Verse for the week: “For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of
darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.. (II Corinthians 4.6)
Prayer for the week: “Christ our God, you were transfigured on the mountain and manifested
your glory to your disciples as they were able to bear it. Shed your everlasting light upon us, that we
may behold your glory and enter into your sufferings, and proclaim you to the
world, for you give light in the darkness and are yourself the light, now and
forever. Amen.” (Eastern Orthodox, in Fredercik B. Macnutt, The Prayer Manual, London: Mowbray,
1951, pp.121-22)
Bible reading for the day: Matthew 17.1-13
1 And after six days Jesus
took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high
mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and
his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And
behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will
make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and
a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell
on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched
them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up
their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 And
as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the
vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the
disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”
11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12
But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize
him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will
certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
prayer(based on
the TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty
Father, thank you for coming to us in Jesus Christ. Repent me and my congregation
of talking over him rather than listening to him, of doing to him as we please.
Give us ears that actually listen to you… and mouths and lives that tell
everyone of your beloved Son, crucified and raised for the forgiveness of
sinners. I ask this in your name, amen.
Hymn: follow
this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJAlZ7F7n1o
…and to hear even deeper preaching, listen to the third movement of Bach’s
cantata #23 “All Eyes wait, Lord” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J6ZkAIrHGY and read the English translation http://www.emmanuelmusic.org/notes_translations/translations_cantata/t_bwv023.htm
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment