The Weekend is Here … But
Today’s Verse:
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Good morning! As we continue our Lenten journey, let's reflect on a powerful verse from Proverbs 17:22: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
During this season of repentance and reflection, it can be easy to focus on our shortcomings and the weight of sin. While acknowledging our need for God's grace is crucial, this proverb reminds us of the importance of a cheerful heart. This isn't about ignoring the seriousness of Lent, but rather about finding joy in the promise of forgiveness and the hope we have in Christ's sacrifice.
As we approach the weekend, perhaps our minds turn to the busyness of life or the challenges we face. This verse encourages us to cultivate a cheerful spirit, knowing God's love and mercy are constant. As many of us prepare to gather in church this weekend, let's consider how our hearts are. Are they heavy with worry or open to the joy of being in community with fellow believers and hearing God's Word?
Attending church offers us the opportunity to be uplifted by the liturgy, the hymns, and the fellowship of others who share our faith. It's a chance to be reminded of the good news of the Gospel, which should cheer our hearts. Even during Lenten discipline, let us remember that our ultimate hope lies in the resurrection of our Lord.
This weekend, as you prepare for worship, take a moment to pray for a cheerful heart that is open to God's grace, finds strength in community, and anticipates the joy of Easter. May our time spent in church this weekend be a source of healing and encouragement, reminding us that even during our Lenten journey, the Lord provides the best medicine: a cheerful heart rooted in His love.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder in Your Word that a cheerful heart is good medicine. As we approach this weekend and prepare to gather in your house, we ask that you fill our hearts with peace and joy. Help us to cast our burdens on You and to find strength and encouragement in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. May our worship this weekend renew our spirits and deepen our understanding of Your love for us. In Jesus' name we pray. 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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