Verse for the week: “…the King of kings and Lord
of lords. 16It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in
unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and
eternal dominion. Amen.” I Timothy 6.15-16
Prayer for the week:
“O Lord, our most gracious Redeemer and King, dwell and reign within
us, take possession of us by your Spirit, and reign where you have a right to
reign, and spread your kingdom throughout the world, now and until the last day.
Amen” (Father John of the Russian Church
Bible reading for the day: Luke 23.33-38
33And when they came to the place that is
called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his
right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus
said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the
people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him,
saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he
is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”36 The
soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine37 and
saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There
was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Prayer (based on
T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for
executing your will… for hearing your Son’s prayer… for forgiving my sin and my
complicity in his crucifixion. Thank you! Repent me and my congregation of
being bystanders… people who just watch. Teach us daily to carry the cross and
to carry Christ’s forgiveness to others sinners who don’t deserve it. I ask
this in Jesus’ name, amen.
“Thy kingdom come…”
What does this
mean?
The kingdom of God
comes indeed by itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that
it may also come to us.
How is this
done?
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 now and in eternity. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin
Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)
Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice
to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM
Benediction: The
God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in
hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. (Romans 15.13)
*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
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.
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