SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Please refer to the Shepherd of The Valley Weekly Church Newsletter that Allen Kolkman sent by email yesterday.
PRAYERS: Today we pray for Keith and his mom, Charlotte Neblett. Charlote offers thanks to the Lord for the blessings of her family and for his sustenance in her life.
READINGS: Psalm 149; Psalm 61; Isaiah 32:1-20; Revelation 4:1-11
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“THE SUNRISE FROM ON HIGH”
“And you, child, … will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79
Have you ever been completely in the dark—darkness so complete that you could see nothing at all? There is nothing safe to do but sit down. You cannot walk—you can’t avoid danger. You will certainly get lost. All you can do is wait to be found. And oh, the joy when you first see a distant flashlight!
God has given us something even better—He has sent the sunrise itself to give us light, Jesus, His own Son. A flashlight will do for temporary use. But for peace and joy and all-around usefulness—you really need the sun itself, right? Then you will never go astray. The shadows of danger and death are lifted; you can walk freely.
This is the gift of Jesus—the knowledge that the True Light of heaven has come down to earth and never again will we shiver in the darkness. He Himself will be with us to guide our steps in the pathways of peace. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will still have light; for Jesus, who lay down His life for us, will guide us through death and out the other side—into His glorious resurrection.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, give me Your light forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Which do you like better, sunrise or sunset? Why?
* Tell a story about a time you walked in physical darkness.
* If you are willing, tell about a time God’s light shown for you during a time of spiritual darkness.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Psalms 81-83 Revelation 8
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 Friday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
