When you pray...

 here's how 😊

Verse for the week: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3.19c

Prayer for the week:  Dear Lord, the sacrifice acceptable to you is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Now teach me this Lord, for I cannot learn it on my own. I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Matthew 6.7-15  (note: During one of his more famous sermons, Jesus gives us the gold standard, the model, for how he wants us to pray to our heavenly Father.)

 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ⁹ Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
¹⁰ Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread,
¹² and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for teaching us to call on you in prayer. You are the reliable one, not me. So, deliver me constantly from the empty phrases of my self and place me squarely in your loving care… for you already know exactly what I truly need; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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=26rq0spuLao

“Our Father who art in heaven”

What does this mean? Here God encourages to believe that he is truly our Father, and that we are truly his children, so we may boldly and confidently pray to him, just as beloved children speak to their dear father. (from “The Small Catechism” by Martin Luther)

Benediction: “May the Lord have mercy on you, according to his steadfast love; according to his abundant mercy may he blot out your transgressions.”  Psalm 51.1

 

*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. 

Returning us where we belong

“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3.19c

Prayer for the week:  Dear Lord, the sacrifice acceptable to you is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Now teach me this Lord, for I cannot learn it on my own. I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible reading for the day:  Psalm 51  (note: written by King David after his sin is exposed to him by the Lord’s preacher, Nathan)

 ¹ Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

³ For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
⁶ Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
⁹ Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
¹⁵ O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
¹⁶ For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

¹⁸ Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
¹⁹ then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your steadfast love and mercy that judges my sin… and creates in me a clean heart. Keep it up Lord, rend and mend me all the way to the heart, and return me to you… today and for eternity; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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=waWQUOgwNGs

Benediction: “May the Lord have mercy on you, according to his steadfast love; according to his abundant mercy may he blot out your transgressions.”  Psalm 51.1

 

*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. 

New land for you

 

Verse for the week: “Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127  

Prayer for the week: O Lord, do not keep silent. Speak to deliver our families from the peril of our vain building. Hallow your name among us that our households may be set on the solid rock who is Christ and built up by your strong word for us; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.   

Bible reading for the day: Numbers 13.30-33 (note: After the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, the people Israel are about to enter the promised land. Moses has sent 12 men to spy out the land. 11 bring back report of tall, strong inhabitants living in fortified cities; only Caleb speaks a different word. I encourage you to read the larger story in Numbers 13-14.)
 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” ³¹ Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” ³² So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. ³³ And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your promise and provision, not just of land and daily bread… but of true life in that new land who is Christ Jesus, crucified and raised for our forgiveness. Especially as we dwell in a culture that increasingly contests you, repent us of trusting our small eyes rather than your promise in our ears. Grant me and my congregation that different spirit such that we might follow you fully rather than listen to the devil, the world, and our sinful selves. 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=cY6k2QhdCn0   

“Lead us not into temptation…”

What does this mean?  God indeed tempts no one to sin, but we ask in this prayer that our heavenly Father would watch over us and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful self may not deceive us or draw us into false belief, despair, and other great and shameful sins. And we pray that even though we are so tempted, we may still win the final victory. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7) 

 

*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. 

 

Saving your family from your hard heart

Verse for the week: “Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127  

Prayer for the week: O Lord, do not keep silent. Speak to deliver our families from the peril of our vain building. Hallow your name among us that our households may be set on the solid rock who is Christ and built up by your strong word for us; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son , our Lord. Amen.  

Bible reading for the day: Mark 10.2-9 (note: The Pharisees are trying to test Jesus with a carnal, superficial question about divorce. Jesus sees right through their – and our – little games and cuts to the heart of the matter.)
 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” ³ He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” ⁴ They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” ⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. ⁶ But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ⁷ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. ⁹ What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for creating us male and female, two distinct compliments… binary… and for uniting husband and wife as one flesh in marriage. Keep on cutting through all of our little games, our attempts at self-justification… so that my spouse, my family, and the whole neighborhood may be delivered from my hard heartedness into your perfect kingdom… where you live and reign, not I; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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=MimsQtU-ccQ  

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)  

 

*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.  

Plenty of opportunity for you...

 Verse for the week: “Unless the Lord builds the house,

    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127

Prayer for the week: O Lord, do not keep silent. Speak to deliver us from the peril of our vain building. Hallow your name among us that our households may be set on the solid rock who is Christ and built by your strong word for us; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son , our Lord. Amen.  

Bible reading for the day: Galatians 6.6-10 (note: As he closes the letter to the congregation in Galatia, Paul articulates what our Christian freedom is for.)
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. ⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. ⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you that we are put right with you and our neighbors not by what we do but by what Christ has done for us on the cross. Thank you! Again today, put to death my old, fleshy will that is so impressed with itself… and use me to do some good for my neighbor. 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=eMY3ivdNzwE  

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7) 

 

*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. 

Saving your household from you...

Verse for the week: “Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127

Prayer for the week: O Lord, do not keep silent. Speak to deliver us from the peril of building in vain. Hallow your name among us that our households may be set on the solid rock who is Christ and built by your strong word for us; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son , our Lord. Amen.  

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 127 (note: Psalm 127 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, 120-134, that families would sing on their way to church, as they went up to the temple to be served by the Lord in his house.)
Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.  

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the children of one's youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
    who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the rock who is Christ crucified and raised for the forgiveness of our sins. Deliver me from my own building projects… the vanity of them. Speak and give me ears to hear daily, that my household may be built by you and your strong word for us. 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=MimsQtU-ccQ  

“Hallowed be thy name…”

What does this mean?  God’s name is indeed holy in itself, but we ask in this petition that we may keep it holy.

