Starting This New Week
Monday’s Verses:
From Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
We greet the new week with … the Benediction?
The words God spoke to Moses for Aaron and the priests of Israel are more than just a “nice parting word.” They are God’s very own promise. Whenever we hear them in the Divine Service, God Himself is laying His blessing upon us.
Take note of how the Lord’s name is spoken three times. It is not without reason that this happens. Even in the Old Testament, the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is active. The Father blesses and keeps us; the Son graciously shines upon us; the Spirit gives us peace that the world cannot give.
With these words, He goes with us into the week and assures us that we do not leave His presence in the sanctuary behind us. His blessing goes with us. His face is not turned against us in wrath but shines upon us in grace through Christ. In joy and struggle and in times of uncertainty, He grants us His peace.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Lord, thank You for placing Your name upon us in Holy Baptism and for sending us out each week with Your Benediction. Keep us in Your care, shine on us with Your mercy, and fill us with the peace that only Christ can give. In His holy name we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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