are asking, guiding us to
do and to be. Help us to not do what we think you asked in
order to build ourselves up. Rather, help us to let go of our
own wants and desires to completely follow after your path,
to journey with you through this life, and to fulfill your will
here so that all may come to see your love, grace, and mercy
for them. Help us to continue in this journey, always trusting in you. Amen.
John 4:1-6
Rev. Amy Northdridge, ’12
1 Samuel 15:10-21
Rev. Jerry Wirtley, ’06
Thursday, March 23
Psalm 23
Rev. John Largen, Transitional Chaplain to the Seminary
Community
Lord Jesus, shepherd us into the lush relationship of love
which you share with the Father and the Holy Spirit, that
we may be enabled to serve as your agents of goodness and
mercy for all those who live in shadows. Amen.
Friday, March 24
Ephesians 5:1-9
Dr. Anne Whitney, Student, Allegheny Synod
Jesus, you are the light of the world, illuminating what
darkness obscures. We ask you to light our way. Reveal to
us when others might deceive us with empty words; reveal
to us also when we deceive ourselves. Help us to keep our
vision clear. Amen.
Annunciation Saturday, March 25
Luke 1:26-38
Rev. Dr. Martin Otto Zimmann, Director of Alumni
Relations
faithfulness. Breathe new life into us with the wind of the
Holy Spirit. Break the chains that bind us from setting the
prisoner free, from helping others to see, and from uplifting
the widow and the foreigner. Amen.
Tuesday, March 28
Isaiah 42:14-21
Rev. Andrew McCaffery, ’15
Oh Great Teacher, many of us during this Lenten journey
feel lost in so many ways. Many of us struggle because we
long for answers, long for hope, or long for something to
save us. Yet, in the midst of the darkness which will come
on Good Friday, we are risen into the glory and new life of
Easter. May we experience the hope of Easter through all of
our senses and not feel lost, but know your hope brings us
home. It is in the grace-filled name of Christ that we pray.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 29
Matthew 9:27-34
Rev. Peter Roy, ’12
Blessed Holy Spirit, in choosing Mary to be the mother of
our Lord, the holy Theotokos, you show us your willingness to choose those who are small of stature and position
to accomplish God’s will on earth. Use us as instruments of
your choosing, that we might lead lives according to your
purpose and planning. Amen.
Lord, you teach us that having faith is all that we need.
Too often we ask for specific needs, but you remind us that
it begins in believing, it begins with faith. It is faith that
gives us the courage to share the vision of your kingdom.
Sharing your love and compassion with those around us is
contagious and impossible to contain. We sing your praises
and spread the news since nothing like this has been seen
before; we want everyone to know about this. Amen.
Sunday, March 26
Thursday, March 30
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Rev. Sarah Teichmann, ’10
God of vision, you see all things in all times and all places.
You see us for who we really are and see us for who we may
become by the grace of Christ Jesus. Teach us to see beyond
outward appearances and to see each other for who we really are. Teach us to respect and love the creation you have
formed. Teach us to be the servants you desire us to be. In
Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Monday, March 27
Psalm 146
Rev. Robin Fero, ’16
Creator God, with your mighty power you breathed
the breath of life into us. Continue to sustain us in your
Revelation 10:1-11
Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, Professor of Modern Church History
and Global Missions, Director of Ministry in Practice
God of all ages, we listen, we hear, and with words you give
us to speak, we hope to be true to your hopes and care for
this world. Give us courage to remain steadfast, to keep our
hearts open and our hands free to assist the discouraged,
and to be ready companions along the way of justice and
mercy. When events in this world confuse us, help us to
know the sweetness of your words, and to endure the difficulties we face. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Friday, March 31
Ezekiel 33:10-16
Rev. Charlene Rachuy Cox, ’08
Righteous God who desires the salvation of your people:
remove from us the weight of our sin. Turn us back from
our evil ways toward your mercy. Move us to repentance
and the amendment of life. Remember not the sins that we
have committed and move us again to do what is right, for
you take pleasure not in death, but in life. In the name of
Jesus we ask all this. Amen.
Saturday, April 1
Luke 24:44-53
Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens, Associate Professor of Stewardship
and Parish Ministry and Registrar
Risen and ascended Lord, you promise that everything
written about you will be fulfilled. Fill full our minds to
understand your Word. Fill full our mouths to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations. Fill full our hearts
with your Holy Spirit to give witness to your love. Fill full
our lives with joy to worship you. In the name of Jesus the
Christ, Amen.
Sunday, April 2
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Rev. Tina Melusky, ’12
“O Lord God, you know.” Lord God, you know the places
in our hearts that feel dried up and broken, the places in
our souls that feel empty, that cry out for your presence.
Breathe your Spirit into us, Lord God. Bind up our brokenness, fill our hearts, bring us once again from death to life.
Amen.
Monday, April 3
Acts 20:7-12
Rev. Benjamin Larzelere III, ’72
Eternal our God, when we slumber in the boundless days
and nights of Lent; when our prayers become faint and the
light of hope begins to fade; do not abandon us, do not
forsake us, do not desert us. Awaken us and rouse our listless hearts so we may step into the darkness with courage
and confidence and see the light of Easter shining before
us. Amen.
Tuesday, April 4
Ephesians 2:1-10
Karen Albrecht, Gettysburg Seminary Endowment
Foundation Board
Thank you, gracious God, for the gifts you give to us each
and every day. Namely, the gifts of time, knowledge, nourishment and all that is available in our environment. Thank
you for the gift of your Son Jesus, our Savior, who is the
example for us to follow in our daily walk. Thank you for
the gift of the unlimited grace given to us, not by our action
but through our faith. Be with us every moment to remind
us that when we falter you lift us up with your unending
love, forgiveness, and grace. Amen.
