Invitatory:  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13.31

Morning prayer:  O Lord, teach us how to pray.  Direct the lives of your servants toward the goal of everlasting salvation, that, surrounded by all the changes and uncertainties of life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Minister’s Desk edition, p.113.)

Bible reading for the day:  Deuteronomy 5.6-7; 12.32

“‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

⁷ “‘You shall have no other gods before me.

³² “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

Prayer (based on TRIP** method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for being our Lord and redeeming us from the slavery of sin through Jesus Christ. Thank you!  Your living Word is sufficient Lord; repent me and your whole church from adding to it or taking from it. Repent us also of not dwelling in your word… of ignorance of your voice to us. By your gracious, powerful Holy Spirit, grant me and my congregation to listen to you that we may walk in the way you have already prepared for us; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Hallowed be thy name…

What does this mean?

God's name is indeed holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy also among us.

How is this done?

God's name is hallowed when his Word is taught in its truth and purity and we, as God's children, lead holy lives in harmony with it. Grant this to us, dear Father in heaven! But whoever teaches and lives in ways other than what God's Word teaches dishonors the name of God among us. Prevent us from doing this, heavenly Father!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing 2011)

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=FS1LAc5DSCU 

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 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.