SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? Psalm 77:13
NEWS: For those interested in digging deeper into our Lutheran Theology, here is an article from the website steadfastlutherans.org It talks, in depth about the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) that we sing before we commune. Here is the direct link: https://steadfastlutherans.org/2023/02/vicarious-satisfaction-in-liturgy-agnus-dei-lamb-of-god/
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Theodora Elias. She requests prayers for her son, that he may be strengthened in his walk with the Lord. She also requests prayers for her health, especially the back issues she is dealing with.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 7:1-10; Psalm 77; Luke 6:37-49
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“SEEING CLEARLY”
At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled. (Matthew 26:55-56)
Mob scenes are not places where you find a lot of logic. But here we see Jesus trying to get His arresters to think—just for a moment. Why? He knew He wasn’t going to escape. No common sense would save Him now.
But thinking clearly just might save some of the people attacking Him. Oh, probably not in the moment—but Jesus’ words might come back to them in the middle of some sleepless night. And they would wonder: “Why did we go out there armed to the teeth? Did my leaders lie to me?”
That tiny crack of doubt might let in some light. It might even, through the work of the Holy Spirit, let in repentance—and the dawning of faith in Jesus their Savior.
Most of us have been lied to before. Most of us know what it’s like to fall into sin because we’re confused or befuddled or because someone has stoked our emotions so high that our brains aren’t working anymore. And then we can do terrible things.
But in Jesus, there is forgiveness for us, destroying the darkness and taking away our guilt. When we trust in the One who laid down His life for us, we are free—free to see the truth and to love the Lord who is Truth eternal.
WE PRAY: Lord, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Be all those things for me, too. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When do you do your best thinking?
* When do you do your worst? Why?
* When has the Lord led you to a new and better understanding of a situation in your life?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Numbers 34-36 Luke 1:57-80
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
