Verse for the week: He will not break a bruised reed or quench a
smoldering wick. Matthew 12.20
Prayer for the week: “Lord God, heavenly Father, you desire not the death
of sinners, but rather that they should turn from sin and live. Mercifully turn away the punishment of our
iniquities and, that we may be edified, grant us your Spirit and your power;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (K.B.
Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2nd
ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p.
197).
Bible reading for the day: Ephesians
6.10-20
10 Finally, be
strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the
devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this
present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand
therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the
breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having
put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all
circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all
the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying
at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep
alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and
also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to
proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador
in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
prayer(based on
the TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty
Father, thank you for sending Jesus as our Champion in the good fight of
faith. Repent me and your church of
confiding in our own strength and leaving the sword – your word – unread in our
homes. Guide us each day to put on the whole armor that you provide that we may
be calm and alert… and may boldly proclaim Christ right at the point where the
battle for souls is pitched. I ask this
in Jesus’ name, amen.
hymn: Follow
this link to a beloved hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with
the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6k8DFb8fWs
‘I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord…
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 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he
will keep your life.
The
Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
From
this time on and forevermore. Ps 121.7-8
*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
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.
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