Our Captain in the well-fought fight

Verse for the week:  The unfolding of your word gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple. Psalm 119.130

Prayer for the week: “Merciful God, kindle in our hearts the fire of your love, that we may serve you and our neighbor, according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 199). 

Bible reading for the day:  Ephesians 6.10-20 (Between 54-58AD, the congregation in Ephesus was threatened by division caused by false doctrine. In closing out his letter to the congregation, Paul is forthright about the very real spiritual battle against the evil one.)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for telling the truth that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the devil himself… and that our champion in this fight is Christ Jesus himself. Thank you! For this fierce, real battle, our strength and armament are found not in our wits or will, but in Christ alone. So each day, clothe me, my family, and my congregation in your whole armor, put an open Bible in our hands and homes, and teach us to pray at all time… all times… that by your grace and strength we may be alert on our post until Christ returns to complete his already-won victory. In his 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=AQSLwJtkUd0  

“Lead us not into temptation…”

What does this mean?

God tempts no one to sin, but we ask in this prayer that our heavenly Father would watch over us and keep 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 gain the final victory.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

 

*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).  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.