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: Revelation 12.7-12
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his
angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought
back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no
longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the
great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the
devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the
earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And
I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the
accuser of our brothers[b] has
been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they
have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,
for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice,
O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for
the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his
time is short!”
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the
victory Christ has won over my sin, death, and the Devil. Satan’s time is
short, but he still prowls the earth as a nastey foe seeking to devour. So,
exercise your power and authority over him: send your Word and Holy Spirit for
us and make the Accuser eat his own accusations… and free me and my brothers
and sisters to love not our own lives. I ask this in Jesus’ name, 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=bONV_YZCKdg
“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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