Saturday, August 31, 2024 - THE LORD IS NEAR

"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)

Saturday, August 31, 2024 - Day 244 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 145-147; 1 Cor. 11:1-15)

THE LORD IS NEAR

“The Lord is near to all who call on him,

    to all who call on him in truth.”   (Psalm 145:18 ESV) 

They say that there are no atheists in foxholes. I would think that the same would be true with hurricanes and floods. Can you imagine the horror and paralyzing fear that overcame many who get caught in the aftermath of a hurricane? And can you imagine how may prayers for rescue get sent heavenward?

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Throughout history there have been accounts of people praying to be rescued during their days of trouble. In today’s verse, we reminded of one of the key components of effectual prayers.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” 

Are you experiencing days of trouble? Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance? Are you doing so in truth, that is in faith?

The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, 

    All our sins and griefs to bear!  

    What a privilege to carry 

    Ev’rything to God in prayer!

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

    Oh, what needless pain we bear,

    All because we do not carry 

    Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  

    Is there trouble anywhere?

    We should never be discouraged, 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Can we find a Friend so faithful 

    Who will all our sorrows share?

    Jesus knows our every weakness - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 

    Cumbered with a load of care?

    Precious Savior, still our Refuge - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  

    Take it to the Lord in prayer;

    In His arms He'll take and shield thee, 

    Thou wilt find a solace there.

      (Lutheran Service Book #770)

Heavenly Father, please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the storms of life, especially those in grave danger in our country and around the world. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf