Children, have you caught any fish?

Verse for the week: “Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” I Peter 2.2-3

Prayer for the week:  Lord God almighty, every year you renew the face of the earth, and it is your will to renew the world fallen into sin and death.  Grant us faith so that we may know in your Son the dawning of the true life and daily be made into his new creation; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Bible reading for the day: John 21.1-8 (note: shown here today is the first half of this story… tomorrow, the rest)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. ² Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. ³ Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴ Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. ⁵ Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” ⁶ He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. ⁷ That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.⁸ The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, you know everything, you even know where the fish are! It’s funny how we often don’t recognize you until we obey you. Repent me and your whole church of our pride, our self-sufficiency. Gift us with the new obedience of faith… and then we will see what you do with our nets. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord, we used to sing this one as kids😊: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7uV5jF8Rk

I believe in Jesus Christ…

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 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).  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. 

The Worthy one

Verse for the week: “Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” I Peter 2.2-3

Prayer for the week:  Lord God almighty, every year you renew the face of the earth, and it is your will to renew the world fallen into sin and death.  Grant us faith so that we may know in your Son the dawning of the true life and daily be made into his new creation; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Revelation 5.8-14 (note: At the end of the first century AD, Christians in Asia Minor were being commanded to curse Christ and pledge allegiance to Caesar Domitian as their lord and god. Instead of bearing false witness to Jesus, an exiled Christian named John confesses a vision of the crucified and risen and reigning Lamb of God.)

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
¹⁰ and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for Jesus, he is indeed the worthy one, your Lamb who takes away our sin… thank you!  Repent me and your whole church of trusting any other above him… and repent us of complaining or standing mute when we have so much for which to praise him. Every creature in heaven and earth will be singing Jesus’ praise; open my ears and soul that I may join the choir today and in eternity. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.  

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, new hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY

I believe in the Holy Spirit…

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, he daily forgives abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day, he will raise me and all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 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).  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. 

The Risen Christ hands you the keys...

Verse for the week: I am the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1.18

Prayer for the Week: “Almighty God, by the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death, and by his resurrection you have restored innocence and everlasting life, in order that, delivered from the power of the devil, we may live in your kingdom. Grant that we may believe this with our whole heart, and, steadfast in this faith, may praise and thank you evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (Martin Luther, Klugsches Gesangbuch, 1553; text in Allgemeines Evangelisches Gebetbuch, 1955, p.430)

Bible reading for the day:  John 20.19-23                

¹⁹ On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for not letting the tomb keep you in nor any of our fears and doubts keep you out.  Thank you for coming to my congregation and me and giving us your peace. You’ve given us a mission to fulfill as well; repent us of letting our fears keep our mouths locked shut when they should be opening to forgive and retain sin. You have given us your Holy Spirit, now lead me and my congregation right into our families and the neighborhood so that sin might be bound and freedom in Christ given to beloved sinners. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440

What is the Office of the Keys?

It is the unique authority which Christ has given to his church on earth to forgive the sins of penitent sinners, and to retain the sins of the impenitent so long as they do not repent.

As Christ himself declares:

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23 ESV).

“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18 ESV).  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, © Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you this day.  To him be the power forever and ever.  Amen.  (1 Pet 5:10) 

 

*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. 

You, a priest?

Yes.

Verse for the week: I am the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1.18

Prayer for the Week: “Almighty God, by the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death, and by his resurrection you have restored innocence and everlasting life, in order that, delivered from the power of the devil, we may live in your kingdom. Grant that we may believe this with our whole heart, and, steadfast in this faith, may praise and thank you evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (Martin Luther, Klugsches Gesangbuch, 1553; text in Allgemeines Evangelisches Gebetbuch, 1955, p.430)

Bible reading for the day:  Revelation 1.4-8  (note: An apostle named John was exiled to the Greek island of Patmos because he confessed Christ as Lord in the late first century.  Christians in Asia Minor were persecuted under the government of Caesar Domitian. The Revelation to John gives them courage for today and hope for tomorrow.)                

