SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: It was another Sunday filled with blessings in God’s house yesterday. Forty one people attended in person for worship with more joining us online. Many came for the Sunday Bible study as well. Thank you to all who served in aiding our worship experience. Thank you also to Pastor Joel for his leading Bible study and worship and for his awesome, timely message.
Coming up Wednesdayi t’s our fifth midweek Lenten service. Our church will open at 5:30 PM for prayer time in our sanctuary. At 6 PM we have a Potluck meal for all in the Community building. At 7 we are in our sanctuary for our service and to hear Pastor Joel c ontinue his sermon series on the book of Jonah.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for the Cerny family: Amanda, Josh, William and Daniel. They request prayers for Allen and Debbie as they travel through the end of the month. Kay Berni requests prayers for her grandson Kent who is still dealing with intestinal issues but has a more astute doctor now. We also pray for Kay, who is dealing with thyroid issues.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 6:1-11; Psalm 74; Luke 6:1-11
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“THE COMFORT OF FRIENDS”
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. (Matthew 26:36-37)
Jesus took three friends with Him when He was waiting for His arrest: Peter, James, and John. He asked them to pray with Him. And He went a little further—but not too far—to do His own praying. It’s a pity they let Him down. They kept falling asleep. And Jesus had to face His sadness and fear alone.
Still, in spite of their behavior, it’s a good example for us, isn’t it? If Jesus felt He needed friends with Him, how much more do we? When we are in trouble, we can turn to other Christians to pray for us. They can spend time with us, so we don’t feel so alone.
This is in a way what Jesus Himself did for us. When we rebelled against God and became subject to the power of sin and death, He didn’t desert us. He came to be with us. He went so far as to be born as one of us, to live and to suffer and to die—and rise again!—so that we could be with Him forever.
Could there be a better friend?
WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, You are my comfort. Use me to strengthen others. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When did a friend strengthen and comfort you?
* At what times do you lean the hardest on your friends? Give an example.
* Why is “friend” a good name for Jesus? Give as many specific reasons as you can.
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 26-27 Luke 1:1-20
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
