Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray…
Thursday, 25 January Anno Domini 2024
Acts 9:1-19
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
In the name of the Father and the +Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The very words of murder were still on his breath when the Lord Jesus knocked him off his path. He had been an instrument of destruction to the church. Paul was on his way to Damascus to throw more Christians into jail. However, Jesus had a different plan in mind. Notice that in the account above that it’s Jesus that speaks to Paul. Jesus lays waste the plans and purposes of the devil, the world, and every one of our sinful natures. Jesus plants his cross before our very eyes and directs our life. Jesus has a plan for your life, too. It is one with his cross firmly planted before you and with Jesus leading you all the way. He never promises Paul or you that it would be an easy road, but he does promise that you won’t fight it alone. He promises his Holy Spirit to you in the preaching of his Word and in the Sacraments given to you. Jesus turned this instrument of destruction, Paul (with his murderous breath), into the chosen instrument of his own to carry the name of Jesus to you and me. Thanks be to God that he has sent his Word even to us. It is only in Jesus that we are strengthened. In the name of +Jesus. Amen.
You may utilize the Order of Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families (pages 295-298) in Lutheran Service Book for your family prayers.
The Collect of the Week:
O God, who in the glorious transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the fathers and who, in the voice that came from the bright cloud, did in a wonderful manner foreshow the adoption of sons, mercifully make us co-heirs with the King of His glory and bring us to the enjoyment of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for us and others:
For the pre-born, the weak, the sick, those in hospital, those in hospice, and those who cannot care for themselves;
For the elected officers of Our Savior Lutheran Church;
For Lutheran college outreach and student ministries;
For celebrations of National Lutheran Schools Week across our Synod;
For pastors throughout the world, that they would be faithful to the Word of God;
For the children of our schools, that the Lord would continue to fill them with a new song;
For our pastors (Pastor White and Pastor Cholak);
For the elders of Our Savior Lutheran Church as they work to call an assistant pastor;
For all the shut-ins and elderly of Our Savior Lutheran Church.