Pentecost Season Devotion, July 21

Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel

and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:

“I am the first and I am the last;

besides me there is no god.

Isaiah 44:6

Monday, Monday! 

Just the mention of this day brings all sorts of feelings. For some it brings dread, the beginning of another work week of drudgery and disappointment. For others it may mean excitement at the beginning of a new adventure or the start of vacation.

Although we may think of Monday as the first day of the week, in fact Sunday is the first day of the week.  How important is for us to remember that God is there for us first and last!

Mondays and every other day are more bearable when we remember that our Redeemer the Lord and King of Israel is there for us every moment. If we try to go through life without Him by giving other things the priority of God in our lives, we are heading for disaster.

Not only does work become drudgery, all of life becomes meaningless without God’s presence and grace. There may be temporary highs and happiness but eventually the futility of it all becomes apparent.

When our Redeemer, Jesus is present in our lives by faith, our joy becomes truly joyful, our burdens are lightened and life has meaning. Whether Monday brings sunshine or rain, we can pause and experience the pleasure of life in the Lord.

Martin Luther was wise to suggest we start and end every day with God.  He is the first and last of every moment of our lives in time and eternity.

MORNING PRAYER

In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the +  Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little 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.

Then go joyfully to your work, singing a hymn, like that of the Ten Commandments, or whatever your devotion may suggest.

EVENING PRAYER

In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. 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.

Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.

Luther’s Small Catechism 

God’s richest blessings in Christ,

Pastor Philip Quardokus