SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023
I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1
NEWS: It’s the Fourth Sunday of Lent as we return to the Lord’s house today. Bible study begins at 9 AM and Pastor Joel is leading us as we look at the book of Genesis. At 10 AM Pastor Joel conducts our worship service and the title of his sermon is, “Cultural Outcast.” It’s based on our Gospel reading for the day, John 9:1-41 The Old Testament lesson is Isaiah 42:14-21 and our second reading is taken from Ephesians 5:8-14 When our celebration of the Lord’s Supper is finished and our service closes, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then, fellowship continues at The Pit Stop Diner, on Mission Ave. and El Camino Real. Enter off of Mission Ave.
We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:
Techies: Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward
Reader: Keith Neblett
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Victor Dille, Keith Neblett
Flowers: The Neemia family
Fellowship: The Neemia family
Communion Assistant: Rick Adams
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Kay Berni.
COLLECT OF THE DAY: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, your mercies are new every morning, and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 5:2-14; Psalm 73; Luke 5:27-39
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“STRENGTH”
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered Him, “Though they all fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You!” And all the disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:31-35)
It’s easy to think we are stronger than we really are. I’m sure Peter thought he was telling the absolute truth and would never desert Jesus, no matter what. But when real danger came, he lost his nerve. They all scattered and ran.
It’s a good reminder to me not to rely on myself. If Peter and the rest of them could spend three years with Jesus, only to fall apart under pressure, what help is there for me? None—except Jesus Himself. He is our strength and our help.
“Apart from Me you can do nothing,” Jesus says (John 15:5b). Our natural state is weakness. But through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus has joined all of us who believe to Himself as part of His body. Now His strength, His courage, and His wisdom are there for us when we need them. Let’s ask.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, live in me and through me when I am in trouble. Really, all the time! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name one situation you deal with that requires courage.
* How do you find courage when you are in trouble?
* How does Jesus’ humanity affect Him when it comes to fear and courage?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 23-25 Mark 16
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 you 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.”
Now you can 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 Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
