Thinking About Identity

God’s Word Working:  February 20 - 25, 2012

I invite you to experience the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God to lead us to repentance, rejoicing, and renewal. The work of the Spirit through the Word can be compared to that of a physician who diagnoses our illness, prescribes medicines or performs surgery to cure our illness, and guides us to live a healthier life.

We pray: Loving and powerful Father, let me hear, read, understand, and take Your Word to heart so that Your Spirit may lead me to repentance, rejoicing, and renewal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The readings are the assigned readings for the following Sunday (The First Sunday in Lent, Feb. 26, 2012) so if you read these each day, you will be better prepared to benefit from the Word when it is proclaimed in the worship service on Sunday. After you read the passage once or twice, then go back and underline the words that are calling you to repentance. Circle the words that lead you to rejoice in God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. And write down off to one side the words that encourage you to renewal or a healthy change in your life.

Monday, February 20: The Introit, from Psalm 91:9-13, 15-16

Reflection: Even though I am not aware of their presence, the angels of God guard me and all believers.

Prayer: Most High God, my Refuge, guide and guard me on my journey through the valley of the shadow of death, and keep my eyes and heart focused on the life and salvation that are mine through Jesus Christ, for in His name I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, February 21: The first part of the Old Testament Reading, Genesis 22:1-8

Reflection: What did Abraham believe about the sacrifice which God required from him?

Prayer: God, our Eternal Provider, any sacrifice that You require of us comes from what You have already given to us in the first place. So teach us to rejoice in all that You have provided and to gladly live in the blessings of Your Son who freely gave Himself as a sacrifice for all. In His holy name, Amen.

Wednesday, February 22: The second part of the Old Testament reading, Genesis 22:9 - 18

Reflection: How does this sacrifice point forward to the cross of Christ? 

Prayer: Holy Lord, who provides blessings far beyond all expectations, for all eternity we will praise You for the treasures that flow to us from the cross of Christ! Open the eyes and hearts of all people to see and receive the riches of Your blessings. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Thursday, February 23: Psalm 25:1-10, 14

Reflection: How am I blessed by the friendship of the Lord today?

Prayer: Almighty and Eternal God, through Jesus Christ You have changed me from Your enemy to Your friend. Lead me every day to trust and fear You more, and shape every part of my life by Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Friday, February 24: The Epistle Reading, James 1:12-18

Reflection: How does God help me to deal with temptation? 

Prayer: Father of lights, give us grace to receive the good and perfect gifts that come down from You, and help us to conquer our foolish desires which send us chasing after the garbage of this world instead of the treasures of Your kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our light, our love, our life, Amen.

Saturday, February 25: The Gospel reading, Mark 1:9-15

Reflection: Jesus is the beloved Son through whom we are made children of God, the Victor over Satan through whom we are rescued, and the Proclaimer of the Gospel through whom we enter God’s eternal kingdom. 

Prayer: Mighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teach me who I am in Christ: Your beloved child, victorious over Satan, and a citizen of Your Kingdom. Because this is who You have made me to be, let my life show Your grace, power, and glory. In the awesome name of my Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.