Verse for the week:
“Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you
may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” I
Peter 2.2-3
Prayer of the week:
Lord God almighty, every year you renew the face of the earth, and
it is your will to renew the world fallen into sin and death. Grant us faith so that we may know in your
Son the dawning of the true life and daily be made into his new creation; for
he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Bible reading for the day: Acts 9.1-6
But
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the
Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him
for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any
belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to
Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he
approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And
falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are
you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are
you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise
and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
Prayer (based on
T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, with his own
speech Jesus knocks down sinners like Saul and me… and raises us up for his
mission. Thank you! Today and every day,
kill off my old self and its bad breath… for by them I persecute you and your
people. Keep your promise to me Lord: give me your Holy Spirit and ears to
hear… so that I may do not what I want, but what you tell me to do. I ask this
in Jesus’ name, amen.
Hymn: follow this
link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440
“What is the significance of baptizing with water?”
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins
and evil desires, should be drowned by daily sorrow for sin and repentance and
be put to death, and that the new person should come forth every day and rise
to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
Saint Paul says in Romans, “We were buried therefore with
him by Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the
dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”. (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
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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