SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
NEWS: TONIGHT is Wine on The Patio at the Kolkman’s house. Join in anytime from 6:30 to 8 PM and bring something to share. It doesn’t have to be wine either…it can be an appetizer, a dessert or something good to drink!
Men’s Bible breakfast and the monthly work party will be NEXT Saturday. For all the other news, including our busy schedule for Holy Week next week, please refer to the weekly church E-News sent out by Allen Kolkman yesterday
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Charlotte Neblett.
READINGS: Psalm 22; Psalm 38; Exodus 5:1-6:1; Mark 15:33-47
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“SUBSTITUTE”
And as they led Him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)
Imagine what it must have been like to be Simon. There you are, coming into the city from the country, where you’ve probably been staying during your Passover visit. You plan to go to the temple, maybe visit the market one last time before the Sabbath starts. You notice a flurry in the crowd and wonder what is going on—and then a Roman soldier grabs you, loads you with a heavy cross, and there you are, part of Jesus’ execution parade.
Simon must have been shocked. Indignant. Scared. Upset. Embarrassed, even, to be involved with something so terrible. What if people thought he was the criminal?
Simon didn’t know then that the real substitution was the other way around. Jesus was taking Simon’s place—bearing the weight of Simon’s sin and wrongdoing, all his shame and guilt and brokenness. Jesus would carry that weight to Calvary, where it would die with Him. And it would stay dead—though Jesus Himself would rise, alive again forever.
Simon didn’t know Jesus was taking his place. But we know. And we know that Jesus did this for us, too—and for everybody in the world. Now that He has risen from the dead, He calls us to Himself. And everyone who trusts in Him will live forever—forgiven, loved, and free.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever substituted yourself for someone else in an unpleasant situation, small or large?
* If so, why did you do it? What was the other person’s reaction?
* How do you think Simon felt when he became a believer and found out what Jesus did for him? (The fact that the early church knew his sons’ names makes this very likely—see Mark 15:21).
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Joshua 7-9 Luke 9:37-62
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.
