Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lawton, OK

08/24/2025

A few years ago, I ran across a quotation from Mary Kaye Ash, the founder of Mary Kaye Cosmetics. “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.” In our earthly lives Satan comes to us in our cares, and worries, and physical ailments, to tempt us with the words “You can’t!” He loads us down and bends us over.

It is to us that Jesus proclaims, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the oppressed free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4: 18-19). The transforming love of Jesus rather than transferring the spirit out of a broken and crippled body heals the entire person. We are healed in body, as well as soul. In this love we are set free and given the strength to carry on. As we go forth to serve, we are told to stand up straight and tall and walk. We can do it. This is the promise of faith.

08/17/2025

From the 1970’s there is hit song with the title “Does Anyone Know What Time It Is”. This is the question Jesus poses to his disciples and to us. Jesus tells his followers that the time for repentance, the time for changing of hearts and minds as we look at ourselves and our world from God’s perspective is now. As Billy Graham used to proclaim at the beginning of his televised campaigns, This is the hour of decision.”

Former Bishop Mike remined us that we still live in a world where people are rejected and cast aside. We still live in a world where it is difficult to interpret the times or to know how things will turn out. As we live, we are empowered by the vision of an empty tomb and the peace and shalom and wholeness and LIFE that it represents.

And so, we become good news in a divided world. Living in the way of the risen Christ we become the presence of God’s love, grace, forgiveness, mercy for the stranger, the powerless, the poor and the suffering. For the children, the vulnerable and all who world would turn away.

That can be uncomfortable, and it can be difficult. But, at the same time it is blessed work. For we know that when we care for the least of these we are, in fact, caring for Christ.

10/31/2022

04/02/2021

On the Cross Jesus, the begotten Son suffered not only from acute physical pain, but also the spiritual and emotional agony of utter abandonment. The skies turned dark. God’s love was withdrawn from the world. Jesus died a lonely death bereft of all physical and spiritual companionship and comfort. Through Him God says "This is how I care. This is how much I love you. This is how far I will go for you.

03/21/2021

The Gospel reading for this Sunday, John 12: 15 issues a challenge. We are npot passive bystandersin the process of salvation. Jesus proclaims those who love their life (sinful ways) shall lose it and those who hate their life in this world (sinful ways) will keep it for eternal life. One way leads to spiritual death, the other to spiritual life. The choice is ours. As beneficiaries of the New Covenant we are called to repent (reject our lives in the sinful world) and follow. We may not know what we will encounter where the path of Jesus leads, but have the assurance that Christ Jesus is with us always.

