Here is the next edition of Devotions@Home a daily selection of readings for personal study which respond to the previous Sunday and lead us to the coming Sunday. Set within a short prayer service, this may be a new way to cultivate a habit of reading the Bible for a few minutes each day. Feel free to substitute in your own prayers (the Lord’s Prayer is an especially attractive option). We have also included a hymn that matches up with this coming Sunday’s themes for you to make music in your home. Blessings to you and your family.
Opening Prayer
Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that I/we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, which you have given us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Daily Readings
Monday, September 14
Psalm 133
Genesis 48:8-22
Hebrews 11:23-29
Tuesday, September 15
Psalm 133
Genesis 49:29-50:14
Romans 14:13-15:2
Wednesday, September 16
Psalm 133
Genesis 50:22-26
Mark 11:20-25
Thursday, September 17
Psalm 145:1-8
Nahum 1:1,1:14-2:2
2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Friday, September 18
Psalm 145:1-8
Nahum 2:3-13
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Saturday, September 19
Psalm 145:1-8
Zephaniah 2:13-15
Matthew 19:23-30
Closing Prayer
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday, September 20
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the ring of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. in baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.
Readings and Psalm
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16