When does this happen?  God’s name is hallowed whenever his word is taught in its truth and purity and we as his beloved children live in harmony with it. Teach us to do this, dear heavenly Father. But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to the word of God dishonors God’s name among us. Keep us from doing this, dear heavenly Father! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

  

*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.  

Christ sends you to do exactly this

Verse for the week: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it?  Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23.19  

Prayer for the week: O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still. For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people. Speak Lord, that our households may be defended and built up by you, that your enemies may be put to shame; that they may know that you alone are the Most High over all the earth; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (from Psalm 83)  

Bible reading for the day: John 20.19-23
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the peace that you give in Christ alone: forgiveness of my sins, deliverance from death and the devil, and everlasting salvation. Thank you! This peace is not something we your disciples ought to sit on and keep locked up. So, walk right in and send us out to retain and forgive sins, to preach the law without diminishment and the gospel without limit to actual sinners whom we know and meet. 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://vimeo.com/46203440  

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  

What does this mean?  I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, he daily forgives abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers. At the last day, he will raise me and all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

*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. 

Yes, God has chosen you

 Verse for the week: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23.19 

Prayer for the week: O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still. For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people. Speak Lord, that our households may be defended and built up by you, that your enemies may be put to shame; that they may know that you alone are the Most High over all the earth; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (from Psalm 83) 

Bible reading for the day: I Peter 2.9-12
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for not leaving it up to me; thank you for choosing me to be a proclaimer, a preacher of Christ. I and your whole church would be nothing if you had not shown us mercy in Christ and called us out of our darkness and into his light. While I sojourn with this fleshy bag of passions around my neck, keep my conduct honorable until Christ’s return. I ask this in his name, 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=mp3wXUoJnO8&feature=youtu.be&t=10  

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  

What does this mean?  I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, he daily forgives abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers. At the last day, he will raise me and all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)  

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7) 

 

*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. 

We can learn from Boaz

Verse for the week: “God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23.19 

Prayer for the week: O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still. For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people. Speak Lord, that our households may be defended and built up by you, that your enemies may be put to shame; that they may know that you alone are the Most High over all the earth; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (from Psalm 83) 

Bible reading for the day: Ruth 3.6-13 (note: Ruth’s tribe was conceived in sin (Genesis 19.30-37). Ruth herself is a widowed foreigner far from home, gathering leftovers in Boaz’ field. Before the four chapters of Ruth conclude, Boaz will marry Ruth. His kindness and respect toward her set him apart as the best husband in the Bible.)    
So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. ⁷ And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. ⁸ At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! ⁹ He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” ¹⁰ And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. ¹¹ And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. ¹² And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. ¹³ Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”  

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for creating a man and a woman attractively different from one another… and for your plan to unite them in marriage. Boaz’ restraint and respect for Ruth are exemplary; grant me and all men to learn from him… so that instead of coveting, we might respect and encourage one another’s households. In the name of the Great Redeemer, Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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=fw1nYI-U5ok  

The tenth commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his workers, or his livestock, or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20.17  

What does this mean?  We are to fear and love God so that we do not ruin our neighbors’ relationships with their husband or wife, workers, or livestock, or try to lure them away, but encourage them to remain and serve each other faithfully. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther) 

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7)

  

*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. 

 

  

O God, do not keep silent

 Verse for the week: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it?  Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23.19 

Prayer for the week: O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God. For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. The lay crafty plans against your people. Speak Lord, that our households may be defended and built up by you, that your enemies may be put to shame; that they may know that you alone are the Most High over all the earth; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (from Psalm 83)

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 83  

O God, do not keep silence;
    do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
² For behold, your enemies make an uproar;
    those who hate you have raised their heads.
³ They lay crafty plans against your people;
    they consult together against your treasured ones.
⁴ They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation;
    let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
⁵ For they conspire with one accord;
    against you they make a covenant—
⁶ the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
    Moab and the Hagrites,
⁷ Gebal and Ammon and Amalek,
    Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
⁸ Asshur also has joined them;
    they are the strong arm of the children of Lot.       Selah 

⁹ Do to them as you did to Midian,
    as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
¹⁰ who were destroyed at En-dor,
    who became dung for the ground.
¹¹ Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
    all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
¹² who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves
    of the pastures of God.” 

¹³ O my God, make them like a tumble weed,
    like chaff before the wind.
¹⁴ As fire consumes the forest,
    as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
¹⁵ so may you pursue them with your tempest
    and terrify them with your hurricane!
¹⁶ Fill their faces with shame,
    that they may seek your name, O Lord.
¹⁷ Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever;
    let them perish in disgrace,
¹⁸ that they may know that you alone,
    whose name is the Lord,
    are the Most High over all the earth. 

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, long ago you spoke by the prophets, but in these last days you have spoken to us by your Son. Thank you for Christ’s victory over those crafty enemies: the devil, the world, and my sinful self. Still, they linger about like the tumbleweeds that they are. So, speak Lord, keep on getting your word to my ears… that your name alone may work for us and be known over all the earth; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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 

“Hallowed be thy name…”

What does this mean?  God’s name is indeed holy in itself, but we ask in this petition that we may keep it holy.

When does this happen?  God’s name is hallowed whenever his word is taught in its truth and purity and we as his beloved children live in harmony with it. Teach us to do this, dear heavenly Father. But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to the word of God dishonors God’s name among us. Keep us from doing this, dear heavenly Father! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther) 

benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  (Philippians 4.7) 

 

*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.