05/31/2020

Role of the Spirit
May 31, 2020
This is the day of Pentecost. Fifty days after Easter we commemorate the birthday of the Church as we remember and celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit. In the first lesson we read about the Spirit’s coming, manifested in the roar of a mighty wind and tongues of flame. The Spirit transforms the small group of disciples and followers, timidly hiding in a locked upper room. It empowers and equips them to go forth and dynamically tell the story of God’s love and the promise of salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.
On the evening of Maundy Thursday, shortly before his betrayal and arrest Jesus tells the Disciples of his imminent departure. In a matter of hours his work of salvation will be finished. Within a matter of days he will return to the Father. His followers are stunned. They do not know what to say. Jesus reassures the disciples.. It is better this way. He will send them an Advocate, described by the Greek word “Paracletos” roughly translated as one called alongside. This Advocate will be a source of comfort for his followers and clearly demonstrate to the world (unbelievers) that its views of sin, judgment and righteousness are all wrong (John 16: 7-11).
The promised advocate that we know as the Holy Spirit reaffirms the unity of the triune God. The Spirit comes from the Father. It is sent by the authority of Jesus. Jesus proclaims, “All that the Father has is mine” and declares that the Spirit will take what is mine and declare it to you. For the followers of Jesus the Spirit will be a constant companion, the living presence of the divine among and within them. It provides comfort, encouragement and guidance. The Spirit leads the followers of Jesus into all truth and enables them to abide in his love (John 16: 12-16).
The Spirit’s mission is centered in bearing witness on behalf of Jesus. It bears witness that the mission of the Father and Son is indeed completed. In that witness the community of believers knows they are not abandoned or forsaken. They are empowered and sent to witness to everyone, that in the Son (Jesus), God’s love is real and is indeed present in the world.
In its witness the Spirit convinces the world about sin, righteousness and judgment. It exposes sin by pointing to its opposite, the righteous one who the world crucified. Jesus proclaimed “When I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). When the World tries to deny the truth about itself the Spirit offers convincing evidence of sin by pointing to Jesus. The world clearly indicts itself by it s choice to follow the path of darkness, violence and hate instead of walking in the way of Jesus who is light and love incarnate.
The coming of the Holy Spirit provides assurances of the “abundant life”. This is the promise of the unfolding love of God through the death and resurrection of his son Christ Jesus. The Spirit abides in us and confirms that promise in our hearts. As declared by Martin Luther the Spirit calls us through the Gospel, enlightens us with his gifts, makes us holy and keeps us in the true faith. The Spirit gathers all of us into one community of believers the church. The Spirit speaks through the community of believers teaching all to bear witness with their lips as well as their lives. As Jesus said, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13: 35). The most compelling witness that any disciple can bear is to love others as Jesus did in deed and in truth.
Next Sunday. June 7th, our two and half month long self exile will come to an end. Once again we will meet together as a community to proclaim the Word and receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. I can hardly wait.
May the Lord bless and keep. May He look with favor upon you and grant you His peace. Amen

05/25/2020

Eavesdropping
May 24, 2020
Many of us who were alive during the 1970’s and 1980’s probably remember the Muppet Show staring the Jim Hansen puppets. Each weekly episode of show included several musical and comical sketches performed by the Muppets and celebrity guest star. In one episode, one of the main characters, Kermit the Frog, sang about the challenges that face those who are different in a number titled, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.”
In the same vein we could also make the point that it is not easy being a disciple of Jesus. It was hard enough for the twelve who followed Him around for a couple of years or so – those who could touch Him, argue with Him, pray with Him, and stand in awe of Him. 2,000 years plus later it seems at times even harder for us who are disciples many, many times removed.
Here in America we generally do not suffer physical hardships because of our beliefs, but we are called more and more to cope with a culture that views us as hopelessly naïve. We are seen as praying to a Lord we cannot see. We are viewed as trusting in stories passed down by dubious means and living a promise that, in the eyes of the world, cannot be proven. Yes, it is tough being disciple in the present day world and indications abound that it will be become even tougher in the future.
John 17, the entire chapter, is a long remarkable prayer. Jesus and his closest followers left the Upper Room and went to the Garden where Jesus kneels in agonizing prayer. Jesus undoubtedly knows what is about to transpire. The authorities and their mob are coming for him. They may already be on the other side of the garden wall. At a time when an ordinary person would be thinking of escape and evasion He instead turns to prayer.
As Jesus prays we get to listen in. His prayer resembles the surface of a pond after a rock is tossed into the calm water. First, he prays for himself. He knows let is about to happen. “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed (17:5).
Next Jesus prays for the twelve who have been His companions in His ministry. He asks that God protect and keep them strong in the face of adversity. “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one (17:15). This is the second ripple.
Then Jesus prays for another surprising group. “I ask not only on behalf of these (disciples), but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word.” In other words, Jesus is praying for us. He peeks into the future and sees disciples just like us. Jesus is praying for people of every time and place who try to follow him without the benefit of physical contact. Jesus asks God to be with all his followers in world and also protect them from the evil one. This is the third ripple.
Just think of it, as the forces of evil are gathering to arrest him, Jesus is kneeling and pouring out his heart to God. Suddenly he stops and says “Father I do not pray for just Peter, James and John, Andrew and Bartholomew; I am also praying for those at Emmanuel, including but limited to Mary, Mike, Ted, Eric, Debbie, Hilde, Owen, Donovan, Wesley, Cadin, Edith, Miranda and Roy, as well as all believers, in every time and place, past present and future. Isn’t it incredible that Jesus remembers us long before we were even a gleam in our parents’ eyes? He says, “I ask not only of behalf of these, but on all those who will believe”. How comforting it must be to understand that Jesus knows how hard it is for us to be disciples and prays specifically for us.
Just as Jesus loved us and prayed for us some 2,000 years ago, He continues to love and pray, continually, interceding for us, even today. His love is so much deeper and stronger, that we are able to rest in confident assurance, regardless of whatever predicament we may face. Jesus knew the authorities were coming for Him, and yet he calmly prayed! The reassurance of his prayer is available to each of us! How might our prayer lives change if we understand Jesus is praying on our behalf and has been doing so for such a very long time.
Next week we celebrate the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. The Spirit brings gifts to Christ’s body, the church. “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words. And God who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27. Just think. Before we even open our mouths to petition God, we are prayed for. How much more will our devotional lives be enriched if we regularly got quiet and became confident that Jesus is praying for us all through the day and night before we even think to open our months to ask about something.
Think of what a spiritual consciousness means for us especially as we face the challenges of our self –distancing exile as well as the uncertainty and hum drum of our daily lives. Jesus knows our fears, our doubts and insecurities and he is praying for us. For disciples once removed as well as those a thousand times removed. Isn’t it liberating to know that he is still at it after all these years?
I want to close this morning with an old prayer from Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish theologian.
“Father in Heaven! You have loved us first. Help us never
forget that You are love so that this sure conviction might
triumph in our hearts over the seduction of the world, over
the inquietude of the soul, over the anxiety of the future, over
the fright of the past, over the distress of the moment. You
have loved us first O God. Alas, we speak of it in terms of
history as if You have only loved us first but a single time, rather
than without ceasing. You have loved us first many times and
every day our whole life through. “
May the grace love and peace of God our Father, Christ our Savior and the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen

