In the meantime, in this deluded world...

Verse for the week:  I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20.2-3

Prayer for the week: “Almighty, everlasting God, graciously look upon your church, for you alone are our strength and our salvation.  Uphold us with your hand, that we may not stumble and fall; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p.220). 

Bible reading for the day: II Thessalonians 3.1-13 (Most scholars hold that Paul wrote this letter from Corinth during his second missionary journey, 51-52AD. The congregation had been deceived into thinking that Christ’s reappearance had already occurred, see 2.3. Paul writes to correct their misconception and to instruct them how to live in this meantime, between Christ’s first coming and his return.)

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

¹³ As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the bread of life who is Christ Jesus… and for our daily bread in this mortal life. Until Christ returns or we die, preserve me and my congregation from idleness and entitlement. Vouchsafe unto us such gratitude for Christ and your provision that even in this confused, deluded world, we may not grow weary in doing good; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

What does this mean?  God's gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all people, though sinful; but we ask in this petition 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 devout 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 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.  For more on the T.R.I.P. approach to prayer, visit www.groundupgrace.com