Verse for the week: “The creation waits with eager longing for the
revealing of the children of God.” Romans 8.19
Prayer for this week: “O God, our heavenly Father, since we cannot stand
before you with our own works, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts that we
may be comforted by your mercy and by your help overcome all that torments us
because of our sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (K.B. Ritter, Gebete für das jahr der Kirche, 2nd
ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948,
p.94 )
Bible reading for the day: Philippians 4.10-13 (from his prison cell in either
Ephesus or Rome, Paul writes…)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord
greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were
indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not
that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I
am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought
low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned
the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I
can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the one who
has done all things for us: Jesus Christ. Repent me and my congregation of looking
for contentment anywhere other than in him. Teach us Christ brought low and
raised up every hour… that we may indeed rejoice in all things. In Jesus’ name
I pray. Amen.
Hymn: follow
this link to a beloved new hymn which gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE
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 God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in
believing, that we may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Romans 15.13)
*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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