Verse for the week:
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians
6.2
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 “Who is this that darkens
counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.
4 “Where were you when I laid
the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who shut in the sea with
doors
when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
12 “Have you commanded the
morning since your days began,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the skirts of the
earth,
and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It is changed like clay under the seal,
and its features stand out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
and their uplifted arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered into the
springs of the sea,
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
Declare, if you know all this.
Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your powerful speech; by it you create and lord the universe: you are the boss of the sea, the founder of the earth, the commander of each new morning, and the gatekeeper of death and resurrection. Thank you that Christ Jesus has spoken death to my sin and resurrection to new life for me. Deliver me and my congregation of darkening your counsel by our ignorance and neglect of your Word. Put the important questions right to us and hallow your name among us; 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=X2bhHosLHmI
The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise his Word and the preaching of it, but acknowledge it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it.
“Thy kingdom come…”
What does this mean?The kingdom of God comes indeed by itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also come to us.
How is this done?God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and live a godly life now and in eternity. (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 www.dailytext.com). The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
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