The captivity that frees us

Verse for the week: “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me” Malachi 3.1

Prayer for the 3^rd week of Advent: “Lord Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, you alone are the one who was to come to save us.  We thank you for your coming and for your will to perform in us again your saving work.  Rule us by your Holy Spirit, that henceforth we may wait for none other and put our trust in nothing in heaven or earth except you alone, our Lord. Amen.” (Martin Moller, Thesaurus precationum, 1603; text in Gerhard Molwitz, Lutherisches Gebetbuch, p.41.)

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 126 (note: A song of ascents, literally: The congregation would sing this prayer on its way up to worship in Jerusalem. The congregation asks Yahweh for restoration. Verses 1a and 4a are my translation.)

¹When Zion was captive to the Lord,
    we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

⁴ Take us captive again, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!
⁵ Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): O Lord, we go out weeping, but we shall come home with shouts of joy. In Christ you have poured out life for us and redeemed our parched lives and made us yours again. Now bring to completion the saving work that you have already accomplished for us in Christ; in his name I ask it. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6y766K_3xg&feature=related

“Thy will be done…”

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is surely done without our prayer, but we ask in this petition that it may be done also among us.

When does this happen?

God's will is done when he hinders and defeats every evil scheme and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful self that would prevent us from keeping his name holy and would oppose the coming of his kingdom. And God’s will is done when he strengthens our faith and keeps us steadfast in his Word as long as we live. This is his gracious and good will. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4.7

 

*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 www.dailytext.com).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:

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.