SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, MAY 2nd
NEWS: A wonderful day in God’s house yesterday! There were 46 in attendance. Thank you to all who helped serve yesterday too. Tomorrow evening the Tuesday Bible study takes place at the Kolkman’s home. It runs from 6:30 to 8 PM and the topic is Christian Care.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Gordon and Lois Friske. We pray for Linda Johnson, whom will be having surgery at the end of June for an issue that has been ongoing.
READINGS: Psalm 80:1-7; Psalm 27; Exodus 33:1-23; Luke 7:1-17
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“The Shepherd and the Lamb”
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Sometimes our culture seems to be obsessed with death. Death is regarded as a fearful, inescapable thing, and yet it appears as a theme in songs and movies and video games. Some people take the lives of others without hesitation, while still others seek to control the circumstances of their own deaths. Whatever their feelings on the subject, that fact of the matter is that everyone, at some point, must walk through “the valley of the shadow of death.”
Psalm 23 is often used in funeral and memorial services; it is a psalm loved for the comfort it brings. But it is a psalm that could also be used on Easter morning because it expresses our trust in the Good Shepherd who died and rose to save His sheep. Jesus said, “I lay down My life for the sheep … I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:15b, 18a). Our Shepherd is the Lamb who was slain and by His blood “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9b). Jesus, the Lamb of God and Good Shepherd, went through the valley of the shadow of death for us. Now our risen and reigning Shepherd wants to lead us safely through that same valley.
When we do stand at the edge of that valley—and, unless Jesus returns first, we will all arrive there—we have comfort and hope that death and its shadows cannot destroy. We will fear no evil because Jesus defeated the powers of sin, death and the devil—evil foes that cannot harm us or separate us from God. Jesus will be with us because He has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The Shepherd carries the rod and staff of His Word, the rod as a weapon to drive away dangers that threaten His sheep and the staff to guide His sheep to eternal green pastures and still waters. Even in the face of death, our Shepherd is there to defend us and guide us.
We do not have to ask what lies on the other side of the valley of the shadow of death. After crossing that valley, we “shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6b). With all the saints, we will see and worship the Lamb who is our Shepherd: “He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15b-17).
WE PRAY: Jesus my Shepherd, walk with me and guide me according to Your Word. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is it about death that makes it such a popular theme in entertainment?
2. Why do you think God is often portrayed as a Shepherd when it comes to showing His care?
3. Death can come in an instant. What is it about being alive that makes death seem so far away?
Today’s Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 22 Psalms 56 Luke 22:1-23
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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 Monday and new week to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
