SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Our second midweek Lenten service took place last night. Thank you to those who joined us for prayer time at 5:30, those who participated in and helped with our Potluck meal and those who served as well as participated in our service. Thanks to Pastor Joel form leading us. We had 24 who joined us in person and more online.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for the Neemia family: Mike, Fale, Easter, Penny, Josephine (Jo Jo) and Jeremiah.
READINGS: Isaiah 66:7-24; Psalm 56; Galatians 6:6-18
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“ON THE EDGE”
Many followed Him, and He healed them all … This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved with whom My soul is well pleased. I will put My Spirit upon Him … He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets; a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench … and in His Name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:15b , 17a, 18a, 20a, 21)
Have you ever seen a candle about to go out? A thin long trail of smoke rises, and there is almost no orange left. In a minute it will be out.
Or think of a reed, once someone has stepped on it and crushed it. “Well, that plant isn’t coming back,” we say. “Might as well get rid of it.”
There are people like this too—people who are so harmed, so battered by the circumstances of their lives, that we are tempted to give up on them. “After surviving that hell, he’ll never find love or friendship.” “I could never live like those people.” “Sick as she is, it would be better if God just took her home.”
But God doesn’t think so. Jesus doesn’t think so. And in Isaiah’s prophecy, God makes this gentle, long-suffering compassion a hallmark of the Messiah. Nobody is too far gone for Him. Nobody is past His mercy, His love, His attention. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done. Jesus is here for you. His arms are waiting for you—those arms He once stretched out on a cross, for you.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, help me to see and believe in Your love. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name a tiny act of care someone did for you that meant everything to you.
* What is one small way you remember God cares about you?
* Who can you show love to today?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Leviticus 14 Mark 8:1-21
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
