Monday, May 25, 2020

May 25 – Monday prior to Pentecost




Psalm 104:24, 27–28, 30; —On the Day of Pentecost, we focus our attention on the Holy Spirit and His role in establishing the Mission activity of the Christian Church.  The antiphon read during the Introit on the Day of Pentecost is a portion of an ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise celebrating the wonders of God’s creation.  But it is careful to direct our attention not so much to the creation, but to the Creator. The Lord did not merely set the world into motion and then take His hands off the wheel. He continues to nurture and preserve all He has made. Luther in his Large Catechism explains, “He causes all created things to serve for the use and necessities of life.” (LC II, 14) In the explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther simply explains, “I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.”

All around us, seeds sown into the ground just a few weeks ago are beginning to sprout. We anticipate an abundant harvest. The Lord’s abundant power of creation is seen each spring as we witness life flourishing around us.  The Lord has promised to preserve and sustain the earth. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”  - Genesis 8:22

There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life.  The Psalmist assures us that the Lord is our sure defense. As He preserves you He will safeguard your life even in these unprecedented times.

The portion of the psalm used in the Introit proclaims that the Holy Spirit; whom, with the Father and the Son, was involved in the creation, especially of man, into whose nostrils God breathed the breath (Spirit) of life.

A Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness.[1]

Today is Memorial Day. We recall those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.


A Memorial Day Prayer: Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen. [2]



[1] Collect for Agriculture, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
[2] A Memorial Day Prayer copyright © The Evangelical Lutheran Synod https://els.org/2012/05/28/a-memorial-day-prayer/


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