Tuesday 4/28/26
Psalm: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Devotion
Placing complete trust in God during a time of uncertainty and fear is difficult. Being vulnerable isn’t something that most humans are comfortable doing. Yet the words of the psalmist give us hope. Even when life feels fragile and as if we are teetering on the edge, God is in control and our lives rest in that promise. Jesus used these powerful words of trust even while hanging on the cross. When we are anxious, or in conflict or feel as if the ground is slipping out from under us, it is good to be reminded we are not alone. When we place our lives in God’s hands, with complete trust in God’s mercy, we are assured that even when we cannot control the circumstances of our lives, our response of faith can carry us through. Our hope is found in the steadfast love of God, today, tomorrow, and always.
Prayer
O God of all things, in our desperation to control all outcomes in our lives, we often forget to trust in your works, in your mercy and in your love. Remind us daily that our faith depends on our trust in you, Holy and Comforting God. Amen.
Melissa Pickering '22 M.Div.,Luther Seminary
Daily Devotion for Wednesday 4/29/26
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-10
Christ is the cornerstone of God’s saving work and the foundation of our lives. We are God’s chosen, holy people who continuously celebrate and declare the mercy of God we experience through Jesus Christ.
Devotion
In Christ, we are a community of believers. In 1 Peter, this faithful group of people are invited to become a part of something that is much larger than themselves. Most important about being part of this faith community is how we live, as living stones, in this spiritual house that God has provided for us. Our purpose as part of this “royal priesthood” isn’t to boast about being the chosen race, but rather to live a life that reflects God’s mercy and light—to serve with kindness and be compassionate to all people. How we respond to others, despite our differences, reflects our becoming who we are embodied to be called to share hope in a world that is searching for community. Living out our faith we respond through service, justice, and compassion for our neighbor, taking advantage of opportunities to share the Good News with others, with God as our Cornerstone, our Rock, and our Redeemer.
Prayer
God of all communities, surround us with your mercy and grace as we work to build up the very foundation that you laid. We are a hopeful people of God, precious stones that have come alive through you. Amen.
Melissa Pickering '22 M.Div.,Luther Seminary
Daily Devotion for Monday 4/27/26
First Reading: Acts 7:55-60
Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve tables so that the apostles could be free to serve the word (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen does more than distribute food, however. For his preaching of God’s word, he becomes the first martyr of the faith.
Devotion
As the martyr, Stephen, is being stoned to death, he prays for grace even for those who rejected Jesus and are attacking him. In our world of today it would also be easy to respond with hatred or cruelty to those who would attack our beliefs or our pride in person or through social media. But as followers of Christ, we are called, even in conflicted times, to respond as Jesus Christ would respond, with courage, grace, and love for our neighbor. The story of Stephen reminds us all that faith isn’t just about believing in our Creator God and our Teacher Jesus. It is about how we embody our faith—how we continue to show love for one another, even in times of division and judgment. May God give us the courage to be bold in our response to injustices and give us strength to forgive and love those who throw stones.
Prayer
O God who gave us voice, be present in us as we move throughout our world. Give us courage to speak up with forgiveness and love for all of God’s people.
Amen.
Melissa Pickering '22 M.Div.,Luther Seminary
The story of Stephen reminds us all that faith isn’t just about believing in our Creator God and our Teacher Jesus. It is about how we embody our faith—how we continue to show love for one another, even in times of division and judgment. May God give us the courage to be bold in our response to injustices and give us strength to forgive and love those who throw stones.
It is about how we embody our faith—how we continue to show love for one another, even in times of division and judgment. May God give us the courage to be bold in our response to injustices and give us strength to forgive and love those who throw stones.-
May God give us the courage to be bold in our response to injustices and give us strength to forgive and love those who throw stones.
And don't throw stones at them!
Yes, I know it is hard, but conversation and discussion is what Jesus is asking us to do.
God is good and full of GRACE!
Shalom, Pr Larry