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: Hebrews 2.14-18
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood,
he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he
might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the
devil, 15 and deliver all those who through
fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For
surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of
Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like
his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and
faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the
sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has
suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: you sent
your Son in flesh and blood just like ours in order to defeat the devil and
free not angels but sinners like me from slavery. Thank you! Sin is stubborn
and would still like to enthrall me; so keep at it Lord: be my Champion and
Defender against temptation this and every hour… for you alone are indeed the
one who has the mercy and faith to get the job done. 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=bONV_YZCKdg
“I believe in Jesus Christ…
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: 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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