SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022
NEWS: Our COOKIE EXCHANGE/CHRISTMAS PARTY starts at 2 PM tomorrow! It’s for big kids and younger kids alike. All we ask is that, if you can, please bring four dozen home baked or store-bought cookies (or a combination of those). We’ll serve cider and show a family Christmas movie, “The Star.” All are invited to join in the fun, fellowship, good eating and good time!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Diane Finley. Diane asks prayers for her health as her energy level has been lower recently.
READINGS: Psalm 119:105-112; Psalm 82; Isaiah 8:9-9:7; 1 Peter 4:1-19
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“DOUBLE-TAKE”
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. … And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, … to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Luke 1:13-15a, 16a, 17b)
“Don’t be afraid, because your prayer has been heard!” I can’t help wondering if Zechariah’s first automatic reaction was “Oh dear, do I really want this after all?” Because that can happen, can’t it? You pray so long for something that it becomes a habit, and when God suddenly says yes, you do a double-take and wonder if you really want to raise a baby in old age.
Praise be to God! He knows we have those moments and He doesn’t hold them against us. The angel goes right on with the message while Zechariah gets his brain in gear, and by nine months later, heart and soul and mind have all caught up together and Zechariah rejoices: “”Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!” (Luke 1:68a)
Are you experiencing a blessing that has its scary side? If so, you can trust in God to carry you through it, second thoughts and all. Jesus came into the world to save all of us—the enthusiastic and reluctant alike. His desire for you carried Him through suffering, death, and resurrection—and He will bring you home to Him.
WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for being patient with me! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When have you suddenly got what you wanted and then had second thoughts?
* What was one downside to a major blessing in your life?
* How does God’s patience lead to your blessing?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezekiel 42-44 1 John 1
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:
Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/
Below is our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
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 Friday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
