SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10 ESV
NEWS: This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It begins Holy Week and the march toward Calvary. We have our service at our regular time, 10 AM. Next Thursday, Maundy Thursday we have a service at 7 PM, including the Lord’s Supper. Then we have our solemn Good Friday servi9ce at 7 PM. Note that there are NO Potluck meals until Easter Sunday.
PRAYERS: Today we lift up Debbie and Allen Kolkman in prayer.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles -14, 15; Psalm 84; Luke 8:40-56
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“WEAKNESS”
As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry His cross. (Matthew 27:32)
I wonder what it was like for Jesus, watching another man carry His cross. That’s a bit of a reverse, isn’t it? We’re so used to Him carrying our cross—along with all our sins, guilt, and shame. But on the day He died, someone else had to help Him. And He was okay with that.
A lot of people have trouble with that—accepting help, I mean. They see it as a sign of weakness. But Jesus Himself was not afraid to let His weakness show. Through His weakness He saved us all. His death for us gave us life forever. How much weaker could He get than to die?
I am glad we have a God who knows weakness, who has experienced it for Himself. Because that means that when I am weak, I can be sure He understands what I’m going through all the way to the bottom. He knows the fear and shame it causes me; and He is there to hold on to me while I’m feeling it. And if Jesus Himself can allow others to help Him and feel no shame, then maybe—just maybe—I can learn to do that, too.
WE PRAY: Lord, You know my weakness. Help me to bear it just as You bore Yours for love of me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why do people hate to appear weak? Give as many reasons as you can.
* Why do you think having someone else carry Jesus’ cross was part of God’s eternal plan?
* How do you think Simon of Cyrene felt about that episode years in the future?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 20-22 Luke 6:1-26
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 Friday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
