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: Genesis
50.15-21 (note: These verses from the end of Genesis are the culmination of
God’s plan worked out in one particular family of sinners… an entire generation
of evil re-solved by mercy so that many persons may be saved today.)
15 When
Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that
Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So
they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he
died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the
transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’
And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of
your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His
brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your
servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear,
for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you,
you intended evil against me, but God intended it for good, to bring it
about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So
do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted
them and spoke kindly to them.
Hymn: follow
this link to a beloved hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation
with our Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
“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 defeats 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: And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and
establish you this day. To him be the
power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet 5:10)
**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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