SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, ST. PATRICKS DAY
NEWS: Thank you to all whom brought food and attended our Lenten potluck last night. Thank you to Pastor Joel too, for leading our worship and for his message. Our church is truly blessed!
There is a very interesting story behind St. Patrick. Some of the legends we have seen in the past, leading snakes out of Ireland for example, are not true. Ireland doesn’t have snakes to a great extent. After he turned his life over to the Lord, he accomplished great things in his life. Here is the link to a story published in The Lutheran Witness magazine a number of years ago that tells more of the story, for those who are interested: https://witness.lcms.org/2011/in-search-of-st-patrick-3-2011/
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Terrill’s: Amy, Abby, Lot and Asha. We add Margaret Paton’s friend Judy to the list with both a broken arm and leg. Also, Margaret’s nephew Johnny, who has been moved to a rehab facility after having a below knee amputation.
READINGS: Psalm 28; Psalm 32; Genesis 24:1-31; Mark 7:24-37
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM”
And taking the twelve, He said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise.” But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. (Luke 18:31-34)
It’s clear that Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him in Jerusalem. He didn’t just know He was going to die—He knew all the horrible details of it. I can’t imagine what it must have been like—to still walk forward, heading willingly straight for the cross.
Why do such a thing? The author of Hebrews gives us a clue when he writes that Jesus, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2b).
What was that joy Jesus saw ahead of Him? It was you. It was me. It was all of us, all humanity, set free from slavery to evil and let loose into the glorious freedom of the children of God. That would be the fruit of His cross.
“And on the third day He will rise,” Jesus said, speaking of Himself. He knew that it wasn’t just death coming to Him—it was resurrection and everlasting life. That was the gift that He would share with every one of us who trusts in Him. That would be His great joy.
THE PRAYER: Lord, thank You for loving me so much. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Jesus finds joy in you. Who do you find joy in?
* When have you willingly suffered because you knew it would bring about a particular joy?
* Name a tiny way you return the love Jesus shows you.
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 17-19 Mark 15:1-25
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about your day joyfully!
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
You can now go to bed quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