05/16/2020

What Does It Mean?
May 17, 2020
The Sixth Sunday of Easter is now upon us. Approximately five weeks ago we were thrilled to hear and see, once again, the proclama(on of “Christ is arisen.” We are now challenged to keep that thrill, that excitement alive.
With the passage of time the thrill we experienced seems to be fading. Our pandemic imposed exile of self distancing has not yet come to an end and the usual cares and concerns are reasser(ng themselves. We stll experience all the cares and worries mundane life seems to throw at us. Despite all our fears and worries there is s(ll hope. God has not forgoten us. His promises remain unbroken and, through the presence of his Holy Spirit, we know the abiding presence of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
The appointed lessons for today begin with a reading from Acts 17: 22-31. Paul faces the challenge of bringing the gospel to people who know nothing about Jewish or early Chris(an stories and tradi(ons. He proclaims that the one they worship as the unknown god is the one true Lord of heaven and earth, who will judge the world with justice through Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead.
The responsive reading, Psalm 66, is a hymn of praise. God has preserved his people, but first they were tested. They face trials and burdens, but God brings them out and preserves them. God hears those who call out to him and praise him. He hears their prayers. They are not rejected. They remain safe in God’s love.
In the Gospel lesson, John 14:15-21, Jesus con(nues his farewell discourse. It is the night of the Last Supper. Jesus has gathered his 12 closest followers together in an upper room. Jesus washes the feet of His disciples to set an example of loving service. He tells the disciples He is going away. He predicts His betrayal and Peter’s denial. Judas Iscariot has already departed. The mood is dark. The disciples react in the same manner as we would. They are looking into an uncertain future. Just like us in similar situa(ons, they are anxious. They are worried. They are afraid. They are about to lose someone they hold near and dear. Jesus will not be with them to lead, protect, and teach them. What can they do without Him?
Jesus gives the disciples and us words of comfort and reassurance. Do not be afraid. I know you love me, and because you love me you will keep my commandments. You are not being left to your own devices. I will ask the Father and He will send you another, an advocate, comforter, mentor, the Spirit of truth and wisdom. Through the Spirit I will abide in you and will abide in me. You will know that I am in my Father and my Father is in me and I am in you.
Even in the midst of suffering, God’s blessing is assured (1 Peter 3:14). Our hope is grounded in the surety that God raised Jesus from the dead. Christ’s resurrection and the new birth of baptism join us to both His suffering and His resurrection power, His blessing stands against all signs of the contrary and calls us to do good work in the world. This good work has the power to shame every sign of evil that seeks to argue against the love and mercy of God.
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus returns to us with limitless power. He is not constrained by time and space, the limitations of embodiment. And since Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him, God himself is also with us. Through the Spirit all barriers are torn down. It brings us the reassuring knowledge that we are reconciled with God through Jesus and the ability to discern vales of justice, mercy, and peace.
May the love, grace, and peace of God our Father, Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior and the blessing of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

