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 (
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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