praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 148.14
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: Acts 5.29-42
29But 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 Founder 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.”
33 When
they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But
a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held
in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for
a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of
Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before
these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men,
about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were
dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas
the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the
people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were
scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you,
keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this
undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if
it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be
found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when
they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to
speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then
they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And
every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease
teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: Jesus is no mere upstart who comes to nothing. He is the Founder and Author of life… he is your forgiveness and your kept promise for Israel. Daily turn me and your whole church from our own undertakings. Every day and at every turn, use us to preach and teach that the Christ – the one chosen by you – is Jesus. In his name I pray, amen.
Hymn: follow this link to a newer hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL7BlrwZHf8
“I believe in Jesus Christ…”
I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.
At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person.
He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.
All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally.
This is most certainly true.
Benediction: The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Phil 4.7
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment