TODAY'S VERSES FROM PSALMS

"Consider & answer me, O  Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, 'I have prevailed over him,' lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:3-6

TRANSLATING THE MESSAGE OF GOD'S ETERNAL LOVE

"And I pray as well for the ability to translate the message of God's eternal love unto words that will pierce the benumbed minds of busy men & move their hearts to faith & obedience." Leslie Brandt, Men's Devotional Bible

ETERNAL LIFE HERE & NOW

"For Christians, eternal life began in eternity when God chose them for faith before they were born & culminates in the resurrection of the dead. This life becomes their personal possession in Baptism. This eternal life encompasses their faith in Christ & how they live now for Him & others. That is to say, eternal life begins in Baptism & includes how we live in love for God & doing good things for other." Rev. David Scaer, The Lutheran Witness, Nov. 2022

PRAYER

"The God who hears our prayers knows & cares when even a sparrow falls to the ground. He is a loving heavenly Father who invites us to pray & eagerly listens to our prayers with attentive care . . . God gave us His divine justice that was satisfied in Jesus' death on the cross. Redeemed & forgiven, we are God's elect, His chosen people. His love is unrelenting & we know He will hear our persistent prayers. 'Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy & find grace to help in time of need.'" (Heb. 4:16) The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever:  40 Daily Devotions of God's Comfort

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, when we become discouraged in our prayers, strengthen us by Your Spirit & Your Word. You have invited us to pray & have promised to hear & answer us. Lead us to come before Your throne in persistent prayer, with confidence in Your mercy & loving care. Hear our prayer, now & always, for the sake of Jesus our Savior. Amen." Ditto

TODAY'S HYMN

Come, My Soul with Every Care, LSB #779, Sts. 1-2

Come, my soul, with ev'ry care, Jesus loves to answer prayer; He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not turn away.

Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring; For His grace & pow'r are such None can ever ask too much.