Subject: Devotional | April 1 | evening (full)
As you come before him this evening, rest in the assurance of his great love. Use this email as you are able, in whole or in part. Call to PrayerCome to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Opening PrayerHeavenly Father, we remember those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 824) Confession of SinO Lord, we want to enter your presence, awed by your majesty, greatness, and glory, yet encouraged by your love. Yet there is a coldness in our hearts, a hardness toward you, an unwillingness to admit our sin and need for you. Forgive us, for Jesus’ sake. Come near and strengthen us until Christ reigns supreme within us, in every thought, word, and deed. Give us a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens us to you, and always clings to the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Think back through your day and confess any sinful attitudes, words, or actions. Praying the PsalmsPsalm 18:1-19For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: 1 I love you, Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, 6 In my distress I called to the Lord; 16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; Old Testament ReadingKnown as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah spoke to Judah after Assyria had lost its power and Babylon had destroyed the temple. Jeremiah is a reference point for people who feel crushed in the midst of very disturbing circumstances. As you read and reflect on this passage, prayerfully consider how God might be revealing himself to you to this evening. Jeremiah 151 Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go! 2 And if they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “‘Those destined for death, to death; 3 “I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the Lord, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds and the wild animals to devour and destroy. 4 I will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem. 5 “Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? 10 Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, 11 The Lord said, “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; 12 “Can a man break iron— 13 “Your wealth and your treasures 15 Lord, you understand; 19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you Prayers of ThanksgivingWork
O God of peace, who taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 832) BenedictionThe Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Wonder what your next step in spiritual formation is? Consider getting involved in a community group. For a handy guide to the devotional elements and an archive of past issues, visit redeemer.com/daily. |
Biblical summaries by David Whitehead, author of Making Sense of the Bible.
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