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 11.36,45,12.1-4 [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.]
11.36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall
exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak
astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall
prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be
done.
…45And he shall pitch his palatial tents
between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end,
with none to help him.
12.1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great
prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of
trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at
that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be
found written in the book. 2 And many of those
who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to
everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And
those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky
above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars
forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up
the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many
shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for setting
Christ on the throne through his death and resurrection and for placing me in
his kingdom, under his care, by your sheer grace. The kings and powers of this
world shall do as they will and shall rise and fall and come to their end. In
the midst of trouble let me not be shaken for my name is written in your book.
While your church and I wait for the consummation of your kingdom, grant us to
calmly do what you put right in front us each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives
further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcFDuUDLsHo
“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.
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