Director of Music Ministries Susan Bloomfield’s devotion for Friday, April 17.
—
Today’s devotional comes from Bread for the Day (Augsburg Fortress) and uses the Daily Office readings for the Friday of Easter Week.
I Corinthians 15:1-11
Witnesses to the risen Christ
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (I Cor. 15:3-8)
Psalm 16
Fullness of Joy
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Song
Now the Green Blade Rises, arranged by Terry Kirkland.
Listen at https://www.mtviewlutheran.org/nowthegreenblade2.mp3
Prayer
Everlasting God, you reveal yourself to the multitudes and give us the sure testimony of our ancestors to increase our faith. Manifest your presence in our own communities, that our stories of your love and justice may liberate generations to come. Amen.
—
Image: “The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory,” photo collage, 2020, by Troy Kehm-Goins.