05/10/2020

All We Need Is Love
May 10, 2020
Today is the Fifth Sunday of Easter and the eighth Sunday since we last met to worship together. It now appears our exile of self distancing is coming to a close. It is now possible to get a haircut and enjoy the pleasure of eating out. We can also look forward to resumption of our public worship gatherings in a few weeks.
As we end our pandemic imposed exile we will notice changes. We may find things and behaviors that were formerly permitted and encourages are proscribed. There will be concerns and worries about a recurrence. Things will be close to normal, but not quite like we were used to in the past. As we face these challenges we see the constancy of God’s promises and blessings through the abiding presence of Christ Jesus.
The scripture readings appointed for today are from Acts 7; 55-60, Psalm 31, 1 Peter 2: 2-10 and John 14: 1-14.
In the Gospel lesson appointed for today, is Jesus’ farewell address at his last supper with his disciples. He has washed the disciples’ feet and explained to them what this means (13: 1-20). He has foretold his betrayal by Judas, and Peter’s imminent denial (13; 21-33). He also tells his disciples that he will only be with them a little while longer and that where he is going they cannot come (13: 33-38). The disciples are perturbed and anxious.
Jesus speaks words of reassurance and truth. Don’t be afraid. In my Father’s house there are many mansions. I am going away to prepare a place for you (14: 1-3). You are abandoned I will come back for you (14: 3). Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words (14: 23).
Since it is often read at funerals, most of us are familiar with this part of John’s Gospel. But, did you catch the significance of the words, “We will come and make Our Home with them”? Jesus has plans for us. He will take us to a “dwelling place” when we die. Furthermore, between now and then He will make His home with us right here, in this world, if we love Him and keep his Word.
Unlike modern day English, the exact same word is used in the original Greek manuscript of John’s Gospel, to describe both dwelling places and home. We will indeed “go home” one day, but, Jesus decides to rent a room in our hearts, right now, long before we get there. The idea all through John’s Gospel is that heaven begins on earth, but there is a condition attached, Jesus well move in with us only if we keep His word.
Throughout the entire Farewell Discourse Jesus makes it clear that his followers love Him by serving others. (One could say that Jesus love language here is acts of service.) We may be tempted to distinguish between loving Jesus and keeping His word, but Jesus does not recognize such a distinction. The clause in John 14:23b is a statement of fact. “Those who love me will keep my word…” Love for Jesus is simply love in action.
Jesus speaks of the home the Father will make with those who love Him. He promises the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, as his followers remember Him (14: 15-17). Finally he gives His own peace to his disciples as well as us. He does not describe the peace He offers, but from the words of John 14 :27 we can conclude that His peace offers us comfort, guidance, strength and courage.
Why is Jesus telling us and his disciples all of this now? Let’s recall the question from the other Judas (not Judas Iscariot) who asks, “Why are you about to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” (14: 22). These are the ways those who love Jesus will continue to see Him and know Him; in the home that the Father and the Son make with them, in the work of the Spirit to call to mind everything Jesus has said and promised and the on-going peace that comes from Him and not from the World. Jesus tells them this so we may believe. As the events of the immediate – and distant – future unfold, we follow the risen Christ trusting that the One who loved us enough to send His only begotten Son still loves and seeks to dwell with us now and forever.
May the bless you and keep you secure in his abiding presence. Amen.

