Verse for the week: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” I Corinthians 1.27
Prayer for the week: “Almighty and merciful God, for
your mercy’s sake, keep far from us all that opposes you, that, unhindered in
body and soul, we may serve you with hearts set free; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirche, 2nd ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948,
p.216).
Bible reading for the day: Ecclesiastes 5.10-20 (note:
the book of Ecclesiastes, also known as Qohelet, possibly dates from as late as
300-200 BC. The writer, identified throughout the book as “the Preacher,” reveals
the vanity and idolatry of seeking to create our own meaning.)
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied
with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When
goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner
but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the
sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the
rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil
that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his
hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad
venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As
he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall
take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This
also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is
there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover,
all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen
to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all
the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God
has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone
also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to
enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift
of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days
of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious
and almighty Father, thank you for bringing me out of my mother’s womb naked…
and into Christ the same way, in my baptism. Deliver me and your whole church from
the vanity of seeking kingdoms of our own making; and from being jealous of
others’ wealth… such vanity and jealousy only lead to my own vexation and
sickness. Under Christ, set me free again today in my vocation… that I may
enjoy the toil of my assigned labor and sleep well… until the day when you call
me naked out of this world and into heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn
that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26rq0spuLao
“Give us this day our daily bread…”
What does this mean?
God gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all
people, though sinful, but we ask in this prayer that he would teach us to
realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanks.
What is meant by “daily bread”?
Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such
as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family,
orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good
name, and true friends and neighbors. (from The Small Catechism, by
Martin Luther)
Benediction: The
Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The
Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
From
this time on and forevermore. Ps
121.7-8
T: thanksgiving
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