"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." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Day 239 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 22:8-20; Psalm 56; Matthew 26:17-35)
WELCOME TO THE TABLE OF THE LORD
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.. (Matthew 26:26-28 ESV)
Jesus had you and me on His mind as He looked forward to the rest of the first Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Just think of it. His bitter suffering and death were fast approaching, and the suffering Servant was focused on instituting His meal in which He serves us His body and blood. What precious treasures He offers us here:
● Forgiveness of sins
● Communion with God and with His people
● Assurance of His constant presence with us
● Preview of the heavenly banquet
These are the treasures almighty God has FOR YOU in this spiritual meal.
● What an encouragement we are to other worshipers as we answer the invitation to the Lord’s Supper!
● Remember, this is all FOR YOU!
● How wonderful to know that His answer to the following prayer is a forgiving, comforting and empowering “Yes, My body and My blood are given for your highest good.”
♬ Weary am I and heavy laden,
With sin my soul is sore oppressed;
Receive me graciously, and gladden
My heart, for I am now Thy guest.
Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood
Be for my soul the highest good! Amen.
(I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006 #618 stanza 4)
"See" you at church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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