Verse for the week: “Like newborn babes, long for
the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have
tasted the kindness of the Lord.” I Peter 2.2-3
Prayer for the week:
Lord God almighty, every year you renew the face of the earth, and
it is your will to renew the world fallen into sin and death. Grant us faith so that we may know in your
Son the dawning of the true life and daily be made into his new creation; for
he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
Bible reading for the day: John 20.24-31
24 Now Thomas,
one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus
came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have
seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark
of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand
into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside
again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus
came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then
he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out
your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas
answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus
said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are
those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the
presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but
these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have
life in his name.
Prayer (based on
T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, what do you do
with unbelievers and doubters? You give yourself to us… you say “here, put your
finger here, put your hand in my side… for I am real and I am for you.” Thank
you! Repent me and my congregation of
our doubts AND of scolding others who doubt. Use even slow disciples like us to
forgive and retain sin so that more people may believe that you are really
Lord, and that believing they may have life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn: follow this
link to a beloved classic hymn which gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440
“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe
in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me
through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved
me in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and
sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with
Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, he daily forgives
abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers. At the last day, he will
raise me and all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who
believe in Christ. This is most certainly true! (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. Phil 4.7
*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.
No comments:
Post a Comment