SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2023
Alleluia. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Alleluia. (Romans 6:9) Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures? Alleluia. (Luke 24:32)
NEWS: It’s the Third Sunday of Easter and we’ll begin our day in the Lord’s house with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is leading us in a study of Genesis. The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon in our 10 AM worship is, “Necessity, Suffering and Glory.” The sermon text comes from Luke 24:13-35 The first reading is Acts 2:14, 36-41 and our second lesson is taken from 1 Peter 1:17-25 After we have celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then come over to Carl Jr. on Douglas Dr. to continue fellowship with others. Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:
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: Bruce Woodward, OPEN
Reader: Allen Kolkman
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Terry Reilly
Ushers: Victor Dille, OPEN
Flowers: The Neemia family
Fellowship: Terry & Alba Reilly
PRAYERS: Today we lift up Melissa and David Carlisle, our newest members, in prayer.
COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
READINGS: Acts 3:11-21; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-49
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow”
“Who are you who walk in sorrow down Emmaus’ barren road, Hearts distraught and hope defeated, bent beneath grief’s crushing load? Nameless mourners, we will join you, we who also mourn our dead; We have stood by graves unyielding, eaten death’s bare, bitter bread.
“Who are You? Our hearts are opened in the breaking of the bread—Christ the victim, now the Victor living, risen from the dead! Great Companion on our journey, still surprise us with Your grace! Make each day a new Emmaus; on our hearts Your image trace!”
On the first Easter day, two of Jesus’ followers started walking to the village of Emmaus. Perhaps they had business there or maybe they wanted to put some distance between themselves and recent troubling events in Jerusalem. They walked along the road in sorrow with “hearts distraught and hope defeated.” Jesus the Messiah was dead, or so they thought, and they “had hoped that He was the One to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21a).
As the two disciples continued on their journey, a stranger joined them and asked about their sorrowful conversation. The unknown traveler then provided a lesson from the Scriptures about the death—and resurrection!—of the Messiah. The stranger asked, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26). He explained the prophecies that pointed to the Messiah and His saving work. Suddenly, it all made sense: the cross, the grief, and the triumph. As the hearts and minds of the two disciples were opened to understand the Scriptures, in the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened to recognize the risen Lord.
At some point in our lives, we will walk along our own Emmaus roads. As our hymn reminds us, we will stand “by graves unyielding,” our own or of those we love. We may lose hope and see the future shattered by grief and loss. Yet even though we may not realize that He is present, our risen Savior walks beside us, our “great Companion on our journey.” He opens our hearts and minds to understand the Scriptures as He reveals His triumph over death and the gift of eternal life in His presence. Those graves are not unyielding after all, and we too will rise!
In the breaking of bread in His Holy Supper, we recognize Jesus’ presence with us as we receive His body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. The Emmaus roads on which we may travel do not have to be lonely and frightening. In fact, we pray in our hymn that our Lord would “make each day a new Emmaus” because He is walking right beside us. Where else would we want to be?
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, walk with me every day on my Emmaus road. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, “Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow,” which is number 476 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Reflection Questions:
1. With their hopes dashed by Jesus’ death, what might the two disciples have been talking about?
2. What did the two disciples apparently not grasp about Jesus’ mission prior to His crucifixion?
3. Why is Holy Communion so important as a way to strengthen our faith?
Today’s Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 1-3 Luke 17:20-37
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
