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 (
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.
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