Today’s Verses:
Mark 8:27-30 ESV

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.

In our hectic lives, anxiety can feel like a heavy weight on our shoulders. It can make us feel down, cloud our thoughts, and take away the joy God wants for us. But God’s Word reminds us of the power of kindness.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to help each other carry our burdens and encourage one another (Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). A simple, kind word, coming from the love of Christ, can lift someone’s spirits and ease their load. It might seem small to us, but to someone struggling with anxiety, it can be life-changing.

When we look to Jesus, we find the ultimate source of kindness and encouragement. He tells us to bring our worries to Him in prayer, promising His peace beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Through His Word and Spirit, He cheers our hearts and strengthens us to share His love with others.

Today, ask the Lord to open your eyes to someone who might be carrying a heavy heart. How can you bring a kind word or action into their life? As Lutherans, we know that God works through us in our everyday lives. Your small act of kindness might be how God lightens another’s burden and points them to His grace.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Gracious Lord, You see the burdens of our hearts and know the anxieties we carry. Thank You for Your kindness that lifts us up. Help us to bring words of encouragement and acts of love to those around us today. Use us as instruments of Your peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

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.

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A Song for Today