SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
A BLESSED APRIL TO EVERYONE!
NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley church E-News sent out yesterday by Allen Kolkman.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Christian Galleisky. We also pray for families everywhere as children and the family unit are coming under increasing destabilization and attack by those in charge. We ask the Lord to protect our children’s hearts, minds and souls and lead parents as they guide their kids.
READINGS: Psalm 77:11-15; Psalm 17; Genesis 47:1-31; You can also read Genesis 48:1-49:28; Mark 13:24-37
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“THE BEGINNING OF HEALING”
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” … And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60a, 61-62)
Peter would remember that night for the rest of his life—how he sat with Jesus’ enemies, how they recognized him and began to whisper, the outright accusations—and his own denials, “I don’t even know that Man!” And then Jesus’ look. No words at all, just Jesus turning and looking at Peter. And it broke Peter’s heart.
What was in that look? Pain, no doubt. But also love. Love for a sinful, broken man that Jesus had known all along was going to break that way. His sin had never stopped Jesus loving him before. It wouldn’t stop Him now.
Strangely, this was the beginning of healing for Peter. When Jesus looked at him, Peter too saw himself clearly. He saw what he had done in all of its horror. He saw his broken promise, and the pride that led him to make that promise in the first place.
But he also saw Jesus’ forgiveness. He remembered that Jesus had prophesied he would do this—and yet continued to love him. He saw that even though the worst had come true, Jesus still loved him. He mattered to Jesus.
Jesus loves us too with this same love. None of our sins catch Him by surprise. He died to wipe them out. And He rose again to bring us to Himself—in everlasting life, with Him, in love and joy—forever.
THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, when I fall, look at me and forgive and heal me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever had a wound cleaned out? How did it feel?
* What would happen if you didn’t get it cleaned out?
* When has God “cleaned out” the wound of sin in your own life?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 23-25 Luke 6:27-49
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 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:
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 Friday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
