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 for 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 4.13-22 (note: in the
months following the resurrection, the Jewish religious leaders continued to
try to silence the Gospel, ordinary men and women bore witness to Jesus and the
Holy Spirit birthed and grew the church)
13Now when
they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had
been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was
healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in
opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to
leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What
shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed
through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny
it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further
among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this
name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not
to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.19 But
Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to
listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we
cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And
when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to
punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for
what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign
of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Prayer (based on
T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for Peter
and John and the whole long line of witnesses who have opened their mouths to
bear witness… so that even I today would hear the Gospel. Thank you! Repent me
and my congregation of our “inner bureaucrat” that would listen to the wrong voices
and protect a religious institution. We have indeed been with you Jesus, so
simply see to it that we speak what we have seen and heard from you. I ask this
in your name, amen.
Hymn: follow this
link to a beloved, classic hymn which gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNvq5VG5i1A
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
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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