Wednesday, April 5
Psalm 143
Rev. Victoria Larson, ’14
O God our refuge, this restless, weary world cannot satisfy
the deepest longings of our hearts. As the night draws in
and midnight ticks closer, we pray to you: let your steadfast
love dawn upon us, to enlighten our world and illumine
your path. We pray in the name of the Way, the Truth, and
the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, April 6
Philippians 1:1-11
Rev. Kristie Hackbart, ’00
Holy God, mighty and merciful, every day we give thanks
for you. We live filled with the light of your love, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the strength of your presence.
Help us to be assured every day of the perfection of your
grace, the power of your promise to be with us always, be
we imprisoned or impoverished, hungry or hurting. Let us
overflow more and more with love for others, and at the
same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and
insight. Amen.
Friday, April 7
Job 13:13-19
Ryan Fitch, Student, Upper Susquehanna Synod
God of hope for the hopeless, you are always with us even
when injustice is rampant. Help us to trust in you for judgment and reconciliation, that those who are suffering might
find a means of glorifying your name in the midst of tragedy and hardship. Use us as instruments of comfort when
those in our midst are crying out for vindication. Amen.
Saturday, April 8
music, kindness, and love for our neighbors. We pray in the
name of Christ our Lord who continues to love and redeem
us. Amen.
God of justice, you hear us. You have heard us. You will
keep hearing us. Your wild steadfastness reminds us that
your hearing is not like our hearing. It is not only pasttense. It is not selective. Renewed and emboldened, we ask
for justice and for your help in noticing when others need
us to hear them and to act. In gratitude for your true and
constant hearing we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, April 12
Lamentations 3:55-66
Katy Giebenhain, Associate Director of Communications,
UCC
Palm Sunday, April 9
Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Stephen Patrick, ’77
Everlasting God, as we gather once again to recount your
Son’s final journey to the cross, give us faith to join our own
hosannas with this song of all times and all places that we
may truly welcome our Savior and Lord as he comes to us
in bread and wine. Open our eyes that we may see in the
events of this week we call holy, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We pray in his name, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
Monday, April 10
Isaiah 42:1-19
Rev. Kelley Ketchum, ’09
Creator God, you made the heavens and the earth, and you
have called your people in righteousness. Open our eyes
and ears to your presence in our lives, so that we may be a
light to the nations, and all people may sing a new song of
praise to you. We pray in the name of the One who brings
justice to the nations, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 11
Psalm 71:1-14
Rev. Karen Durbin, ’16
Hebrews 12:1-3
Rev. Matthew Lenahan, ’01
Faithful God, we give thanks for the saints and witnesses
who came before us with faith, who demonstrated in word
and deed your most holy love. For the patriarchs and
matriarchs, the prophets and martyrs, apostles and servants, pastors and teachers, grandparents and Godparents,
internship supervisors and seminary professors, choirs and
organists, chaplains and deaconesses. Inspire us to go forward as faithful pioneers, building communities of merciful
justice and cross-centered wisdom. Give us the endurance
of Christ, the courage of Christ, the joy of cross, the heart
of Christ, the freedom of Christ. Make of us a great cloud
of witnesses, so that your children and ours might be able
to see, to follow, to run, to endure, and to give glory to God
for the love of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Maundy Thursday, April 13
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Rev. Dick Michael, ’72
Blessed are you, O Lord, ruler of the heaven and earth. On
this night you open your heart and pour out our redemption in your body and blood. With basin and towel, you
give us a new commandment: to love one another as you
love us. As this Triduum begins, open our hearts to feel the
power of this love over sin, Satan, and death. Give us the
courage to drink this cup and the will to bend with basin
and towel as we share your passion and its mystery. Christ
has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. Amen.
Good Friday, April 14
Psalm 22
Rev. Dr. Mark Oldenburg, Dean of the Chapel and Professor
of the Art of Worship
I feel abandoned, God – by those I love and even by you.
Even my most loving, most cheerful, most patient self has
Holy and Ever-present God, you are our hope: the One in
Three who overflows with promises of loving presence from dried up and gone away. This isn’t how it’s supposed to
be. When I was baptized you promised that you would be
day to day. When the night threatens to consume us, let us
my constant companion, and that my brothers and sisters
rest in your faithfulness. When the day blooms before us,
would support and defend me. Remember your promises.
let us know your constant grace in our hearts, your loving
presence shining in the faces of your children, and through Remember that I pray through your Son, whose cry from
the cross is mine. Let his new life be mine as well. When
the beauty of creation. Inspire us today with your Word of
the poor cry out, you hear them; listen to your Son, and
hope, so that we are empowered to praise your name with
hear me! Amen.
Holy Saturday, April 15
Matthew 27:57-66
Abigail Cress, Student, Northwest Washington Synod
Lord God, be present in our times of obscurity and anguish, when it seems that you have forsaken us, when all
our hopes and dreams lie broken or trapped behind stone
and guards. When we cannot sense your life-giving Spirit,
remain with us, sit with us in the silence and dark of our
despair. Amen.
Easter Sunday, April 16
John 20:1-18
President Michael Cooper-White, Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg
Dear Lord, they doubted, then they shouted with joy—
those first disciples. And so do we find it impossible to fully
grasp that you are the Risen One. But then, like Mary in
the garden, we too are dazzled when we hear your voice
across the ages: you call each of us by name, and you tell
us we cannot hold on to you. We are yours, but you belong
to God, to eternity, and to the whole creation. Oh, how
we need this Good News, how we need your promises of
power from on high for just such a time as this! And how
the world needs us to proclaim that same message Mary
Magdalene announced to the others: “We have seen the
Lord! He is risen! Alleluia!” Amen.