Verse for the week: But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this
inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.” II Timothy 2.19
Prayer for the week: “Almighty and merciful God, fulfill in us your
promises and grant that when that day shall come we may sit down with all the
redeemed at the heavenly feast and praise you in eternal light; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2nd ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 219).
Bible reading for the day: Luke 17.11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he
was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered
a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and
lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When
he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as
they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that
he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and
he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17
Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was
no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And
he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for going
into sinner territory and not flinching; thank you for loving us enough get underneath our symptoms… and get all the way to the heart of what’s the matter with
us and HEAL us in Jesus Christ. Thank you. Repent us of wanting just a
religious transaction, just an occasional quick-fix… because that is only a
cover up that lets sin fester. Kill off our pride of self and give in its place
faith that thanks and trusts you… that like that one leper, we may know true
healing in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and may go on our way telling
others about him. In his name I ask this, amen.
Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives
further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN9JALQRMb0
“I
believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord…”
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from
eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has
redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death,
and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and
precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in
order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in
everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from
the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true! (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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