Invitatory: “In
Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses
against them.” II Cor 5.19
Morning prayer:
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us and laid on him the burden of
the cross that we might see and know the glory of your holy love. Grant that our faith in him may not be shaken
by adversity or daunted by the threat of it, but that we may ever follow
steadfastly the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him, and so with you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. [Charles M. Jacobs in Paul Z. Strodach, Collects and Prayers
(Philadelphia: Board of Publications of the United Lutheran Church in America;
19350, p.166.
Bible reading for the day: Luke 22.39-46
22 And he came out and went, as was his
custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And
when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may
not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew
from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed,42 saying, “Father,
if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will,
but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to
him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being
in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of
blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he
rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for
sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you
sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you
for your mercy for sleepy ones like me. We fall asleep but you remain earnest
in prayer… even when it costs your own blood and life. Thank you! Before the
night was over, every one of your disciples yielded to temptation and fled… we
are no better. So by your grace, teach us Jesus’ prayer: “not my will, but yours, be done” O Lord; in Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
“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 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.
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