Pr. DFD : 2020 Lenten Devotional "Sing to the Lord a new Song"

Showing posts with label 2020 Lenten Devotional "Sing to the Lord a new Song". Show all posts

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Easter Tuesday

Tuesday of Easter – April 14, 2020 – 1 Peter 1:8-9

[1]

O grant the consummation

Of this our song above

In endless adoration

And everlasting love;

Then shall we praise and bless Thee

Where perfect praises ring,

And evermore confess Thee,

Our Savior and our King! [2]

“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” -1 Peter 1:8-9

We are living in the time of now but not yet. We are earth bound mortals. Our destiny is glory with Jesus. Presently we cannot see Jesus yet soon and very soon, we shall see Him. We are destined to be with the Savior to live and dwell with Him eternally. You are loving Christ; you are believing in Christ; you are rejoicing in Christ with inexpressible joy; all of this is your even though you do not now see Him. It is yours because you live by faith.

Break in sunder, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the chains of our sins; that, taking upon us Thy light yoke and easy burden, we may serve Thee, with fear and reverence, all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, [3]

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the grate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; [4]
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1. Image: The New Jerusalem, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

Monday, April 13, 2020

Easter Monday

Monday of Easter – April 13, 2020 – John 6:38-40

[1]

Lord, when Your glory I shall see

And taste Your kingdom’s pleasure,

Your blood my royal robe shall be,

My joy beyond all measure!

When I appear before Your throne,

Your righteousness shall be my crown;

With these I need not hide me.

And there, in garments richly wrought,

As Your own bride shall we be brought

To stand in joy beside You. [2]

What are you hungry for? Jesus answers that question as He speaks to us this day. Are you hungry? “Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” V. 26

Some are hungry only for food that fills. In the case of the people in our verse for today it was the loaves and fish. They ate and were satisfied. Yet only for a season. This food will not satisfy – only Jesus can provide us with what we truly need. He gives us both physical and spiritual sustenance. True, we may sow the wheat, which makes the bread, but it is God who makes it grow and increase. Without Him we can do nothing. Without Him we have nothing. Yet with Him we have all we will ever need.

We rejoice in thee, O Lord everlasting, with gladness and exultation, beseeching Thee, that while the gates of our hearts are thrown open in Thy praise, they may also be flung wide to receive Thy mercy and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. [3]

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1. Image: The New Jerusalem , Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday– April 12 2002 – Acts 2:24

[1]

Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands

For our offenses given;

But now at God’s right hand He stands

And brings us life from heaven.

Therefore let us joyful be

And sing to God right thankfully

Loud songs of alleluia!

Alleluia! [2]

“God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” – Acts 2:24

During his Pentecost sermon, Peter preached Christ, crucified and risen for you. It was not possible for Jesus to be held captive by death. His death destroyed death. His live is given to you as an inheritance. God raised him up is the story of victory, your victory! Of all the days of the years this day, Easter Sunday the church proclaims Jesus’ victory and ours. We proclaim freedom for our champion Jesus is risen from the dead giving life to all who receive Him by faith. Weep no more. The gift of life is yours in Jesus Christ.

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 celebrate 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. [3]

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1. Image: The Resurrection of our Lord, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday – April 11,2020 – John 1:29

[1]

“Yes, Father, yes, most willingly

I’ll bear what You command Me.

My will conforms to Your decree,

I’ll do what You have asked Me.”

O wondrous Love, what have You done!

The Father offers up His Son,

Desiring our salvation.

O Love, how strong You are to save!

You lay the One into the grave

Who built the earth’s foundation. [2]

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29

John the Baptist’s call of warning and repentance, which St. Andrew heard and heeded. But John's fore-running task was chiefly to point his disciples to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

The Son's work is done. On Saturday His body lay in the tomb. Yet, on Easter the world was changed in an instant with the message, "Christ is risen! He is Risen indeed!"

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 [3]
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1. Image: Jesus is buried, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

3. Collect for Holy Saturday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Friday, April 10, 2020

Good Friday

G Friday – April 10, 2020 – – John 19:16

Make me see Thy great distress,

Anguish and affliction,

Bonds and stripes and wretchedness

And Thy crucifixion;

Make me see how scourge and rod,

Spear and nails, did wound thee,

How for man Thou diedst, O God,

Who with thorns had crowned Thee. [1]

Hanging on a cross - suspended between earth and heaven - the Son of man suffers – as no one has ever suffered – before or since. Stricken, smitten and afflicted see Him hanging on that tree – He hangs there - for you and for me.

We have come to the end of our series – Jesus I will ponder Now. Today we witness Jesus as He offers Himself as a sacrifice for the life of the world.

