SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
NEWS: Yesterday we had 44 worshipping in person with us, with more joining us online. We are so thankful for all who served us yesterday and especially grateful for Pastor Joel, teaching our Bible study and leading our worship.
Tomorrow evening Bible study resumes at the Kolkman’s house. It goes from 6:30 to 8 PM. The eve4ning begins with a short devotion, then the study, followed by fellowship time. All are invited to attend.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Darryl Finley.
READINGS: Psalm 94; 2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Philippians 4:1-23
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“All Day, Every Day”
Psalm 113:3-4 – From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the LORD is to be praised! The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens!
We are creatures of habit. We like our routines. We have set times to sleep, to wake, and to go to work. Daily calendars are carefully planned. Worship times are planned, too. Following the practice of the early Christians, we gather to worship on Sunday because that is when Jesus rose from the dead, “toward the dawn of the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1b). We may also worship after the sun goes down, perhaps with evening services during Advent and Lent. Some churches may follow the pattern of monastic practice with morning services of Matins and evening worship of Vespers or Compline. Whenever we worship, it is a good time to do so. It is a very good habit.
Certain places are established as sites for worship. The early Christians worshiped in the Jerusalem temple and in the synagogues, witnessing to their faith in Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah. They began to gather for worship in the homes of believers or perhaps outdoors, as Christians in some parts of the world still do today. We may come together to worship in great buildings of wood, brick, and stone, or we may praise God in small groups or alone. The Lord who is high above all nations and whose glory is above the heavens hears our praise, no matter where that praise is offered.
All times are good times for worship. Every place is a good place to worship. Yet the psalmist here is not merely offering a suggestion for convenient worship times in the morning or evening. It is an absolute command: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the LORD is to be praised!” From sunrise to sunset and every moment in between, the God who sent His Son to redeem us is worthy of all honor and praise. Through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit forms in us new habits of worship. These psalm verses provide a pattern for praise, impressing a framework of worship onto every moment of our lives. As we work and certainly as we gather for formal worship, at rest, and at mealtimes, we offer to God our grateful songs and prayers. Indoors in churches dedicated to God’s glory, outdoors in His wonderful creation, at work and at home, in large and small gatherings around the world, praise continually rises to the throne of God. From the sunrise of Jesus’ resurrection, to the final sunset of this earth’s history, to the eternal sunrise of life in His presence, the Name of the Lord is to be praised!
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, from sunrise to sunset, from one day to the next, I praise Your holy Name! Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you have any productive habits or routines that have been a part of your life for a long time? What are they?
2. What are some unusual or different places where you have worshiped God?
3. Can we praise God in the way we live our lives and not just in a worship setting? How so?
Today’s Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 31-32 Acts 20:1-16
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 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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
