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.