SVLC DEVOTION WEEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: Thursday evening Bible study is tomorrow! It’s at Kay Berni’s home and the title is, “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado. It goes from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. For more information email Kay, kberni@aol.com  Kay’s address is 1536 Peacock Blvd, Oceanside. You can also call Kay at 760.536.3819 

 PRAYERS: Today we remember the Jerome family in our prayers: Denae, Chris and Evelyn. In our Summer of Prayer series, we p-ray nfor the unborn children in Oceanside, that they would be chose, respected and exhulted. We also lift up crises pregnancy centers that offer alternatives to Planned Parenthood.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 37:11-38:6; Psalm 18:1-30; Acts 22:22-29

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“Help When You Can’t Pray” July 19, 2023

 

Romans 8:18, 22-24a, 26-27 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. … For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. … Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Do you ever have times when you just don’t know how to pray? Maybe it’s a terrible, complicated situation, and you honestly can’t figure out what would be the best thing to happen, and what you want to ask God for. Only God is wise enough to figure this mess out! Or maybe you can see perfectly what you want to pray for—but you are worn down, exhausted, grieving or terrified, and you can barely open your mouth to shape the words. You cannot sleep, you cannot eat, and you are certainly not up to the task of asking for anything. Maybe you get out a few words. Maybe you just groan. Paul comforts us at these times. He tells us that God the Trinity helps us even when we have no strength to pray and no wisdom to know what to ask for. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. He prays on our behalf, even if we can’t pray at all. What a relief! What a joy to simply hand the burden, whatever it is, over to the Holy Spirit and say, “Please, You pray about this, because I can’t.” I can say that and then go to sleep, because I know His prayer is perfect, and will be exactly in accord with the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit makes no mistakes, and whatever He asks for will be the right thing. And the Father will hear Him—and us!—for Jesus’ sake. I’m so glad we have a God who helps us with even the most basic things, like talking to Him! No matter how weak we are, He is there to help us. And no surprise, for this is the One who lay down His very life to rescue us from the power of evil—and who rose from the dead to give us life that will last forever. Trust Him. WE PRAY: Dear God, thank You for helping me in my weakest times. Amen. This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Reflection Questions: 1. When have you felt unable to pray? 2. Have you ever asked the Spirit directly to help you by praying for you? 3. When have you seen or felt God helping you in your great weakness?

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: 2 Kings 22-23; Galatians 6

 

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 hour  s: 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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org