05/03/2020

The Good Shepherd

May 3, 2020

today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. As we journey through our exile of self-distancing we see the dim glimmer of our journey’s end. We still face pitfalls, but we are reminded on this Good Shepherd Sunday that Jesus walks with us, cares for us and protects us.

The first thee readings appointed for this Sunday are Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23 and 1 Peter 2: 19-25:17-23. In the gospel reading from John 10: 1-10 Jesus uses a familiar image to make a point about spiritual leadership and gives assurances that all who listen to him are led to abundant life.

While preparing for today I came across a hymn titled “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.” Some of us may have sung this in Sunday School. Unfortunately it is not in our current hymnal, but with the link below you should be able to find it on You Tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFrBkhEYNcw

Our devotional message for this Sunday is written by Dr. Carol Geisier, and comes to us through the courtesy of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Psalm 23:3-4 reads - Even though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your
rod and your staff, they comfort me.

We are usually very concerned about our reputations. We want
to be thought of as honest, truthful, and hard-working people.
God is concerned for our reputations too and, so far as possible,
wants others to think well of us, even though they may prefer at
times to slander the people of God: "Keep your conduct among
the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as
evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the
day of visitation" (1 Peter 2:12). God is concerned about others'
reputations as well. He commands, "You shall not bear false
witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). We are to care
about the reputation of our neighbor and guard it as closely as
we guard our own.

But those are not the only reputations with which God is
concerned. He jealously guards the holiness of His Name. Israel's
unfaithfulness had caused God's holy Name to be profaned—to
be treated with contempt—among the nations, and God acted
in mercy for the sake of His Name: "I had concern for My holy
Name ... It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about
to act, but for the sake of My holy Name" (Ezekiel 36:21a, 22b).
He brought His people out of exile and vindicated the holiness
of His Name.

Our psalm of trust in the Lord, our Shepherd, also reminds us of
the holiness and majesty of God's Name. For the sake of God's
holy Name, acting out of His self-sacrificing love, Jesus our
Shepherd laid down His life for us. Baptized, we are raised to
new life and now bear the holy Name of the Triune God. Sins
that bring harm to both our Lord's reputation and our own are
washed away in His blood and, in exchange, He clothes us in His
righteousness. Our crucified and risen Shepherd leads us "in
paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." We walk in His
steps, following a path of humility and holiness that honors the
Name of Jesus.


The righteous path will one day lead us into "the valley of the
shadow of death," a valley where our Shepherd has already
walked. But even in those frightening shadows we are safe,
guarded by Jesus' forgiving love and comforted by the promises
of His Word. When this earthly path comes to its end, we will
once again—and for all eternity—be marked with the Holy
Name: "The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the
temple of My God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on
him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of my God,
the new Jerusalem, which comes down from My God out of
heaven, and My own new Name" (Revelation 3:12).

THE PRAYER: Dear Shepherd, by the power of Your Spirit, lead us
on a path that brings honor to Your holy Name. When we
wander, forgive and restore us. Guide us safely through the
valley of the shadow of death to live in Your presence forever.
Amen.

