SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:1-2 ESV

 NEWS: A Blessed, Happy Fourth day of Christmas to everyone!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Suzette and Leanard Prokopin in our prayers.

 READINGS: Zechariah 14; Psalm 146; Luke 2:22-40

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“SUDDENLY” December 28, 2023

 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14) It may be way too childish a picture, but I can’t help thinking of the multitude of angels that joined the first one and how they came so suddenly. Was there eager competition in heaven to be part of that group celebrating Jesus’ birth? Were they waiting just behind the scenes, wanting the first angel to hurry up? Did other angels have to hold them back? Yes, these are probably childish pictures—but what is not childish is the clear and overwhelming joy that we see in these servants of God. They are rejoicing with their whole hearts because God has done a wonderful thing for us—He has sent us His own Son Jesus to be our Savior. They can’t help but sing and celebrate! They celebrate because at long last, God has carried out His promise. Jesus has been born into the world to be our Savior, to set us free from the power of sin, death, and the devil. This is the beginning of God’s great victory, and the dawn of our redemption. What could be more worth singing about? WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for Your servants the angels, and their joy for us. Amen. Reflection Questions: * When have you been happiest on someone else’s behalf? * How did you show your joy? * When you finally meet Jesus face to face, remembering His birth, death, and resurrection for you-what do you think it will be like? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Nehemiah 10-11; Revelation 19

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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 hour  s: 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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us