The Voice of the Lord

...is for you.

Verse for the week: We have beheld his glory; glory as of the only Son from the Father. John 1.14

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, at the baptism of your blessed Son Jesus Christ in the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make us faithful in the calling of our own baptism, that our pride may die daily and the new obedience to you would arise in us daily; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Psalm 29

¹  Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
² Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
² Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
 
³ The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord, over many waters.
⁴ The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord, over many waters.
⁴ The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
 
⁵ The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
    the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
    and Sirion like a young wild ox.
    the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
    and Sirion like a young wild ox.
 
⁷ The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
⁸ The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
⁸ The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
 
⁹ The voice of the Lord makes the oaks to shake
    and strips the forests bare,
    and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
    and strips the forests bare,
    and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

 
¹⁰ The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
¹¹ May the Lord give strength to his people!
    The Lord will bless his people with peace!

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you that you are not silent: your voice breaks trees, strips forests, makes the land to skip like a calf, and declares forgiveness for sinners in Christ Jesus… thank you! Repent me and your whole church of running our mouths so much that we talk over yours. You are the one enthroned over all. So, grant that instead of blowing our own horn, our mouths may ascribe the glory due your name… and our ears, hearts, and minds may gladly hear and learn your Word; through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC8Il7gnBC0

The Third Commandment: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex 20.8

What does this mean?  We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his word and the preaching of it but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.

Benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.  

The Take & the Give: the Lord's Chosen Servant does both

Verse for the week: We have beheld his glory; glory as of the only Son from the Father. John 1.14

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, at the baptism of your blessed Son Jesus Christ in the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make us faithful in the calling of our own baptism, that our pride may die daily and the new obedience to you would arise in us daily; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Isaiah 42.1-9 (After returning his chosen people from exile in Babylon, the Lord declares both what he has done for them and what he will yet do for them in Christ.)

¹  Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.
² He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
    or make it heard in the street;
³ a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.
⁴ He will not grow faint or be discouraged
    till he has established justice in the earth;
    and the coastlands wait for his law.

⁵ Thus says God, the Lord,
    who created the heavens and stretched them out,
    who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
    and spirit to those who walk in it:
⁶ “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;
    I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
    a light for the nations,
⁷     to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
    from the prison those who sit in darkness.
⁸ I am the Lord; that is my name;
    my glory I give to no other,
    nor my praise to carved idols.
⁹ Behold, the former things have come to pass,
    and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
    I tell you of them.”

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for Christ Jesus, he is your chosen servant for our good. In him, your righteousness takes us by the hand and keeps us… and so also you give us as a light for others… that Christ may rescue his chosen ones from the prison of ourselves. You are the Lord; the glory is to you and no other. Please: keep up doing the new thing that is life for us in Christ. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQ3cakDr-c

What is baptism?

Baptism is not merely water; it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.

What is this Word of God?

It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

What benefits does God give in baptism?

In baptism, God forgives sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.

What is this Word and promise of God?

It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

 

 

What your baptism is

Verse for the week: We have beheld his glory; glory as of the only Son from the Father. John 1.14 

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, at the baptism of your blessed Son Jesus Christ in the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make us faithful in the calling of our own baptism, that our pride may die daily and the new obedience to you would arise daily in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Romans 6.1-11 (writing in 56 AD, Paul articulates what God has done in Jesus Christ, crucified and raised for the rescue of us sinners.)

 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? ² By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸ Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹ We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. ¹⁰ For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. ¹¹ So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: my baptism is not a rite or mere ritual washing, it is the death of my pride and the promised resurrection for me that I might walk in newness of life in Christ. My old self-will is fiercely stubborn, so keep on working out my baptism, Lord… that daily I may find myself dead to sin and alive to you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord. The recording is rather poor, but it’s a great hymn😊and will preach to you:

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e3b91cf287ef2e46&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1119US1119&udm=7&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeoJTKjrFjVxydQWqI2NcOhZVmrJB8DQUK5IzxA2fZbQF4YL5sNSRJGgx0e9Z9AxExzjE4_ynshmXB4KOs3cwRUeWWsKhEolaqKblYfDXcX8o44lrMqH67kppK0pOExd7q2yJDRQQKlpEBHmw6_MVnVB63-D4QfZ_FNhtd2-sQaouA4jq5w&q=we+were+baptized+in+christ+jesus&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjx8PfrzPSRAxUzl2oFHTF2ERsQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1163&bih=605&dpr=1.65#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:3d5c91a3,vid:nqb4HjxYCNg,st:0

What is baptism?

Baptism is not merely water; it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.

What is this Word of God?  It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

What benefits does Baptism bring?

In baptism, God forgives sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.