⁴ John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶ and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ⁷ Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the freedom from our sins which you won for us in Christ Jesus the faithful one… and thank you for his promised return. While we wait for Christ’s return, keep bringing your kingdom to us… and use me and my congregation so that more people may trust and follow you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440

What is the Office of the Keys?

It is the unique authority which Christ has given to his church on earth to forgive the sins of penitent sinners, and to retain the sins of the impenitent so long as they do not repent.

As Christ himself declares:

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23 ESV).

“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18 ESV).  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, © Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you this day.  To him be the power forever and ever.  Amen.  (1 Pet 5:10) 

 

*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. 

Costly Speech that Frees

Verse for the week: I am the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1.18

Prayer for the Week: “Almighty God, by the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death, and by his resurrection you have restored innocence and everlasting life, in order that, delivered from the power of the devil, we may live in your kingdom. Grant that we may believe this with our whole heart, and, steadfast in this faith, may praise and thank you evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (Martin Luther, Klugsches Gesangbuch, 1553; text in Allgemeines Evangelisches Gebetbuch, 1955, p.430)

Bible reading for the day:  Acts 5.27-32 (note: The Jewish council of priests had its own police force. In the early years after Jesus’ resurrection, this temple police force arrests Peter and other apostles for preaching Jesus as Lord and brings them before the religious council.)

²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, ²⁸ saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” ²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Prayer (based on the TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for raising Jesus in order to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to whole race full of sinners, including me. Give to me and my congregation that repentance that obeys you rather than men… and that gives a calm, clear witness to Christ as Lord, especially in the face of opposition. By and with your Holy Spirit, send me and my congregation today and every day into our families and into the neighborhood… to give that repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. I ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440

What does baptism mean for daily life?

It means that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil desires, should be drowned by daily sorrow for sin and repentance and be put to death, and that the new person should come forth every day and rise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. (The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you this day.  To him be the power forever and ever.  Amen.  (1 Pet 5:10) 

 

*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. 

 

Friday Finish

Dear Lord Christ, thankyou for saving me and a race full of sinners instead of yourself. Rather than esteem myself, teach me to give myself away... without even knowing it. In your name I pray, amen. 

In these Six Days to Die, why do we call today Good Friday?? https://www.nbstpaul.org/holyweek/ 

Thousand Thursday

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for taking the betrayers' cup - mine even - and swallowing our betrayal - even mine - to the dregs... and thank you for pouring yourself out for me and a race of betrayers... that we may drink in our forgiveness, life, and salvation. In your name, amen.

In these Six Days to Die, today is Thousand Thursday: https://www.nbstpaul.org/holyweek/  

Wasteful Wednesday

Dear Lord, thank you for suffering the cross... cruel death... and for rising... so that my sin, my death and the devil may be defeated. And thank you for this memorable woman who teaches me to give and to live according to your will rather than my own; in Jesus' name. Amen.

In these Six Days to Die, today is Wasteful Wednesday: https://www.nbstpaul.org/holyweek/ 

Teaching Tuesday

Dear heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus took to the cross in order to put our enemies - sin, death, and the devil - under his feet. By your grace Lord, you alone shall have my heart, soul and mind; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In these Six Days to Die, today is Teaching Tuesday:  https://www.nbstpaul.org/holyweek/  

Mystery Monday

Gracious and almighty Father, help me to love the glory that comes from you more than that which comes from man; in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. (John 12.43)

I invite you to use the "Six Days to Die" resource and readings for your devotions each day this week. The living Word will speak to you. 

Today is Mystery Monday. https://www.nbstpaul.org/holyweek/  

His steadfast love endures forever

 “The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
²³ This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118.22-23

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word and, when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. (Lutheran Book of Worship)

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 118 (note: the Psalmist has first-hand experience with distress. Finally, instead of trusting in governments (v.9), man (v.8), or himself, he has been pushed so hard that he called on the Lord. The Lord’s steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) is the refrain of this song. V.1-4 are a communal song of thanksgiving, performed antiphonally with the congregation. The large midsection (v.5-21) is an individual confession of thanksgiving. The concluding section (v.22-29) lets the voices of both the congregation and the individual be heard.)

