Verse for the week: The commandment we have from him is this: those who
love God must love their brothers and sisters also. I John 4.21
Prayer for the week: “Dear Father in heaven, into your hands I commend my body and soul and
all things. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the old evil foe may
have no power over me; through Jesus Christ, your dear Son. Amen.” (excerpt
from Martin Luther’s morning prayer)
Bible reading for the day: Daniel 10.10-21 [note: “Though
set in Babylon over a 70 year period, (606-536BC) that includes the Exile,
Daniel actually dates from around 167-164 during the Jewish persecution by the
Greek King, Antiochus IV Epiphanes.” from Jacobson & Kysar, “A Beginner’s
Guide to the Books of the Bible.” Augburg, 1991.]
10 And
behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and
knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man
greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand
upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this
word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said
to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your
heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words
have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The
prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days,
but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left
there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make
you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days.
For the vision is for days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken to me according to these
words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And
behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips.
Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord,
by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no
strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my
lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18 Again one having the appearance of a
man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he
said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong
and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let
my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then
he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight
against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince
of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell
you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by
my side against these except Michael, your prince.
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: you are high
above all and yet you condescend in the flesh in Jesus Christ for lowly ones
like Daniel and me. Repent me and my congregation of our pride; when no strength
and breath are left in us, then come and fight for us. While the powers and
princes of this world come and go, sustain us in the promised victory over evil
that is yet to come but already ours in Christ Jesus, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
“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
destroys 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:
Now to him who by the power at work
within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or
imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)
*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.
No comments:
Post a Comment