Verse for the week: The unfolding of your word gives light;
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, 2nd
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 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 times… 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.
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