SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
NEWS: Tomorrow is the day we meet up in God’s house again! We start with our Sunday Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading a study in the miracles of Jesus and what they mean in our lives. Our worship service follows at 10. Pastor Joel’s sermon is based on Luke 13:1-9 and is entitled, “Be Slow to Judge and Quick to Turn to Jesus.” After the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and close of the service, we have our fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then, for those hungry for lunch, we invite you to meet up at Carl’s Jr. on Douglas Dr., between Arco and CVS. Also serving our Lord and our congregation on Sunday:
Fellowship: Darryl Finley
Flowers: The Reillys
Techies: Bruce Woodward
Acolyte: Open
Greeter: Kathy Andrews
Ushers: Victor Dille, Bill Sperberg
Reader: Allen Kolkman
Communion Assistant: Allen Latall
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Tim Zuverink. Prayers are requested for the people of the Ukraine, for the deep needs and safety of the population. We also pray for Tom Morofski’s neighbor Nerieda, at the passing of her husband. Also, for the son, daughters, and grandchildren.
READINGS: Psalm 2; Psalm 51; Genesis 27:1-29; Mark 8:22-38
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries\
“CLEANING TIME”
And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” And He was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy Him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on His words. (Luke 19:45-48)
Over the years, the priests had allowed a market to grow up in the temple court, the space reserved for non-Jews who wanted to pray to the God of Israel. People could change money there and buy animals for offering. Because of the constant racket, it would be difficult for anybody to concentrate on praying—not that the leaders cared much about the foreigners!
During this last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus put a stop to that. No more traders in the house of the Lord! (see Zechariah 14:21) No more cheating, no more greed, and no more distractions from prayer and worship. Instead, Jesus Himself would teach there. It would be a place of joy, prayer, and worship.
What about your own heart? That is the temple of God as well. Is there anything going on in there that is stopping you from worship, prayer, and learning about God? Is there anything Jesus needs to clean out—greed, corruption, or even simple distraction—so you can become a place for Him to do what He wants in that space?
If so, Jesus will gladly do it, and He will not blame you or reject you. It’s what He gave His life for, after all—so that you, even you, could be the cherished home of God Himself.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, cleanse me and make me wholly Yours. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What kind of environment is the best for you to pray and learn?
* Where do you find such a place?
* Since you are God’s home, what would you like to do to welcome Him this week?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 23-25 Mark 16
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.
THER 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
