SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
NEWS: We’ve arrived at Maundy Thursday. Maundy is the shortened version of the Latin word,”mandatum,” (command.) See John 13:34 Our service starts at 7 PM and here is more on how we commemorate this Holy day:
“Stripping of the altar
After the Eucharist is celebrated it is customary to “strip the altar,” which symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and the stripping of Jesus by the soldiers before his crucifixion. It represents the humiliation of Jesus and the consequences of sin as a preparation for the celebration of new life. In many congregations Psalm 22 is read or sung while the paraments are being removed.” SOURCE: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2013/04/three-days-traditions-maundy-thursday-good-friday-vigil-easter/
PRAYERS: Today we lift up he Neemia family in prayer: Fale,Mike, Easter, Penny, Josephine and Jeremiah.
READINGS: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; John 13:1-17, 31-35
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“CLOSENESS”
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29)
Think back to a time when you had to say goodbye to someone you loved—especially if you were going into danger. How did you say goodbye? Did you embrace? Did you cry? Did you give your loved one a picture or some small keepsake to take with them?
Jesus wanted to stay close to the disciples He was leaving. But He did far better than we do—He gave us Himself in His own body and blood.
Jesus’ gift brings with it so many other wonderful things—forgiveness, life, a stronger faith. And yet, the thing I long for most of all in times of trouble is just this: Jesus’ own real presence, given to us through bread and wine, body and blood. It’s one of the best comforts we have, as we wait for the One who died and rose for us—and who promises to return to bring us where He is, so we will never be separated again.
WE PRAY: Lord, draw me closer and closer to You through the gift of Your body and blood. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What are some specific ways you stay close to the people you love?
* What gifts besides Communion has Jesus given to us to keep us close to Him?
* At this time, what do you focus on most when you think about Communion?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Joshua 1-3 Luke 9:1-17
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
