Martin Luther's Evening Prayer

This Advent service begins with the hymn, "Come Thou Long-expected Jesus," the penitential rite, Kyrie, collect, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5, and John 1:6-8,19-28. Then Dr. Zeile gives a meditation …

Dr. Zeile's meditation on Christ's compassion on the lost reviews how the phrase "Sheep without a Shepherd" was used earlier in the Old Testament and what it means to us who wander in a confusing wor…

After the hymn based on John 3:16, Dr. Zeile discusses legalism. Often mistaken for an unfeeling application of law, it also encompasses the manipulation of the law through arbitrary definition or ca…

After corporate Confession, introit, and Kyrie, Dr. Zeile explains the meaning of "ransom and the grim background of "redemption" in Hebrew history. The Israelites were vulnerable to raiders through …

After the hymn "Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus," and the Nicene Creed, Dr. Zeile discusses the theme of the two paths through life, one which leads to God and eternal life, and the other which leads to …

The end of the year is a time to reflect on what happened. What about regrets? Moses and Israel had regrets and Dr. Zeile's meditation on this theme is accompanied by the opening bells of the service…

What is in a name? It is the identity of the person. In the case of Jesus, it is the name that means "Savior" and no other name saves. This is why Christmas historically is a big deal. God Himself ca…

The Blessing of the Advent Wreath, Kyrie, Collect, and readings from Isaiah 64 and Mark 11 accompany Dr. Zeile's message on this theme of waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. St. Ambrose classic …

In the season of Advent (which means "arrival"), we meditate on the Three Advents which pertain to Past, Future, and Present. Christ came in the past in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of t…

At the Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem, Jesus was greeted by the crowd who acclaimed Him "Son of David." The pharisees were in despair, telling each other "The whole world has gone after Him!" Th…

When Elijah was at the nadir of his fortunes, fleeing for his life and alone in the desert, God sent an angel to give him bread and water which were divine food that enabled him to travel 40 days to …

John wanted to stop those who cast out devils in Jesus' name because they were not of their group. Jesus said that those who are not against Him are for Him, and cautioned against allowing loyalty to…

In this reflection, Dr. Zeile discusses the reasons Christ taught in parables, in part to reveal, and in part to conceal. The Nicene Creed and Communion rite accompany this message.

The woman with a flow of blood had heard the Gospel- that Jesus had power of God to heal and love of people who suffered- and acted boldly. Only she knew her uncleanness but she confessed when Jesus …

Dr. Zeile's message reflects on John the Baptist's call to confront the reigning monarch on his adulterous marriage. He notes that Jesus' supported but did not make Himself part of John's mission, fo…

This meditation on the stilling of the storm points out the parallel of Christ and Jonah who each slept through a storm at sea, and who each gave himself up for others.  The hymn "Guide Me o Thou Gre…

On Easter evening Jesus appeared to His disciples in the upper room, causing them to doubt what was real. Dr. Zeile discusses the relationship between the very real spiritual and material worlds, and…

Beginning with the spiritual, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," this meditation on Galatians 4 ponders Paul's words about the "fullness of time." Dr. Zeile discusses the difference between the Greek word…

This meditation on Psalm 89 reflects the on the parallels between this song of David and the description of the Angel host that greeted the birth of the Son of David on Christmas morning. Matins for …

The Five Wounds of Christ traditionally are the two in the hands, the two in the feet, and the spear wound in the side. In the series at St. John's we choose to meditate on the Crown of Thorns (small…