Teaching from Martin Luther: on Daily Prayer In Martin Luther's home, days began and ended with prayer. Here are his instructions for "how the head of the house is to teach the members of the household to say morning and evening blessings" (The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, edited by Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert; Fortress Press, 2000):
The Morning Blessing
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy 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. If you wish, you may in addition recite this little 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 perhaps (for example, one on the Ten Commandments) or whatever else may serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully.
The Evening Blessing
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the sign of the holy 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. If you wish, you may in addition recite this little prayer as well:
Peace Lutheran Church Fall 2009
Scripture Reading Invitation:
"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." Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully.
Peace Lutheran Church Rev. Kristian Bjornstad 2506 N. Main Ave. Scranton, PA 18509 570-343-9828 www.yourpeace.org yourpeace@verizon.net Calling all people to Grace and Worship!
“James: The Living Faith” Aug. 31 - Sept. 27 “but be doers of the word, and not hearers only...”
OUR BIBLE READING SCHEDULE: AUGUST: Mon. 31: In your Bible read over the introduction to James & read James Ch. 1:1-4.
SEPTEMBER: Tues. 1: Ch. 1:5-11 Wed. 2: Ch. 1:12-15 Thurs. 3: Ch. 1:16-18 Fri. 4: Ch. 1:19-21 Sat. 5: Ch. 1: 22-25 Sun. 6: Ch. 1:26-27 Sunday Bible Study and Worship “Counting Joys in the Midst of Trials” Mon. 7: Ch. 2:1-7 Tues. 8: Ch. 2:8-13 Wed. 9: Ch. 2:14-17 Thurs. 10: Ch. 2:18-26 Sunday Bible Study and Worship “The Necessity of Works” Mon. 14: Ch. 3:1-4 Tues. 15: Ch. 3:5-12 Wed. 16: Ch. 3:13-18 Thurs. 17: Ch. 4:1-3 Fri. 18: Ch. 4:4-6 Sat. 19: Ch. 4:7-10 Sun. 20: Ch. 4:11-12 Sunday Bible Study and Worship “The Fruit of Humility” Mon. 21: Ch. 4:13-17 Tues. 22: Ch. 5:1-6 Wed. 23: Ch. 5:7-11 Thurs. 24: Ch. 5:12 Fri. 25: Ch. 5:13-18 Sat. 26: Ch. 5:19-20 Sunday Bible Study and Worship “The Dangerous Life of the Rich”
Tips on how to read scripture. + Read the passage the first time Read the passage the first time without stopping in order to gain an overall sense of the passage. Listen to your initial reactions to the text...both positive and negative. + Read the passage a second time As you read, pause from time-to-time and answer questions about the background (or context) of the passage. You might choose to pause between verses or small groups of verses, between significant events or announcements in the passage, or between any natural break you see as you read. Below are some types of questions about the context of a passage that you might find helpful as you read the book of James. What are key words or phrases that are repeated in the passage? What is the significance of these words? Are there are cause and effect relationships established in this passage? Are any comparisons made or similarities pointed out? Are there any contrasts made between people, things, or ideas? What is the intent or purpose of the passage? As you ask yourself these questions, answer them in your words. Be careful to listen to the text. Try to avoid listening to what you want the text to say to you. If you are using a notebook, take a few minutes to write down your answers to these questions. Be prepared to be comforted by the text, but also be aware that you may also be confronted, even challenged. + Read the passage a third time. Then reflect on your answers to these questions. What did I learn about God from this passage? What did I learn about human nature? What did I learn about my own relationship to God? In other words, how does this passage apply to me? Is there anything I need to change in my life based
on my reading of this passage? How can I be stronger in my faith? What can I do to show God's love to people in my life? If there is one verse or part of a verse you would like to remember, you might want to write it on an index card and carry it with you throughout the day. + Finally, use this scripture to pray. Thank God for the time you had to read from Scripture, the comfort your received and the new insight for your life! Ask God to help you make the changes in your life that would transform it ever more into His image. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INVITATION TO SHARE!! Although personal study of the scripture is wonderful and powerful to save, its benefits are often not complete unless it is shared! It is very important that Christians share their faith with others. Most importantly, it would be the very best thing to share this scripture with your family, using these readings as a basis for devotions after a meal or at the end of the day. But please take the time to share at these other opportunities if you are at all able: Bible Study Opportunities during September: • Wednesdays at 11 am with a light lunch to follow: it will be held at the house of Marilyn Wright at 213 Williams St., Scranton, PA Please call 341-1522 if you would like to join this group! • Saturdays at 5 pm here at Peace Lutheran • Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am • On Line discussion at www.yourpeace.org • If you are unable to connect in any way with these discussions in person, please give a call to the office and we be glad to let you join the Sunday morning discussion over a speakerphone from wherever you are! If you have any questions, please give Pastor Bjornstad a call at the church office: 343-9828.