Subject: Devotional | January 4 | week review (full)

Formation

Below is a summary of the scripture readings from this week. Take a moment to reflect upon what you read or catch up on any chapters you may have missed. Give thanks because the Lord of the Sabbath invites you to enter into his rest.

Collect

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all his works and sanctified a day of rest for all his creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 99)

Praying the Psalms

Psalm 53
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.

Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

Psalm 55
Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

Psalm 56
Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

Psalm 1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?

Psalm 3
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 5
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.

Psalm 6
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

New Testament Reading

Matthew 1
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

Matthew 3
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 2
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

Genesis 3
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

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.