It's not about self-esteem

Invitatory:  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13.31

Morning prayer:  O Lord, teach us how to pray.  Direct the lives of you servants toward the goal of everlasting salvation, that, surrounded by all the changes and uncertainties of life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Minister’s Desk edition, p.113.)

Bible reading for the day: II Chronicles 7.14-15 (note: it was the golden age for Israel, the 9^th century B.C. Solomon had recently finished the temple in Jerusalem, the northern and southern kingdoms were united, the economy was strong. Precisely in such a time, the people become enamored with themselves.)

“¹⁴ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. ¹⁵ Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

Prayer (based on TRIP** method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for humbling yourself to the point of death on the cross for proud ones like us. Repent me and our whole nation of our self-esteem… there is no true help in the swamp of the self. Gives us ears to hear you… so that our pride may be replaced with the humble confidence that prays to you, seeks your ways, and turns from our own wicked ways. Then we shall be healed, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thy will be done…

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is surely done without our prayer, but we ask in this prayer that it may be done also among us.

How does this happen?

God's will is done when he hinders and destroys every evil design and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature that would keep us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his kingdom. And God’s will is done when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith to the end of our earthly lives. This is his good and gracious will.

 (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

*There are many patterns for devotions.  This pattern has been followed by God’s people for centuries.

**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 www.dailytext.com).  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.