Daily Devotion for Wednesday 5/20/26
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
Paul is helping the Corinthians understand the relationship between our God-given unity and Spirit-created diversity. The Spirit creates the unity of faith and gives all Christians diverse gifts for the common benefit of all. We need one another’s diverse spiritual gifts because the same Spirit has given them to each person for the common good.
Devotion
I have received many gifts over the years, but the one I remember best came from my parents during my junior year of college. I was heading to an overseas summer program, and they gifted me with a new sleeping bag, knowing I would be sleeping in youth hostels—and some even more primitive places—during those months. I used that bag all summer and for many years after. In fact, I wore it out! We tend to think of “gifts” as physical things, and specifically things we may have asked for or thought we needed. Paul tells us, though, that gifts from God may not be what we asked for, and are instead given to us for the “common good.” These gifts, activated by God in individuals, can be powerful. But when combined in all of us Christians, they are life-altering. And the good news is: They never wear out!
Prayer
Holy Spirit, activate in us the good gifts uniquely ours so that together we may bring wisdom, knowledge, healing, discernment, and more to the world. Amen.
Elizabeth Hermeier '17 M.Div.,Luther Seminary
Daily Devotion for Tuesday 5/19/26
Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.
Devotion
Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God, who created all creatures on earth and all that sustains them, including humans. The psalmist reminds us in these verses that all good things come from God and without God all things would “die and return to their dust.” This also reminds us of the words we hear on Ash Wednesday: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) But as we journey through these last days of the Easter season and into Pentecost, this hymn of praise also reminds us that God, too, rejoices in God’s good works. God is not a passive observer of the life God created. In the Western Hemisphere, Pentecost aligns with Spring, when flowers bloom, animals give birth, and seeds are planted. How manifold are God’s works! Praise the Lord!
Prayer
Creator God, we give thanks to you for giving us life. Help us to take care of the world you created so that we and all your creatures may please you. Amen.
Elizabeth Hermeier '17 M.Div.,Luther Seminary
Daily Devotion for Monday 5/18/26
First Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival that marked the fiftieth day after Passover. Luke portrays the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the disciples before the gathered and astonished people assembled in Jerusalem for the festival. Filled with the Spirit, the disciples were able to witness to the power of Christ’s resurrection.
Devotion
The first Day of Pentecost for Jesus’ disciples was astonishing: A sound like the rush of a violent wind “from heaven” … “divided tongues, as of fire” … the ability to speak in other languages … It was no wonder the crowd was bewildered! But perhaps the most astounding event of all was Peter’s speech. Up to this point, the disciples would not have imagined Peter to be their spokesperson after Jesus’ ascension, never mind the eloquence with which he spoke that day. Had anyone heard Peter quote scripture (Joel 2:28-32) before? One can only imagine the reaction of the crowd, as well as the disciples. This was the moment when Peter assumed his leadership for the new church. This was the moment when Peter offered his first word of hope: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This is our hope as well.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, inspire us as you inspired Peter and the disciples, that we, too, may bring a word of hope to the world. Amen.
Elizabeth Hermeier '17 M.Div.,Luther Seminary