SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 20230
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
NEWS: Today is Epiphany (we will celebrate in church on Sunday) and here is the link to an article from he Lutheran Witness Magazine, It’s called, “Epiphany: the ‘Other’ Christmas.” https://witness.lcms.org/2022/epiphany-the-other-christmas/
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Dee and Victor Dille. They request prayers for Dustin and Doug, both recovering from Covid. Also that the Lord will protect Darryl and Diane from the virus since they are in the same house. Victor requests prayers too that the new vehicle he is purchasing will arrive on Saturday. It has been stuck on a pier for quite some time.
READINGS: Psalm 45:1-7; Psalm 72; Isaiah 66:1-20; Luke 3:21-38
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“ORDINARY LIFE”
And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:39-40)
We know very little about the rest of Jesus’ childhood. We have a little story about Jesus visiting the temple when He was twelve (see Luke 2:41-52). Other than that, His childhood is a blank. Why?
Well, probably because nothing extraordinary happened! We can be sure He went to school like other Jewish boys and learned to read and study the Bible. No doubt Joseph taught Him building skills. I expect His mother taught Him other skills—how to do chores, keeping His things neat, and even some cooking (see John 21:9). It was in this ordinary world that He grew to manhood.
This was God’s plan for Jesus. After all, He came to be our Savior—and most of us live very ordinary lives. We don’t travel to visit sages and wise men far away, as some dreamers have imagined about the young Jesus. We don’t do miracles at the drop of a hat, as other silly stories say about him. No, He lived as one of us—and we can be sure He understands us.
During those years, what was He doing? He was learning and growing. He was studying the Scripture, as we all must do. He was learning to know His people—to know us—because we are the people He loves, even to the point of laying down His life for us—so that we can live with Him forever in His kingdom.
WE PRAY: Lord, let me live with You all the days of my life. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What does an ordinary day look like for you?
* Are you glad Jesus had an ordinary childhood? Why or why not?
* What would it be like to have Jesus as a brother? Why do you think so?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Genesis 16-17 Matthew 5:27-48
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
