SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION\
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022
NEWS: It was a beautiful day in Gods house yesterday! We had 38 who worshipped in person with more online. Thank you to all who signed up to serve our congregation and thank you to Pastor Joel for teaching our Bible study and leading our service!
Tomorrow evening the Tuesday Bible study is in session at the home of Debbie and Allen Kolkman. It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM. A short devotion is said, followed by the study and then fellowship time with coffee and goodies. All are invited to attend.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Gunti and Barb Galleisky.
READINGS: Psalm 4; Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 2 Peter 2:1-22
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“CALLED TO DO A JOB”
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:26-29)
What was Mary doing when the angel came? Old paintings show her reading or praying. But it might have been humbler than that. She might have been cooking or sweeping the floor. Feeding the chickens, fetching water …
And now God has another job for her—she will be mother to the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus our Savior.
The angel says it right: “You are the favored one, and the Lord is with you!” But Mary’s mind is still with the chickens, the broom, the water. What is this greeting? What does God want from her, humble as she is?
It is not a mistake. God knew what He was doing when He chose Mary, and He made her able to do the work He called her to do. God knew what He was doing when He called you to be His dear child—to trust in His Son Jesus, your Savior, to be forgiven and made new and clean. He has work for you, too. He will carry you through it, however great or small.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, show me what You want me to do—and give me the Holy Spirit’s help to do it. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why do you think God chose Mary and not, say, a princess or scholar?
* What responsibilities has God given you in your life?
* Tell a story about a time God helped you with a job that seemed too high, hard, or strange for you.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Ezra 1-2 1 John 4
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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
