Martin Luther's Evening Prayer

Dr. Zeile reads Psalm 18 first in the 16th Century Book of Common Prayer version, then in the 17th Century King James Version, and finally in the 18th Century Challoner Revision of the Douai-Rheims translation. Send us Fan Mail

These excerpts from the Palm Sunday service begin with Psalm 116, the Entry account from Luke 19, the ancient hymn for Holy Week, "Sing, My Tongue," and lead to the sermon on Zechariah's promise of the advent of the Christ, which entry in time is a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah's return on the Last Day, a day of joy for those redeemed by His suffering. Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Zeile's meditation for the Easter Sunrise service points out the good news that God prepares in spite of human chaos. Parts of the Easter liturgy are included. Send us Fan Mail

Dr, Zeile's meditation for the evening of Holy Saturday reflects on the "warnings" we sometimes experience in light of the fears that prompted Jesus' enemies to seal and guard the tomb. Portions of the Easter Vigil service are included, the Baptism renewal and the Litany of the Resurrection, and classic hymns, "All who believe and are Baptized," and "Jesus Lives,...

In this sermon for Ascension Day, Dr. Zeile discusses the real absence and the real presence of Christ among Christians after His Ascension. The explanation of anthropomorphic language as applied to God will be helpful to many believers who may not have thought about this and assume the Bible's literal sense is always its intended sense. A choir selection, "Praise to the Risen Savior,&qu...

There is no sermon but the Reading of the Passion of Christ according to St. Mark by Presbyter (pastor or priest), Deacon, and congregation. The shift from the joyous procession of Palms in honor of Christ the King to the sober account of Jesus' suffering and death marks this first day of Holy Week. The litany of Palm Sunday (written by Dr. Zeile) and the 7th Century hymn of Theodolphus of Or...

The Apostle James warns of temptation and Dr. Zeile discusses how the "three enemies" relate in tempting us to sin. The hymn "Farewell to the Alleluia," traditionally sung on Quinquagesima Sunday, and the Luther hymn based on Psalm 130, "From Depths of Woe," accompany this message.  Send us Fan Mail

The Gospel of John relates how some speculated that Jesus might be the Messiah and that others argued that since He was from Nazareth, He could not be Messiah who was expected to be born in Bethlehem as Micah had prophesied. Dr. Zeile discusses how God's ways of fulfilling His promises catch the proud by surprise. The message is accompanied by the reading from Hebrews 2, and the Rite of Holy...

This Thanksgiving message discusses the faith expressed in giving to God the first of His blessings which shows the priority of God in life, and the confidence that He who provided the first fruits will provide more in the future.  Thanksgiving readings include Luke 17, Psalm 136, and Milton's hymn version of the psalm "Praise, Oh Praise Our God and King." The classic Dutch hymn &qu...

The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids turns on the human fear of missing out. The right and mistaken application of this experience is discussed in this message from the end of the Church Year. The hymn favorite "The Church's One Foundation," a reading from Galatians 1, and a choir setting of Dona Nobis Pacem ("Give us peace") are included with this message. Send...

Dr. Zeile reads from the 16th Century Book of Common Prayer, the 17th Century King James version, and the 18th Century Challoner revision of the Douai-Rheims version.  Send us Fan Mail

This message of prophecy fulfilled is accompanied by the hymn "Come, O Long-Expected Jesus,"  readings from Isaiah 61, Psalm 36, and I Corinthians 12, and the general prayer, closing collect prayer and blessing. Send us Fan Mail

This portion of the Maundy Thursday service begins with the Gloria in Excelsis which was not used for the 40 days of Lent, the readings from I Corinthians 11 recalling the Lord's Supper, and John 13, the washing of the feet. The rite of footwashing is where the pastor washes the feet of some elders to recall Christ's humility and service. The antiphons (responsory) during this rite are p...

Isaiah's message offers God's covering for our sin, an image and promise repeated in the New Testament and symbolized by the pastor's vestments. Epiphany season readings accompany Dr. Zeile's exposition, and the beloved Franzman hymn, Thy Strong Word, concludes.  Send us Fan Mail

Confronted with the question of taxes to Caesar, Christ pointed out some things we often forget, that government is God's means of enabling people to work together, however reluctantly, for the common good. Yet our duty to government is penultimate, subject to the duty we owe to God. This meditation is accompanied by prayer for our country and appropriate hymn. Send us Fan Mail

This portion of the Ash Wednesday service begins with the penitential Rite of Ashes  where those expressing sorrow for sin kneel and have ashes imposed with the words from the Fall of Adam, "Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return." The litany of repentance, readings from Joel and the Sermon on the Mount conclude this potion of the service. The hymn of mortality, "Who Kn...

There are signs of life the doctor looks for to determine whether the patient is alive and healthy. Dr. Zeile discusses the signs of your spiritual life, along with the things you can do to encourage the Spirit's life within.   Send us Fan Mail

Shakespeare asked, "What's in a name?" Dr. Zeile's meditation on the name of "Jesus" shows its meaning for every individual who realizes a need to be saved. Hymns and prayers from the New Year's Day service accompany this message. Send us Fan Mail

Time was changed when God entered the world in Christ Jesus. Dr. Zeile's meditation includes prayer & hymns suited to the change of the year. Send us Fan Mail

When Christ cured the blind man in Luke 18, He was the first thing to be seen by that formerly blind man. Dr. Zeile expounds the lesson from this that applies to all whether their ocular organ functions or not. The hymn "Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious" accompanies this message as does the General Prayer, Psalm 142, and the recent hymn, "Depart from Us, the Demons Said."...

St. Paul urges a Christian life with the right focus, which is not on the self, but on Someone outside Oneself. Dr. Zeile's discussion of this teaching is accompanied by Catechism recitation of certain Commandments, Confession & Absolution, the a'Kempis-related hymn, "O Love How Deep, How Broad," and the African hymn "Listen, God is Calling." Send us Fan Mail

Luke describes the presentation of Christ in the temple where, as the first-born, He was to be redeemed according to the Law of Moses. Dr. Zeile's reflection on the deeper meaning of this incident includes readings of both Exodus 13 and Luke 2, and the Presentation hymn, "In His Temple Now Behold Him," and Luther's hymn on the Nunc Dimittis, "In Peace and Joy I now Depart....

This Christmas Eve message reflects on the Mother of God who experienced great sorrow and greater joy as the human vessel of the Savior. The Christ Mass (Christmas Communion Rite) is included along with St. Ambrose' hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" and the sentimental favorite, "Away in a Manger." Send us Fan Mail

God has you covered with garments of salvation. Isaiah spoke the promise which was articulated by Paul in Ephesians and reflected in the traditional vestments which pastors wear. Dr. Zeile' message is accompanied by Psalm 128, the Communion Rite, and Franzmen's popular hymn, "Thy Strong Word." Send us Fan Mail

In Genesis 15 Abraham observes that he has no son in his old age and God makes him a promise. Abraham believed and God counted it to him as righteousness. We, like Abraham live by the often unseen promise of God. Dr. Zeile's meditation is accompanied by Psalm 105, the Nicene confession of faith, the Magnificat and the classic Advent/Christmas hymn, "Let the Earth now Praise the Lord Who...