May you always walk with Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He look upon you with favor and grant you His peace. Amen

04/26/2020

It’s the Real Thing
(April 26, 2020)
Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. Our government imposed exile of self-distancing continues. The readings appointed for this Sunday are Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; Psalm 116; 1 Peter 1:17-23 and the story about the travelers to Emmaus from the Gospel of Luke 24: 13-35.
Have you ever experienced an “It’s Too Good to be True” moment? I believe I may have experienced several. Most have come when I was totally engrossed in what seemed to be an insurmountable challenge, or was faced with developments that seemed to upset my whole stream of life and defied all expectations. In the midst of wrestling with such difficulties, there occurs a sudden impulse of insight. The problem would be resolved. At times like this I may wonder, “Is this really happening?” or “Am I really that good?”
The Gospel reading for today is a story of people who experience something they initially perceive as too good to be true. For a better perspective, let us go back to the story of two disappointed followers of Jesus. Although they do not appear to be part of the inner circle, they are disciples who followed Jesus to Jerusalem with very high hopes and expectations. Their hopes and dreams were utterly crushed when Jesus was arrested and put to death at Calvary. They knew about the burial of Jesus and had heard stories that some women, as well as a couple of Jesus’ inner circle, found the tomb empty that morning. Saddened and extremely disappointed, depressed and dejected, they are trudging back home to Emmaus. They encountered one stranger on the road and told him of all their dashed hopes and dreams. Everything they hoped for seemed to be gone. They really believed in this Jesus, but he was killed and now even his body had disappeared. For them there was nothing left.
The stranger engaged them in further discussion. He seemed very knowledgeable about the Scriptures and explained that the Messiah had to suffer, die and rise again. The two travelers were still not impressed. When they reached Emmaus, they invited the stranger to join them for supper. While breaking bread, the stranger was identified as none other than the risen Jesus, who then vanished from their sight.
The travelers experienced an exciting burst of energy. Their encounter with the risen Lord was news that must be shared immediately. They rush back to Jerusalem (approximately 7-8 miles) in the evening twilight to tell the other disciples and learn that Jesus had already appeared to two women and Peter. While they are discussing this, Jesus suddenly appeared in the midst of them.
For the travelers who rushed back from Emmaus and all the other people in that locked room , the “To Good To Be True” moment was a direct result of their self imposed fears and limitations. They witnessed the Crucifixion. They experienced finality when the lifeless co**se was sealed in a stone cold tomb. Now the tomb is empty. I can imagine these people thinking, “This cannot be!” After all, when you die you stay dead. In a sense they became like those who have eyes but can not see. The tomb is open, but their minds are closed.
Reality intruds. The risen Jesus stands among them. They are not seeing a spirit or mere apparition. Jesus is present both spiritually and physically. He does not enter through a door or window. He appears. His feet are planted solidly on the floor. The disciples touch his hands and feet and feel bones covered by flesh. His body, bearing scars from the scourging He endured before being lead away to Calvary and the the puncture marks of nails and spear, provides a link between the present reality and a historical past event. Jesus eats a piece of broiled fish to further confirm His physical presence, assuages their fears and doubts with soothing words of peace and reassurance, and provided insight about their future tasks.
In the post–resurrection appearances, the risen Christ combines the visible and invisible. He reveals himself in and through the created order, but He was not bound by that created order. His physical body iss real, but it was not subject to the physical laws of space and time. In the risen Christ the physical and the spiritual are united. This is the new post-resurrection reality.
As inhabitants of a broken world, beset with COVID-19 and other troubles, we frequently find ourselves falling prey to our doubts, fears, confusions and misunderstandings. In a sense, we are like the early disciples. We hear that the tomb is open but, due to our human nature, we don’t see the new reality. Fortunately for us, Jesus, unlike Elvis, has not left the building. His in-dwelling spirit moves amongst us; calling us, through the good news of the Gospel to lives of repentance and grace through faith.
Through the sacrificial life, suffering death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, we are adopted as children of God and gathered into the new post-resurrection reality. Through our worship we encounter the risen Christ. The Good News of what God has done and is presently doing assuages our fears. God cares! Through the body and blood of Christ we are nourished with the spiritual enlightenment that opens hearts and minds, and sets our souls afire. Reassured, fed and nourished, we are sent out to witness to the entire world though our proclamations and good deeds of kindness, love and mercy. This indeed is the real thing.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord look with favor upon you and grant you His peace.. Amen!