What is this Word and promise of God?  It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

 

Christ's baptism... and yours

Verse for the week: We have beheld his glory; glory as of the only Son from the Father. John 1.14

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, at the baptism of your blessed Son Jesus Christ in the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make us faithful in the calling of our own baptism, that our pride may die daily and the new obedience to you would arise daily in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Matthew 3.13-17

 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶ And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the one who is our righteousness and your kept promise: your beloved Son, Jesus. Repent me and your whole church of our persistent clinging to a righteousness of our own. Quiet the chatter of my will and preach directly to me and my brothers & sisters… for in Jesus all we need is fulfilled by you. In his name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord. The recording is rather poor, but it’s a great hymn😊and will preach to you:

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e3b91cf287ef2e46&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1119US1119&udm=7&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeoJTKjrFjVxydQWqI2NcOhZVmrJB8DQUK5IzxA2fZbQF4YL5sNSRJGgx0e9Z9AxExzjE4_ynshmXB4KOs3cwRUeWWsKhEolaqKblYfDXcX8o44lrMqH67kppK0pOExd7q2yJDRQQKlpEBHmw6_MVnVB63-D4QfZ_FNhtd2-sQaouA4jq5w&q=we+were+baptized+in+christ+jesus&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjx8PfrzPSRAxUzl2oFHTF2ERsQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1163&bih=605&dpr=1.65#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:3d5c91a3,vid:nqb4HjxYCNg,st:0

What is baptism?

Baptism is not merely water; it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.

What is this Word of God?

It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

What benefits does Baptism bring?

In baptism, God forgives sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.

What is this Word and promise of God?

It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

 

  

The Preaching of Christ for you

Verse for the week: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  Lk 1.42

Prayer for the 4th week of Advent: “Lord, purify our hearts that they may be worthy to become your dwelling place. Come and abide with us that we also may abide in you, for you were born into the world for us and now live and reign, King of kings and Lord of lords, for evermore.  Amen.”  (William Temple in A.E. Baker, William Temple’s Teaching, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1951, p.128)

Bible reading for the day:  Romans 16.25-27 

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages ²⁶ but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for revealing yourself fully in Jesus Christ and for strengthening me according to the preaching of him. Repent me and my congregation of looking for our strength anywhere else, particularly in ourselves. You are the only wise one Lord, so have at us: day and night send us preachers of Jesus Christ… to bring about the new obedience of faith… to your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

hymn: follow this link to scenes 17 of Handel’s “Messiah”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8UK3QvhVWE

“I believe in Jesus Christ…”

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction: Blessing and honor and thanksgiving and praise, more than we can utter, more than we can conceive, be unto thee, O holy and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by all angels, all people, all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen. (Thomas Ken quoted in Frederick B. Macnutt, The Prayer Manual   London: Mowbray, 1951, p.39)

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Our cross-shaped yoke

Verse for the week: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  Lk 1.42

Prayer for the 4th week of Advent: “Lord, purify our hearts that they may be worthy to become your dwelling place. Come and abide with us that we also may abide in you, for you were born into the world for us and now live and reign, King of kings and Lord of lords, for evermore.  Amen.”  (William Temple in A.E. Baker, William Temple’s Teaching,  Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1951, p.128)

Bible reading for the day:  Isaiah 9.2-7

²The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
³ You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
⁴ For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
⁶ For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for shining the great light of Jesus into the darkness of our sin and for taking the yoke we deserve, for the carrying the cross on your shoulders. Thank you! Repent me and your church of slipping back under Satan’s broken yoke and disobeying you. Deliver us from our own ranting and raging and govern us by the cross-shaped yoke of Jesus…that we may live by your Holy Spirit and walk in his light until his return. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6xS9tt7cAA  

“I believe in Jesus Christ…”

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we have been reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

Captivated

Verse for the week:
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.” Psalm 145.13

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, Christ Jesus is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. He will reign forever prophet, priest, and king. While we await the fulfillment of his kingdom, grant that we may sing your praise and trust in you alone; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Psalm 126 (A song of ascents, literally: The families of the congregation would sing this prayer on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. As in Psalm 85, The congregation asks Yahweh for restoration, to take them blessedly captive again.)

¹  When the Lord captivated Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

⁴ Captivate us afresh, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!
⁵ Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: it is far better to be captivated by you than by ourselves. So, reign over me and my congregation every day, that in our tears and our joy, our sowing and reaping, we may be your beloved ones, O Lord, and shout with joy the great things you have done for us in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF2M8nvKK9k

“Thy kingdom come…”

What does this mean?  God’s kingdom comes indeed without our prayer, but we ask in this petition that it may come also to us.

When does this happen?  God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit so that, by his grace, we believe his holy word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven forever. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.