Verse for the week:
What does the Lord require of your but to do justice, and to love
kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6.8
Prayer: “Lord
God, grant unto us your Holy Spirit that we may hear and accept your word, in order
that, being cleansed in mind and renewed in life, we may live to you, here and
hereafter; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” (K.B.
Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2nd
ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p.207).
Bible reading for the day: Numbers 11.1-6, and v.23 (note: this reading
is just the core snippet from the story of Israel’s complaining in the
wilderness and the Lord’s response, you perhaps will not take the time to do
so, but I encourage you to read all of chapter 11 of NumbersJ)
1 And the people complained in the hearing of
the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was
kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying
parts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses
prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. 3 So the name of that
place was called Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a
strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we
had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost
nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6
But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this
manna to look at.”
23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord's
hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or
not.”
Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious
and almighty Father thank you for making the unlimited reach of your hand perfect
in Christ crucified and raised for sinners; thank you for the forgiveness and
true freedom that is mine straight from his pierced hand. Repent me and your whole church of our
craving… for it only leads us to distrust you rather than depend on you… to
prefer the old slavery we know rather the risk of following you. Make your word come true among us…to your
glory, through the only one who satisfies our deepest hunger: Jesus Christ 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=O6k8DFb8fWs
“Thy will be done…”
What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our
prayer, but we pray in this petition that it will also be done among us.
How is this done?
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, 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.
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