Here we see that great exchange God’s mercy and forgiveness purchased at the cross of His own Son! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

“No other child, no other Savior, Can ever help this sinful earth. Then take the Gift the Father sent. And spread the Story of His Birth.” That’s what our children said to us this past Christmas Eve. Good Friday assures us of a Merry Christmas! The birth of a baby means the death of a man – and that miserable death has saved 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]

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1. Jesus I will Ponder Now, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1941 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
2. Collect for Good Friday Lutheran Service Book © 20016 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Maundy Thursday

M Thursday – April 9, 2020 – - John 13:30

[1]

Christ through whom we now are blessed

knew no evil doing.

Him at night they did arrest

like a thief pursuing.

Led before the godless throng

falsely was convicted.

Laughed at, scoffed at, spat upon,

As the Word predicted. [2]

In his St. John Passion J. S. Bach paints for us a picture of the arrest of Jesus which will trigger a series of events. These events will bring about the greatest travesty of justice – yet, at the same time will usher in the greatest demonstration of the Father’s love and faithfulness; faithfulness to His promise, faithfulness to His fallen children. For us; to receive the Father’s pardon, the Son of Man would have to be arrested, tried, crucified and killed.

Following the Passover celebration Jesus’ disciples sang a hymn. As they departed from the upper room - it was night. Christ the sinless Son of God is about to suffer for the crimes and sins of men.

O Lord, I am in need of a Shepherd to seek and save me, for I am a straying sheep. You are the Good Shepherd who seeks and saves the lost. Save me, O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. [3a]

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.[3b]

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 [3c]

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1. Maundy Thursday, © Higher Things

2. Choral from Bach’s St. John Passion

3. Collects for Maundy Thursday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Wednesday of Holy Week

Wednesday of Holy Week – April 8, 2020 – Exodus 12:5

[1]

This Lamb is Christ, the soul’s great friend,

The Lamb of God, our Savior,

Whom God the Father chose to send

To gain for us His favor.

“Go forth, My Son,” the Father said,

“And free My children from their dread

Of guilt and condemnation.

The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,

But by Your passion they will share

The fruit of Your salvation.” [2]

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats.” – Exodus 12:5

The requirements for selecting a sheep for Passover meal are spelled out in Exodus 15. These words point to Christ who was without defect. Peter would remind us that Jesus was like “a lamb without blemish or defect.” See 1 Peter 1:19

Show the light of Thy Countenance upon us, O Lord, and pour Thy blessing abundantly into our breasts; that our hearts, be shown with the gladness of Thy light, may know Thy way upon earth, and be glad in the full knowledge of the holy faith among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. [3]

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 [4]

Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [5]

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1. “The Lamb which was slain” © Google Images

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday of Holy Week – April 7, 2020 – Isaiah 53:1-2

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,

The guilt of sinners bearing

And, laden with the sins of earth,

None else the burden sharing;

Goes patient on, grows weak and faint,

To slaughter led without complaint,

That spotless life to offer,

He bears the stripes, the wounds, the lies,

The mockery, and yet replies,

“All this I gladly suffer.” [2]

“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” –Isaiah 53:1-2

Isaiah predicted the Messiah would grow from the stump of Jesse. His beginning would be humble. Jesus had nothing of the bearing or trappings of royalty yet He remains the King and Lord of all who would lay down his life for you.

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.[3]

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. [3]

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 [3]

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s passion that we may obtain the forgiveness 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. [4]

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1. “The Lamb which was slain” © Google Images,

3. Collects for Tuesday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Monday, April 6, 2020

Monday of Holy Week

Monday of Holy Week – April 6, 20120 – John 12:32

[1]

Drawn to the cross, which Thou hast blessed

With healing gifts for souls distressed,

To find in Thee my life, my rest,

Christ crucified, I come. [2]

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”—John 12:32

By these words Jesus indicates what sort of death He would suffer. The cross was the supreme exaltation of Jesus. By His death and glorious resurrection, Christ will draw all men to himself without regard for nationality ethnic affiliation or status. It is significant that listening to these words of the Savior were Greek Gentiles present on this occasion to hear these wonderful words.

The cross was the Father’s judgment on the world. The cross would appear to be the Devil’s triumph yet in truth if was his demise and defeat. From the cross flows the greatest news the world would ever hear that salvation awaits all who trust in Christ.

