Good Evening, Lord!
Words of Comfort
Jesus
Christ is the Light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome.[1]
Prayer of Confession
Visit our
dwellings, O Lord, and in Your great mercy defend us from all perils and
dangers of this night. Lead us to repentance for our sins, trusting in Your
forgiveness which is ours for the sake of Your only Son, our Savior, Jesus
Christ. Amen.[2]
Catechism Reflections
The
Sacrament of Holy Baptism: Third
How can
water do such great things?
Certainly
not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things,
along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without
God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it
is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the
new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He
saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who He
poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having
been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal
life. This is a trustworthy saying.
Questions for Meditation
What does
this reading teach you?
What does
this reading lead you to be thankful for?
What
behavior, thought, or attitude does this reading challenge? What sin does it
lead you to confess?
How might
you pray for God to have a richer impact on your life through this reading?
Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer
“But
deliver us from evil.”
Dear
Father, please rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and
reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and
graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to heaven, where will live
eternally with You, and with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and
forever. Amen.
Verse of Benediction
Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell
in the house of the LORD forever. (Ps. 23:6 ESV)
[1] Lutheran
Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, p. 243 – This liturgical verse
comes from Evening Prayer and refers to John 8:12 and John 1:5
[2] Lutheran
Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, p. 298 – Adapted from the
concluding prayer.
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