Monday prior to Trinity Sunday

 

Psalm 16:8–11—The antiphon for coming Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us. The Triune God has shown His mercy to us by creating us, daily providing for all our needs, and in accomplishing our salvation by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Our response, therefore, is to give glory to Him, and to set the LORD always before us, for He has made known to us the path of life.

In these verses David writes as though the Lord stands beside him and holds his hand, like a father caring for his son. The Lord is the focus of David’s service and his ally. Because the Lord lives and sustains all life David is confident that the righteous will endure despite physical death. According to Acts 2:25-28 this prophecy is connected directly to Jesus’ resurrection.  

In Israelite thought, the right hand was the favored one. As such, it symbolized the place of privilege or strength. The chief court official was seated at the king’s right hand as a symbol of his power and authority. This term can describe God’s chosen servant.

Christ gives us joy and He is faithful. Verse 9 states, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” We will have joy and peace, and we can rest when our eyes are focused on Jesus.  He takes delight in us and views us as His perfect and most beautiful creation. He is faithful to us and is always with us.

When we keep our eyes focused on the Lord, He is always with us. Regardless of the battles we may be facing, He is our strength. With Him by our side, we will not be shaken. We can rest in complete assurance that He is with us in all situations.

 Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and find in Your our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

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. [1]

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Image of the Trinity copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Collect for Proper 23 Series B, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis

A Memorial Day Prayer copyright © The Evangelical Lutheran Synod https://els.org/2012/05/28/a-memorial-day-prayer/