Monday’s Verse:
From Matthew 25:13 ESV
(Jesus said) “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Jesus tells a story about 10 virgins who were waiting to meet their groom. Each one had a lamp and fell asleep. Only five had enough oil to light their lamps when the groom arrived at midnight. They were ready to go out and meet him.
What I find interesting about the story is that the wise maidens aren't holding up as an example of not falling asleep. They fell asleep too. It isn't depicting someone who lived perfectly or was constantly busy doing Godly things. This is encouraging for us because we can all fall prey to fatigue and concerns.
As Lutherans, we believe we cannot achieve a spot in Christ's kingdom. He made room for us when he died on the cross and rose from the dead. Being prepared means trusting what he has told us and staying connected to the ways he allows us to believe this. Through his word, baptism, and the holy supper.
We grow more like the 5 wise women by returning to the Lord, who has come close to us each day. Confessing our sins and reaching out to the neighbors that God puts in front of us.
Our waiting can be difficult, and sometimes we have little strength left. We look to our Bridegroom and know that he is coming back for us. Let us try to be ready to welcome him home.
Today’s Prayers
Heavenly Father, keep our lamps lit with faith. Feed us through Jesus’ Word and Sacraments. Direct us to love our neighbor and help us be ready when Your Son returns. 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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