Verse for the week: “Make me understand the way of your commandments,
that I may meditate on your marvelous works.” Psalm 119.27
Prayer for this week: “Almighty God, you set your Son over the works of
your hands, so that even the rebellious spirits must obey him. Give power to your word that your kingdom may
grow and increase and all creation be delivered into the glorious liberty of
your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (K.B. Ritter, Gebete für das jahr der Kirche, 2nd
ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948,
p.86 )
Bible reading for the day: I Samuel 1.21-28 (note: the setting is the hill
country of Judah, approximately 1080BC. Hannah's womb had been closed for years but now the Lord has sent her a son, Samuel.)
The man Elkanah and all his house went up to
offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But
Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is
weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of
the Lord and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah
her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned
him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman
remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And
when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a
three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she
brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child
was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and
they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said,
“Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here
in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For
this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition
that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to
the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
And he worshiped the Lord there.
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Lord, thank you: you love to
operate according to your will, not mine nor the world’s… so you bend your
great ear to the quiet prayer of a distressed heart, you give life to a barren
womb, resurrection from the tomb. Thank you! Deliver me and my congregation
from ourselves; for not by might shall we prevail. Daily, hourly, teach us the
humility and gratitude that all good gifts – especially those we hold most
precious – actually come from and belong to you… for your service. In Jesus’
name I ask this, 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=0k1WhFtVp0o
“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: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding
keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Phil 4.7
*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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