THURSDAY (September 24, 2020)
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
Reading
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
Meditation
Paul’s greatest desire is to die and be with Christ, for there is nothing better. However, he also recognizes his vocation as one who is sent by Christ to spread the good news. He is torn. The study notes in The Lutheran Study Bible puts it this way, “If you live as a Christian, you live by Christ’s grace, in His image, to serve as Christ the people around you. If you die, you learn the fullness of what you had known in part and your fallen human nature no longer hinders you”.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Show your grace to Reney this day, as she goes about the callings you have given to her. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Week
Lord God, heavenly Father, since we cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer