Pr. DFD : 2017 Lenten Devotions

Showing posts with label 2017 Lenten Devotions. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Easter Tuesday

Easter Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Psalm 2:7

Psalm 2:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.

This psalm is ascribed to David in Acts 4:25. The context may be David’s coronation. God’s announcement of a king (e.g. the prophet Nathan announced David’s appointment as Saul’s successor in 2 Samuel 7:5-17 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. “You are my Son today I have begotten you.” See 2 Samuel 7:14. 1

The psalmist points to the glorious and visible vindication of Jesus as Son of God. Thus the “day” of this “begetting” was the day of Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation. Jesus will reign forever. Of His kingdom, there shall be no end. He is the eternal king, the Lord and giver of life. The truth of Jesus' divinity is confirmed by His Resurrection. The Resurrection of the crucified One shows that He was truly, "I Am," the Son of God and God Himself. As is written in the second Psalm, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten You.'" Christ's Resurrection is closely linked to the Incarnation of God's Son and is its fulfillment in accordance with God's eternal plan. Thus, you and I will always remain as Easter people. Happy and Blessed Easter-and remember-It's a Season and a Way of Life!

Yea, Amen, let all adore Thee. High on Thine eternal throne; Savior, take the pow’r and glory; Claim the kingdom as Thine own. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou shalt reign, and Thou alone! 2

_____________________

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday, April 17, 2017

Easter Monday

Easter Monday, April 17, 2017 Psalm 100:5

Psalm 100:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 93; 95-99 proclaim, “the Lord reigns.” Psalm 100 is the thankful doxology named Jubilate, which is Latin for “O be joyful.” The phrase “his steadfast love endures forever” epitomizes the Lord’s cared for His people. 1

Praise God. His mercy endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. “The Lord is God” and “The Lord is Good.” Let the whole earth sing and be glad.

O God, in the paschal feat You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 2

____________________

[2] Collect for Easter Monday, Lutheran Service Book © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 Psalm118:1

Psalm 118:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures For Ever

118 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever!

Luther once wrote, “This is my own beloved psalm. Although the entire Psalter and all of Holy Scripture are dear to me as my only comfort and source of life. I fell in love with this psalm especially. Therefore I call it my own.” (AE 14:45) 1

What does God require of us in the Second Commandment? We should call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. 2

Who is God? He is good, kind, desiring our welfare. 3

What do we owe our heavenly Father for all His goodness? It is our duty to “thank and praise, serve and obey Him. 4

There is now new life in Christ. Today we celebrate life. Today we celebrate victory. Today we celebrate forgiveness and freedom. Today is the day we remember all of God’s promises. They are yes and amen in Jesus. Because He lives we shall live also!

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrated with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 5

____________________

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017 Psalm 16:10

Psalm 16:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.[a]

Because of his enduring relationship- with the given and sustainer of life, David is confident that the righteous will endure despite physical death. This psalm prophesies Jesus’ resurrection. (See Acts 2:25-26)

David takes delight in an unwavering commitment to the Lord in both life and death. This ought also to be our attitude and joy, for He has made known to us the path of life. We have a beautiful inheritance: life with God forever in the kingdom of heaven.

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 1

_______________________

[1] Collect for Holy Saturday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Friday, April 14, 2017

Good Friday

Good Friday, April 14, 2017 Psalm 22:1

Psalm 22:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
Why Have You Forsaken Me?
To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

The psalm expressed profound loneliness. God seems completely absent. Jesus quotes from this verse on the cross (See Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) as He paid the penalty of human sin. It has been said this psalm is the whole passion of Christ. 1

These words are words that capture what is perhaps the greatest fear of people who love God – the thought that the God they love and in whom they trust would one day forget them, abandon them, turn his back to them in their time of greatest need. And that is precisely the experience of Jesus on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The cup which the night before Jesus had asked to be taken from him – Jesus was on the cross drinking fully. God withdrew from Jesus so that he wouldn’t have to withdraw from us. It is God’s separation from Jesus that draws us near to him. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The Father made him who had no sin to be sin for us…

Almighty God, Graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 2

___________________

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017 Psalm 112:7

Psalm 112:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

"Maundy" comes from the word “mandatum”, which means "commandment" and refers to Christ’s mandate at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday to "Love one another, even as I have loved you" (John 13:34)

“Bad news” Upright people do not fear setbacks and do not constantly worry about what could be lost. They know God will never lose them. 2

Ours is not to panic but to trust. We commend our lives into the sure hands of God. As Jesus willingly endured His arrest, trial, and passion we place our lives into His hands. The Father demonstrated His love for us by having His only Son Jesus suffer on our behalf. When overwhelmed by life’s issues place your cares into the hands of Jesus who has promised to carry you in every circumstance.

