SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
SUNDAY, MARCH 27,
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord!
NEWS: We gather in God’s house again this beautiful morning, before the forecast beneficial rains on Monday and Tuesday (thank the Lord!) Our Sunday Bible study is at 9 AM and Pastor Joel continues to lead our study on the miracles of Jesus and what they mean to our lives. At 10 AM, in our worship service, pastor will talk about the Prodigal Son. His sermon, entitled, “Radical Grace,” is based on Luke 15:11-22 Afterwards we have our fellowship time with coffee and goodies (its always enjoyable!) Then, we can’t leave out lunch: please meet up with us the Pit Stop. It’s at Mission and El Camino Real. Access it off of Mission: turn in by where the library and police headquarters are. Also serving our Lord and congregation today are:
Fellowship: Margaret Paton
Flowers: The Neemia family
Techies: Chris Roth
Acolyte: Open
Greeter: Keith Neblett
Ushers: Terry Reilly, Brandon Reilly
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Victor and Deanna Dille.
COLLECT FOR TODAY: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits and serve you in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forevert.
READINGS: Psalm 60; Psalm 102; Genesis 41:28-57; Mark 11:20-33
DIGGING DEEPER: Isaiah 42:14-21; Psalm 142; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
With you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
DEVOTION:
“THE VALUE OF A FALL”
[Jesus said] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)
Almost everyone has an episode in their life that they look back on with shame, and so did Peter. He denied and abandoned Jesus during His trial. At the time Jesus spoke these words we’ve just read, Peter didn’t know that was going to happen—but Jesus did. So He prepared Peter.
I’m paraphrasing what Jesus said, because in English we can’t see the difference between the singular “you” and the plural “you,” though it is clear in Greek. Jesus tells Peter, “Satan demanded to have all you disciples, to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you specifically, so that your own faith may not fail. And when you yourself have repented, strengthen your brothers.”
Although Peter will be shaken to his core, Jesus has asked God to maintain a tiny light of faith in his heart until Easter Sunday. Then he will see Jesus alive again—repent—rejoice—and be reinstated as a disciple of Jesus. More than that, he will become a major leader in the early church, strengthening all the other Christians.
Peter never forgot his fall, but it must have been a great comfort to the other Christians around him. They could look at this flawed, forgiven servant of Jesus, and know that they too could be forgiven—because Jesus gave Himself to die and rise for them.
THE PRAYER: Dear Father, use even the shameful parts of my past to bring help and comfort to others. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* How do people cope with shame?
* When has God used someone else’s past to help or comfort you?
* If you are willing, tell about a time you were able to use your own past to strengthen someone else.
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 5-7 Luke 3
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
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:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
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 Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
