Verse for the week: “God raised him on the third day and allowed him to
appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses,
and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” Acts 10.40-41
Prayer for the Week: “Almighty and everlasting God, through the death and resurrection of
your Son you have proclaimed to us the gospel of peace. Grant that by the power of his resurrection
we may be born anew to a living hope, and so overcome the world; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.” (K.B.
Ritter, Gebete fur das Jahr der Kirche, 2nd ed. Kassel:
Johannes Stauda-Verlag, 1948, p. 144)
Bible reading for the day: Acts 9.36-43
36 Now
there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means
Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In
those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her
in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near
Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging
him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So
Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the
upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and
other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But
Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to
the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she
saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand
and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her
alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa,
and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he
stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Prayer (based
on the TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty
Father, in Christ you have put all things under your feet, including death… and
one day you will call me from the grave and say, “arise.” Thank you, Father,
thank you. Until that day comes for each of us, hear our tears and teach us to
call on you in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. I ask this in Jesus’ name,
amen.
Hymn: follow
this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation
with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tMqpruzpv0
(this rendition is not ideal, but it will have to do for now😊)
“I believe in Jesus Christ…”
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ —
true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the
Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature,
and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver
and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and
death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in
his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and
blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all
eternity. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by
Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)
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
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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