Verse for the week: “The reason the Son of God
appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” I John 3.8
Prayer for the week:
O God, by whose Spirit we are led into the wilderness of trial, grant
that, standing in your strength against the powers of darkness, we may so win
the victory over all evil suggestions that with singleness of heart we may ever
serve you and you alone; through him who was in all points tempted as we are,
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (John Wallace Suter, Prayers of the Spirit New York: Harper & Bros. 1943, p.22.)
Bible reading for the day: Mark 1.9-15
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth
of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And
when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens
being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a
voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well
pleased.”
12 The Spirit immediately
drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in
the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with
the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14 Now after John was
arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and
saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you
for fulfilling all time in Jesus and claiming even me as your beloved child in
my baptism into him… thank you! When Satan comes tempting me, grant me to call
on Jesus as my Defender. By your Holy Spirit which confirmed and drove Jesus,
confirm and drive my witness… so that my neighbors may know their true identity
as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: follow this
link to a beloved hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with
the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7Xg-JvMJII
What gifts or benefits does baptism bring?
It brings about forgiveness of 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: May
the God of peace himself grow you in his will entirely; and may your spirit and
soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. The one who calls you is
faithful, and he will do this. Amen. I Thess 5.23
*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
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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