Getting us off the couch of ourselves

Verse for the week: The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. I John 4.21

Prayer for the week: “Dear Father in heaven, into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the old evil foe may have no power over me; through Jesus Christ, your dear Son. Amen.” (excerpt from Martin Luther’s morning prayer)

Bible reading for the day: Amos 6.1-7 (Amos’ ministry dates from the reign of Jeroboam II (786-746 BC). Amos preaches to the northern kingdom of Israel, though Amos himself is from Tekoa, a small town in the southern kingdom of Judah. A herdsman and arborist, Amos was called by God from the care of flocks and sycamore trees in Judah to proclaim God’s word of judgment and forgiveness to Israel.)

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
    and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria,
the notable men of the first of the nations,
    to whom the house of Israel comes!
² Pass over to Calneh, and see,
    and from there go to Hamath the great;
    then go down to Gath of the Philistines.
Are you better than these kingdoms?
    Or is their territory greater than your territory,
³ O you who put far away the day of disaster
    and bring near the seat of violence?

⁴ “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
    and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
    and calves from the midst of the stall,
⁵ who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
    and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
⁶ who drink wine in bowls
    and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
    but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
⁷ Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile,
    and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.”

Prayer (based on TRIP* method): Gracious and almighty Father, in Christ you have given yourself to be for us and against our sin; thank you. Our culture has become so pride-filled: singing idle songs, drinking too much wine… stretching out on the couch of ourselves… to the ruin of our nation. While we wait for Christ’s return, teach me and your whole church how to be clear, humble, wise witnesses to your kingdom rather than our own. 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=X2bhHosLHmI

“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 us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful self may not deceive us and 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 win 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