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 than 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 [3]

Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weaknesses we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]

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1. Image, Good Friday, © Higher Things

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

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday – April 5, 2012 – John 12:12-15

[1]

You are the King of Israel

And David’s royal Son,

Now in the Lord’s name coming,

Our King and Blessèd One. Refrain

All glory, laud, and honor

To You, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children

Made sweet hosannas ring. [2]

Jesus sent two disciples to bring Him a colt upon which He could ride into Jerusalem. This is probably the humblest animal available. To this day, we use “ass” or “Jackass” to heap scorn on people. You may consider yourself an ass and thus feel unworthy of being a servant of Christ. Though you may consider yourself of little value ponder these realities. You are needed (verse 31) and you can carry Jesus to others (verse 35).

Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen [3]

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 [4]

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1. Image: Palm Sunday, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

4. Collect for Palm Sunday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Saturday of Lent 5

Saturday of Lent 5 – April 4, 2020 – Matthew 16:24

[1]

Let us ever walk with Jesus,

Follow His example pure,

Through a world that would deceive us

And to sin our spirits lure.

Onward in His footsteps treading,

Pilgrims here, our home above,

Full of faith and hope and love,

Let us do the Father’s bidding.

Faithful Lord, with me abide;

I shall follow where You guide. [2]

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24

By faith, we share the cross and glory of Jesus. We share the same attitude toward this life that Christ had. It’s illustrated in a paradox (see John 12:25) He who loves life will lose it. He who hates life will keep it to eternal life. This life is lost in Christ, lost as far as the world is concerned. It is won for eternal life with God.

The Father sent His Son to be the true Israel, the Suffering Servant and Redeemer of the world. For Jesus the way to fulfilled purpose and glory was the way of the cross and the empty tomb. The way of the cross and self-denial for those who would follow Him in faith was a difficult thing to do.

By faith we take up our cross and follow Him.

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 [3]

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1. Baptism, © Higher Things

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

Friday, April 3, 2020

Friday of Lent 5

Friday of Lent 5 –April 3, 2020 – 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

[1]

Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious!

Thanks to Thee, O Lord of Life!

Death hath now no power o’er us,

Thou hast conquered in the strife.

Thanks because Thou didst arise

And hast opened paradise!

None can fully sing the glory

Of the resurrection story. [2]

Christ’s Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised

“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:26) Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55, 57)

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 [3]

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1. Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

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

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Thursday of Lent 5

Thursday of Lent 5 –April 2, 2020 –

[1]

If Christ had not been raised from death

Our faith would be in vain,

Our preaching but a waste of breath,

Our sin and guilt remain.

But now the Lord is ris’n indeed;

He rules in earth and heav’n:

His Gospel meets a world of need—

In Christ we are forgiv’n. [2]

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” -1 Corinthians 15:17

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The resurrection Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith.

The predictions of Christ Himself. “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” The evidence of Christ’s resurrection is overwhelming. Faith rejoices in this.

Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [3]

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, forever and ever. Amen [4]

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1. Image: The Resurrection of our Lord, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

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

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Wednesday of Lent 5

Wednesday of Lent 5 –April 1, 2020 – John 19:31-37

[1]

Help, O Christ, Thou God’s own Son,

Through Thy bittern anguish.

That our wills with Thine be one,

Zeal for evil vanquish.

On Thy death and its true cause

Contrite thoughts will render,

And Though weak and full of flaws,

Thee our thanks will tender. [2]

God’s good and gracious will is done among us by Himself – not us! Specifically, when He breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His Kingdom come. Those forces we contend with are the will of the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh.

God’s good and gracious will is to strengthen and preserve us steadfast. Keeping us faithful to His Word and faith unto our end. “Fear not, little flock, for it is Your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”-Luke 12:32

Keep us, O Lord, from one generation to another, and let not us, who have clung to Thy foundation, be carried away with this present world, but arise to be our Comforter in trouble, and by the bestowal of joy wipe away our sorrows; [3]

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 [4]

Lord Jesus Christ, You released many from their bondage to sin, death, and the devil as healer of the nations. But when it came time to release You, the crowd chose a murderer instead. Through our co-crucifixion with You in the waters of our Baptism, may be continually be released from our sins as we confess You to be our everlasting King; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [5]

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2. Choral from Bach’s St. John Passion

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

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Tuesday of Lent 5

Tuesday of Lent 5 –March 31, 2019 – Luke 7:11-17

[1]

O Christ, who shared our mortal life

And ended death’s long reign,

Who healed the sick and raised the dead

And bore our grief and pain:

We know our years on earth are few,

That death is always near.

Come now to us, O Lord of Life;

Bring hope that conquers fear! [2]

When Jesus raised the widow’s son at Nain, He anticipated His own resurrection. Just as “he came up and touched the bier” (Luke 7:14), so He takes our sin and death upon Himself in order to atone for our sin and destroy our death by His cross and Passion.