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

² Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
³ Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
⁴ Let those who fear the Lord say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”

⁵ Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
    the Lord answered me and set me free.
⁶ The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
    What can man do to me?
⁷ The Lord is on my side as my helper;
    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

⁸ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in man.
⁹ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

¹⁰ All nations surrounded me;
    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
¹¹ They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
¹² They surrounded me like bees;
    they went out like a fire among thorns;
    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
¹³ I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
    but the Lord helped me.

¹⁴ The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has become my salvation.
¹⁵ Glad songs of salvation
    are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,
¹⁶     the right hand of the Lord exalts,
    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

¹⁷ I shall not die, but I shall live,
    and recount the deeds of the Lord.
¹⁸ The Lord has disciplined me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness,
    that I may enter through them
    and give thanks to the Lord.
²⁰ This is the gate of the Lord;
    the righteous shall enter through it.
²¹ I thank you that you have answered me
    and have become my salvation.
²² The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
²³ This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!

²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
²⁷ The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
    up to the horns of the altar!

²⁸ You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God; I will extol you.
²⁹ Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*):  Gracious and almighty Father, indeed, your steadfast love endures forever. Christ Jesus - the stone that the builders rejected - has become the cornerstone. Alleluia! One day I shall die and finally praise you face-to-face. For now, I shall live and recount your deeds instead of my own. Keep on binding me and my congregation to you and to each other, for Christ alone is our strength, our song, and our salvation. Amen

Hymn: follow this link to a new hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3HH__-1Zbs

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory; forever and ever. Amen.”

What does “amen” mean? Amen means Yes, it shall be so. We say amen because we are certain that such petitions (as in the Lord’s Prayer) are pleasing to our Father in heaven and are heard by him. For he himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. (from “The Small Catechism” by Martin Luther)

Benediction: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble.” Psalm 107.1-2

 

*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. 

 

An obedient ass

Verse for the week: “The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
²³ This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118.22-23

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word and, when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. (Lutheran Book of Worship)

Bible reading for the day: John 12.12-19

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. ¹³ So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” ¹⁴ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

¹⁵ “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
    sitting on a donkey's colt!”

¹⁶ His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. ¹⁷ The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. ¹⁸ The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. ¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for coming to save us. Would indeed that the whole world would seek after you; but the world and I are fickle: crying “hosanna” one day, and then shouting for your crucifixion. Grant to me and to your whole church the humble obedience of that young donkey. Sit on us and ride us all you want, Lord; in your name I ask it. 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=MD9rMkIS1yw

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory; forever and ever. Amen.”

What does “amen” mean? Amen means Yes, it shall be so. We say amen because we are certain that such petitions (as in the Lord’s Prayer) are pleasing to our Father in heaven and are heard by him. For he himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. (from “The Small Catechism” by Martin Luther)

Benediction: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble.” Psalm 107.1-2

 
*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. 

You have died...

and your life is now hidden in...

Verse for the week:

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
²³ This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118.22-23

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word and, when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. (Lutheran Book of Worship)

Bible reading for the day:  Colossians 3.1-4

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for putting to death my old, proud self and raising the new, obedient me in Christ. Thank you! For a will that has been condemned and terminated, mine sure is persistent. So, until my ears, mind, and heart finally trust you above all else, keep on announcing to me my demise and my joy… my death in Christ and my resurrected, hidden life; 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=7XBExrjXK1U

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory; forever and ever. Amen.”

What does “amen” mean? Amen means Yes, it shall be so. We say amen because we are certain that such petitions (as in the Lord’s Prayer) are pleasing to our Father in heaven and are heard by him. For he himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. (from “The Small Catechism” by Martin Luther)

Benediction: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble.” Psalm 107.1-2

 

*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.