Out of your cave

Verse for the week: “… there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10.42

Prayer:  “Almighty and everlasting God, through your Son you have assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death.  Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit, that we may daily increase in this faith and hold fast the hope that when we die, we shall but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (Kirchenbuch fur die Gemeinde (Isenhagen), quoted in Orate Fratres, Gebetsordnung fur evangelische-lutherische Pfarrer, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1952, p.84). 

Bible reading for the day:  I Kings 19.9-18

⁹ There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰ He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” ¹¹ And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. ¹³ And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴ He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” ¹⁵ And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. ¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. ¹⁷ And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. ¹⁸ Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your faithfulness to your promise to be our Lord. Repent me and my brothers and sisters of hiding in our caves and of feeling sorry for ourselves… neither of these serve your mission.  Each day, pull us out of ourselves and give us ears that listen especially to the low whisper of your voice… that we may not bow our knee to any but you.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn; for some fun, follow this link to a song by Mumford & Sons that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyZcKYzlyKk

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

I am the Lord your God.  You shall have no other gods before me.  Exodus 20.2 & 3

What does this mean for us?

We are to fear, love and trust God above all things.  (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.