This is the deepest, most heartfelt expression of pity and compassion. Only Jesus can say this, only Jesus can have this compassion. - His stomach aches for those He loves.

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 [3]

Lord Jesus Christ, the temple of Your body was destroyed on the cross and three days later raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of the Father. Visit us now with this same body, that we may not deny that we know You, but in faith hear in our ears Your life-giving voice and receive on our lips Your very body and blood to strengthen us in times of temptation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]

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

Monday, March 30, 2020

Monday of Lent 5

Monday of Lent 5 –March 30, 2020 – John 4:14

[1]

Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise.

While the hope of endless glory

Fills my heart with joy and love,

Teach me ever to adore Thee;

May I still Thy goodness prove. [2]

“But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our sin, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up to sit in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:4-5

Rich in mercy! God’s mercy is rich. While we “were dead in the trespasses and sins” in which we once lived (Ephesians 2:1), God loved us, calling us to repentance and raising us up with Christ to live “with him in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 2:4–6)

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 Your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]

Lord Jesus Christ, in the Garden of Gethsemane You suffered the agony of drinking from the cup of Your Father's wrath against our sin, being betrayed by a kiss from one of Your own. Give us strength to remain awake as we now wait and watch for Your coming again, knowing that the Father's wrath against us has been satisfied by Your bloody death and vindicating resurrection; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [4]

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1. Luther’s Seal, © Higher Things
2. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
3. Collect for Monday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
4. Collect for Monday of Lent 5, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Fifth Sunday in Lent –March 29, 2020 –Romans 5:6

My song is love unknown,

My Savior’s love to me,

Love to the loveless shown

That they might lovely be.

Oh, who am I

That for my sake

My Lord should take

Frail flesh and die? [2]

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6

God’s glory was the dominating purpose of Christ’s life. The time for glory was there for Jesus. (See John 12:23) The life of Jesus was arranged so that He could reveal the glory of the Father by word and deed and then seal that glory by His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus prayed for this and received an immediate answer. (John 12:28)

Comfort Thy people, O Lord, and deliver us from the evil captivity of sin, that what we sow here in tears, we may reap in joy through Thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. [3]

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 [4]

Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [5]

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4. Collect for the 5th Sunday in Lent, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Saturday of Lent 4

Saturday of Lent 4 – March 28, 2020–2 Corinthians 4:4-6

1 I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain

Refrain: In Him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path,
And show me the way to the Father. Refrain

3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain [1]

We often think of Jesus as our light. John begins his Gospel with “the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9). In the Nicene Creed, we confess Jesus as “Light from Light.” In the celebration of the Easter Vigil, the service opens by lighting a paschal candle from new fire and acclaiming "the light of Christ." Jesus is that light. The light of God. The light of life.

Lord Jesus Christ, Your body was anointed with holy oil by the woman at the house of Simon the leper to prepare it for burial. May Your Church continue to take care of Your Body as she feeds Your people the holy food of Your very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]

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Friday, March 27, 2020

Friday of Lent 4

Friday of Lent 4 – March 27,2020 – Ephesians 2:1, 4-9

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind but now I see! [2]

The writer of the hymn, Amazing Grace praises God for His mercy. It’s the acknowledgment how He saved a wretched sinner. We each stand before God blind and lost to sin, until God finds us and gives us sight.

Grace is an undeserved favor or gift. Grace is God’s riches given at Christ’s expense. Grace is the undeserved forgiveness, kindness and mercy that God gives us in the person of Jesus Christ. Grace is not a license to do evil. Rather, grace is an escape route. Grace is God establishing us to be His very own.

Rejoice and be glad. Your status before God is a testimony of your heavenly Father’s mercy and grace.

Merciful Father, may the penance of our Lenten observance make us you obedient people., May the love within us be seen in what we do and lead us to the joy of Easter. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Thursday of Lent 4

Thursday of Lent 4 –March 26, 2020 – Galatians 6:14

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride. [1]

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14

The reason Jesus died on the cross was to atone for the sins of the world. Ever since that fateful day in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, all of creation was headed for eternal destruction. (Genesis 3) It was God’s gracious plan of salvation that stopped us from paying the penalty of death. (John 3:16) In an act of pure selflessness and love, Jesus bore the brunt of our sins, endured the suffering we deserved, and took our place on the cross. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are given the gift of eternity. I do nothing to earn my salvation. Christ paid the ultimate price. (1 Peter 1:18-21) The commodity of faith is received as a gift.

Jesus stands as both Savior and Redeemer, offering forgiveness and life. Knowing all that Christ has done we now “live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.” (See Luther’s Small Catechism, explanation to the 2nd Article of the Apostles Creed)

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 [2]

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