SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Weekly Church Newsletter that Allen Kolkman sent out last evening by email.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Kyle Ross. We also pray for Margie as she is experiencing severe pain.
READINGS: Psalm 115:1-8, 11; Psalm 125; Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“TOGETHER”
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. (Matthew 1:24-25a)
It must have been an uncomfortable time for Mary—the days after she left Elizabeth, but before she went to live with Joseph. Who did she have to confide in? Was there anyone who believed her—a parent, a sister or brother, a friend? Was there shouting and crying—or cold silence?
We don’t know. But we do know that God spoke to Joseph, and soon afterward, Mary had someone on her side again. Someone who believed her; someone who understood. Joseph would be there for her as she dealt with whatever uproar there might have been among their friends and family, and coped with the later months of pregnancy, too.
God knows we need other people; He could have made Mary do it all on her own, but did not. Even Jesus did not do it all on His own—He chose twelve apostles, and had many, many more who loved and followed Him—including you. And you, who do you have? Maybe a spouse or a child or a friend or a neighbor. Hopefully the church. And above all, Jesus Himself—who has promised He will always be with you, and never leave you alone. He is the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you (see Galatians 2:20), and He intends you to be with Him forever. You are His beloved, and He is yours (see Song of Solomon 6:3).
WE PRAY: When I am lonely, Lord Jesus, help me to lean on You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* How do you cope with loneliness?
* How could the church do better at helping people who feel alone?
* How does the Lord support you when you are feeling alone?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Esther 6-8 Revelation 13
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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