O Lord God, who hast left unto us in a wonderful Sacrament a memorial of Thy Passion, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so use this Sacrament of Thy body and blood that the fruits of Thy redemption may continually be manifest in us.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

____________________

[1] Collect for Maundy Thursday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Wednesday of Holy Week

Psalm 70:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay!

The terms “poor” and “needy” are not necessarily economic these words, often refer to the humble and repentant attitude of God’s people. (See Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20) The worshiper expresses the fervent longing of his faith; his is acutely aware of how helpless he is without God’s salvation. 1

When we cry out to God we can be assured He will answer and act. But in His own time. When God seems distant, we must call to Him and trust in His unfailing love. Patience is needed by all.

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine only – begotten Son.

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, who did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all that He might bear our sins on the cross, grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11, 2017 Psalm 71:12

Psalm 71:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!

This is a psalm for an older believer struggling with assaults on his faith, including temptations to think that his faith was in vain. By proclaiming the saving deeds of the Lord, he meets the challenge of old age with faith, hope, faithfulness, witness, and praise. The psalmist’s difficult circumstances seem to prove that God is far away. Therefore, he prays for the Lord to help him, and to vindicate his faith. 1

The Psalms are a school of prayer that teaches us to gather our troubles and take them to God who loves us and is always there for us. With assurance, we can cry with the psalmist — “O LORD, make haste to help me!”

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion that we may obtain the pardon of our sins.

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion that we may receive the pardon of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

____________________

[2] Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday, April 10, 2017

Monday of Holy Week

Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017 Psalm 36:9

Psalm 36:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

God and His Word are compared to refreshing waters (See Proverbs 18:4; Isaiah 55:1) God gives life in both temporal and eternal realms. Ultimately, for sinners, God provides the water of life through Jesus Christ. Apart from Him, we are in darkness. Knowing Him brings enlightenment and joy.

The cross is now our focus as we enter this important week in the life of the church. It is Christ elevated on a cross, which will draw people to Himself. He bore our sins in His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live unto righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24 How does Jesus’ death and resurrection make you better? How might you communicate His sacrifice to others?

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities, may be restored through the Passion and intercession of Thine only-begotten Son.

Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

____________________

[2] Collect for Monday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 Psalm 118:26

Psalm 118:26 English Standard Version (ESV)

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We bless you from the house of the LORD.

In Hebrew the phrase “we bless you” is plural indicating that the King/Messiah and all who join Him in victory are blessed. The word “bless” comes from the Hebrew “barak” meaning, “to bestow ability for success.” From the greater person to the lesser. In faith, praise is the greatest gift we can offer our Lord. The blessings that come from the temple at Jerusalem now resonates through the Church, brought by pastors, missionaries, teachers, and others who proclaim the Gospel of Christ. 1

Today is Psalm Sunday. The praises, which greeted Jesus, will soon turn to cries for His death. But today we praise His name as the one who comes in the name of the Lord to receive our worship and praise. He is the coming one. Who brings salvation and life itself.

It was once a common practice for the youth to be confirmed on Palm Sunday and to receive first communion on Maundy Thursday. On the day of confirmation each Christian is encouraged to renew and strengthen their commitment to Christ. Today is the first day of Holy Week. How do you express your commitment to Christ? What does it look like? How will your observance of Holy Week strengthen your walk with God? How is this week different then all others?

Almighty and ever living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

____________________

[1] Collect for Palm Sunday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Saturday of Lent 5

Saturday of Lent 5, April 8, 2017 Psalm 143: 9a, 10a, 18:48a,c

Psalm 143:9-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge![a]
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!

The psalmist pleads for God’s mercy, admitting that neither he nor anyone else can stand before God’s judgment. He trust in God’s righteousness and in His name, not his own. This penitential psalm is a profound description of a repentant heart, which receives God’s grace. The psalmist, giving up on himself, trusts God’s steadfast love. 1

David had reached the end of the line; no more reserve or resources (Vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one refuge remains: God Himself (Vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead me…bring me out of trouble”

O Lord, in your goodness you bestow abundant graces on your elect: Look with favor, we entreat you, upon those who in these Lenten days are being prepared for you Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of your protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Saturday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Friday, April 7, 2017

Friday of Lent 5

Friday of Lent 5, April 7, 2017 Psalm 43:3-4

Psalm 43:3-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.

God is the source of all light and truth, which come to Him as gifts. Jesus is the incarnate light (See John 8:12; Psalm 27:1) and truth (see John 14:6) God who is present everywhere mercifully locates Himself with His people. 1

Why do we pray that the will of God be done? We know that the will of God will always be done, but we want God’s good and gracious will to be done in our lives. 2

“As His name must be hallowed and His kingdom come whether we pray or not, so also His will must be done and succeed. This is true even though the devil with all his followers raise a great riot, are angry and rage against it, and try to exterminate the Gospel completely. But for our own sake we must pray that, even against their fury, His will be done without hindrance among us also. We pray so that they may not be able to accomplish anything and that we may remain firm against all violence and persecution and submit to God’s will.” (Large Catechism III 68)

Your altar! Your Supper! There, I receive you, Jesus! Your Body given for me. Your Blood shed for me for all my sins. You feed me, You give me life, your forgiveness, in the Sacrament.

Salvation is found in no one else other than You, Jesus. Judge me, vindicate me, save me, in your Blood. Your Blood shed for me on the Cross. Your Blood put into me in the Sacrament of the Altar.

You are the God of my strength. You have saved Me. You vindicate me. In you, I have put my hope to live today. You will carry me through today —not for me, but for those around me. I can do them some good, or even better, you can do them some good for one more day. In you, I have put my trust. Let me not be put to shame. Glory be to Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Amen. 3

O Lord, you relieve our necessity out of the abundance of your great riches: Grant that we may accept with joy the salvation you bestow, and manifest it to all the world by the quality of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 4

___________

[3] http://www.daretobelutheran.net/reflections/lent2012/2012-03-24

[4] Collect for Friday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Thursday of Lent 5

Thursday of Lent 5, April 6, 2017 Psalm 43:1-2

Psalm 43:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

43 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?

The psalmist appeals to God as a just judge against all who set themselves against God and His people whether ancient or modern. The oppressed make their appeal to God and take refuge in Him.1

In spite of present weakness and struggles, you can trust that the day of the Lord is coming. And that Jesus will act decisively for you on that day. He will wipe every tear from your eye and He will comfort you. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”- Matthew 5: 4 For those who find themselves to be spiritually helpless. Without status. Without any excuse before God. Jesus proclaims this good news. That He has come to be a gracious king. Precisely for such helpless, empty-handed sinners. He does this for you. So that you may enter this world as His witness. To declare to others the Lord’s abundant mercy and grace. How can God use present sufferings for your good?

O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Thursday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Wednesday of Lent 5

Wednesday of Lent 5, April 5, 2017 Psalm 43:5

Psalm 43:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

Conversing with his soul, the psalmist recognizes intense grief. Consider Christ in Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:38. The church father Jerome said, “Never let suggestions of evil grow on you…Slay the enemy while he is small…nip the evil in the bud.” We hope in God during exile and sorrow. 1

An old Arab proverb says, “All sunshine and no rain makes for a desert.” The Lord encourages us to remain faithful despite grief or loss. Even in the midst of peril, pain and suffering. Suffering, of any kind, has become the great enemy of our culture. Thus, decisions are made with the specific intent of avoiding suffering. At all costs.

But, God’s promise is simply this. He works great things in your life. Even through suffering and sorrow. The Apostle Paul summarizes this point beautifully in his letter to the Romans. “We rejoice in our sufferings. Because suffering produces perseverance. And perseverance character. And character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame. Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. –Romans 5:3-4 So where is your hope? How do you express such hope especially in difficult times?

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

__________

[2] Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Tuesday of Lent 5

Tuesday of Lent 5, April 4, 2017 Psalm 116:15

Psalm 116:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.

A saint is one made holy by God’s grace. All that happened to such a person is very important especially suffering and death. This thought suggests the singing of this verse at funerals. 1

Death is the last enemy. There is no glamour in any part of its process. It is a thief coming to take away all we have known. But precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. For the believer death is only a transition. It is a gate, which leads to eternal life. Because of Jesus, we pass from death to life. Thus, we can say, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Tuesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Monday, April 3, 2017

Monday of Lent 5

Monday of Lent 5, April 3, 2017 Psalm 116:4-8

Psalm 116:4-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;

Luther viewed Psalm 116 as referring to Christ throughout. (AE 11:400) It is awesome to think that this was the last hymn Jesus sang before His “exodus” (Luke 9:31) on the cross. 1

God is not silent when we suffer. On every page of Scripture, God's children have been able to find hope and a reason to endure. See 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (ESV)

God hasn't promised to explain everything about what He does and what He allows. God understands. You aren't alone. If we know anything about God, we know that He comes close to those who suffer, so keep your eyes open for Him.

Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and, being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in you everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Monday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Sunday of Lent 5

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 2, 2017 Psalm 130:7

Psalm 130:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.

Luther says, “Though our sin is great, yet His redemption is greater! (AE 14:194) 1

Every single Sunday we confess, “…who for us men and our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary and was made man.” Jesus, the Word who was made flesh,- your Lord and Savior,- remains with you at every juncture of life. Yes, there is a person who knows and understands you. His name is Jesus Christ. This life that you live. Your struggles. Your weakness. Your woes. Your sorrows - your Lord knows all. Even your joys, exactly. Because He became a man, Jesus suffered in your place. He died your death. He rose for you. That you might live for Him eternally.

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Saturday of Lent 4, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Saturday of Lent 4

Saturday of Lent 4, April 1, 2017 Psalm 122:8

Psalm 122:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For my brothers and companions' sake
I will say, “Peace be within you!”

David sees the gathering of relatives among the twelve tribes. There is also a return to the pilgrimage idea as the traveling companions going to Jerusalem come into view. Peace be within you! The travelers may have greeted one another with “Peace be to you,” and now this greeting extended to Jerusalem. Recall also Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem, wishing to gather it to Himself. (See Matthew 23:37-39)

Like David, we are welcomed to the Lord’s House and can rejoice at the invitation. We are drawn to a heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). At the throne of Christ, the eternal Son of David, we find a place of peace. (Romans 5:1; 8:1) 1

Christ is our rest and our peace. Jesus has made this peace by His sacrifice for us. In every sense, Christ is the author, center, and substance of being at peace with God. During this Lenten journey focus on Christ and His gifts given to you.

Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are accuse by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2

[2] Collect for Saturday of Lent 4, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Friday, March 31, 2017

Friday of Lent 4

Friday of Lent 4, March 31, 2017 Psalm 122:6

Psalm 122:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you!

In Hebrew, the author uses a wordplay on the sounds of “shalom” meaning peace which forms the last part of “Jerusalem”

The Psalmist offers up a prayer, to the Lord who hears our every cry. “May they be secure who love you.” The answer to that prayer, is, of course, flipped. “Because I love you, you are secure.” In spite of who or what comes against you, God is for you. Paul would remind us in Romans, chapter eight, “If God is for us who can be against us?” Read these encouraging words. Paul offers three hopeful assurances: There is no opposition Romans 8:31-32. There is no condemnation Romans 8:33-34. There is no separation Romans 8:35-39. All these things come to us from the Lord who loves us. You are in the safe hands of Jesus who says, “Because I love you, you are mine, and you are secure.”

O God, you have given us the good news of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 1

[1] Collect for Friday of Lent 4, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Thursday of Lent 4

Thursday of Lent 4, March 30, 2017 Psalm 122:1-2

Psalm 122:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
Let Us Go to the House of the LORD
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

122 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!

From the time of David on, Jerusalem served as the center of worship and justice. Peace with God and peace between the people of Israel are both found in Jerusalem.

The word “glad” means, “to cause to rejoice.” David found overwhelming joy in going to the house of the Lord. The same should be true of us! We don’t worship at the tabernacle. We don’t gather at the temple. We gather at church. When we gather, it should make us glad. David says they are also going there to “give thanks unto the name of the Lord.” The ancient Jews made their way to the tabernacle and the temple at great personal cost and difficulty to offer their praises to the Lord. They believed He was worthy to be praised for His grace in their lives, so they paid the price, stood before His prescribed place and they praised His name.

David reminds us, “they said…Let us go” – The Jews saw their time at the tabernacle as a time when they could come together on common ground, for a common purpose. Petty disputes and family disagreements were put aside so they would worship the Lord together.

We could learn a lot from those ancient worshipers. Look around. Realize that we are all different. We come from different families, with different points of view, different backgrounds and even somewhat different belief systems. Yet we are reminded to gather together, to worship the Lord. Consider what unites us in our worship. What is our purpose for gathering? For what reason am I here?

Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 1

[1] Collect for Thursday of Lent 4, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm