Verse for the week: “For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of
darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 4.6)
Prayer for the week: “Christ our God, you were transfigured on the mountain and manifested
your glory to your disciples… and your Father called them and us to listen to
you. Shed your everlasting light upon
our darkness, that we may behold your glory and enter into your sufferings, and
proclaim you to the world, for you give light in the darkness and are yourself
the light, now and forever. Amen.” (adapted from Eastern Orthodox, in
Fredercik B. Macnutt, The Prayer Manual, London:
Mowbray, 1951, pp.121-22)
Bible reading for the day: Hebrews 3.1-6 (note:
Around 95AD, the writer to the Hebrews consistently stressed that the Christian
faith has its roots in the Old Testament. Here he declares that Jesus is
greater than Moses.)
Therefore, holy brothers you who share in a
heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our
confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed
him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For
Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as
the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For
every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is
God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's
house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken
later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house
as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our
confidence and our boasting in our hope.
prayer(based on
the TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty
Father, thank you for your servant Moses but thank you best of all for your
son, Jesus Christ… he is the builder of all things, including my faith. Guard
me and my congregation against the trap of trusting Moses and the law to build
something they cannot. The church is your household, not his… so, rest our
confidence and our boasting in Christ, not in our work or projects. In Jesus’
name I ask this, amen.
Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic hymn
that gives further voice today’s conversation with our Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0hieUU_jz4
Thy kingdom come…
What does this mean?
The kingdom of God comes
indeed by itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may
also come to us.
How is this done?
God's kingdom comes when our
heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his
holy Word and live a godly life now and in eternity. (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)
*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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