Sacred Meditations
640 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsHomepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Meditating on the Suffering of Jesus, part 3
March 03, 2021 10:00 - 2 minutes - 2.8 MB“Ah, this is done for me….” This is how Johann Starck leads us to meditate on the details of the suffering of Jesus and how He did it all for each one of us. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and edited by W. H. T. Dau, 1921), pages …
Meditating on the Suffering of Jesus, part 2
March 02, 2021 10:00 - 2 minutes - 2.38 MBThis season of Lent, we continue to meditate on the suffering of Jesus for us. Here we pray the beginning portion of Johann Starck’s prayer from his Prayer Book. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and edited by W. H. T. Dau, 1921), pages 108-109.
Meditating on the Suffering of Jesus, part 1
March 01, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MB“For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Here Johann Starck exhorts us on how and why we meditate on the sufferings of Jesus during Lent. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann …
Second Sunday in Lent (2021)
February 28, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBGod’s glory is always to have mercy. Today we pray that He would be gracious to all of us who have gone astray from His ways and bring us again to embrace the truth of His Word with penitent hearts and steadfast faith. Second Sunday in Lent, from The Book …
On My Heart Imprint Your Image
February 26, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBDuring this season of Lent, we pray that our Lord Jesus, the King of grace, would imprint on us and our heart His image–the image of God with which we were created but lost in our fall into sin. See Lutheran Service Book, 422.
Christ, the Life of All the Living-6
February 25, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBWe continue our journey through this season of Lent, and we keep praying from this hymn by Ernst Christoph Homburg. Here we pray verse seven as we address “Christ the Life of All the Living.” Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanza 7.
Christ, the Life of All the Living-5
February 24, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBWe continue our journey through this season of Lent, and we keep praying from this hymn by Ernst Christoph Homburg. Here we pray verse six as we address “Christ the Life of All the Living.” Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanza 6.
Christ, the Life of All the Living-4
February 23, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBWe continue our journey through the season of Lent, and we keep praying from this hymn by Ernst Christoph Homburg. Here we pray verse five as we address “Christ the Life of All the Living.” Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanza 5.
Christ, the Life of All the Living-3
February 22, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBWe continue our journey through the season of Lent, and we keep praying from this hymn by Ernst Christoph Homburg. Here we pray verse four as we address “Christ the Life of All the Living.” Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanza 4.
First Sunday in Lent (2021)
February 21, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBJesus, the Son of God, was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. We pray that our loving God, who knows our weaknesses, would come quickly to help us against the many temptations that we may find Him mighty to save. First Sunday in …
Christ, the Life of All the Living-2
February 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBAs we continue our journey into the season of Lent, we keep praying from this hymn by Ernst Christoph Homburg. Here we pray verse three as we address “Christ, the Life of All the Living.” Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanza 3.
Christ, the Life of All the Living
February 18, 2021 11:25 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBThe hymn “Christ, the Life of All the Living,” by Ernst Christoph Homburg (1605-81), provides us with this excellent prayer for this season of Lent. Source: Lutheran Service Book, 420, stanzas 1-2.
Ash Wednesday (2021)
February 17, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBOn this Ash Wednesday, we confess that God hates nothing that He has made and He forgives penitent sinners. We pray that as we confess our sinfulness and wretchedness He would grant us His perfect remission and forgiveness. Ash Wednesday, from The Book of Common Prayer.
The World’s Life vs. Christ’s Life
February 16, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn this meditation, Johann Arndt ponders the differences between the world’s life and the life of Christ in His Christians. Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 22-23 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from Arndt’s The Garden of Paradise).
Conformed to Christ’s Image
February 15, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn this meditation, Johann Arndt explores what it means to be conformed to Christ’s image. Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 16-17 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from Arndt’s The Garden of Paradise).
Last Sunday after the Epiphany (2021)
February 14, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBBefore He went to the cross to suffer, bleed, and die for us, our Lord Jesus Christ was transfigured in brilliant, radiant glory. We pray that, beholding the light of His countenance, we may be strengthened to bear our cross and, in the end, be changed into His likeness. Last …
True Faith
February 10, 2021 11:32 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn this meditation, Johann Arndt helps us ponder “True Faith” and its benefits. Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 14-15 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from Arndt’s The Garden of Paradise).
Loving Christ
February 09, 2021 11:43 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBWhat does it mean actually to love Christ and follow Him? In his True Christianity, Johann Arndt explores how we love Christ by following His life’s pattern. Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 10-11 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from …
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (2021)
February 07, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBWe pray that God would set us free from the bondage of our sin and give us the liberty of the abundant life that He give through His Son Jesus Christ. Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, from The Book of Common Prayer.
True Repentance
February 05, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn this meditation we focus on “True Repentance.” What is “repentance”? This from Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt. Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 12-13 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from Arndt’s The Garden of Paradise).
Being a True Christian
February 04, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn his True Christianity, Johann Arndt explores what it means to be a “true Christian.” Source: Devotions and Prayers of Johann Arndt, selected and translated by John Joseph Stoudt, pages 8-9 (Meditation from Arndt’s True Christianity and prayer from Arndt’s The Garden of Paradise).
For All Baptized Christians
February 03, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBGod has made us His children through baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We pray that, as we have put away the old life of sin, we may be renewed in the spirit of our minds and live in righteousness and holiness. “For All Baptized Christians,” from …
The Presentation (February 2)
February 02, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBOn this day remember Jesus being presented in the temple (see Luke 2:22-38). We pray that we too may be presented to God with hearts cleansed and made pure by the same Jesus Christ. The Presentation (February 2), from The Book of Common Prayer.
For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
February 01, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 2.08 MBToday we pray our Lord Jesus, who was condemned as a criminal, to visit our jails with both pity and judgment, bringing the guilty to repentance, release those held unjustly, and teaching us to improve our justice. Source: For Prisons and Correctional Institutions, from The Book of Common Prayer
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (2021)
January 31, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBOur almighty and everlasting God governs all things in heaven and on earth. We pray that He would hear the prayers of us, His people, and grant us His peace in our time. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, from The Book of Common Prayer.
For the Oppressed
January 29, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBToday, we pray our heavenly Father to look with pity upon those who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death. [powerpressed] Source: For the Oppressed, from The Book of Common Prayer
For the Poor and the Neglected
January 28, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBToday, we pray our most merciful God to remember the poor and the neglected. Source: For the Poor and the Neglected, from The Book of Common Prayer.
Saint Titus, Pastor and Confessor (2021)
January 26, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBToday we remember St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor and pray for all pastors to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that they may minister in Christ’s Church. Of a Pastor (Option 2), from The Book of Common Prayer; adapted for Saint Titus.
Conversion of St. Paul (2021)
January 25, 2021 10:00 - 59 seconds - 1.76 MBBy the preaching of the apostle Paul, God has caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. We pray that we may follow his holy teaching and thus show ourselves thankful to our Lord. Conversion of Saint Paul (January 25), from The Book of Common Prayer.
Third Sunday after the Epiphany (2021)
January 24, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBOur Savior Jesus Christ calls us to proclaim the Good News of His salvation to all people. We pray for God’s grace to answer this call, so that we and the whole world may hear and receive His marvelous works. Third Sunday after the Epiphany, from The Book of Common …
For the Renewal of Life
January 22, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBToday we pray our eternal King to drive wrong desires from us, incline our hearts to keep His law, and guide our feet into the way of peace. Source: A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Morning Prayer I), from The Book of Common Prayer, alt.
Hail, O Source of Every Blessing
January 21, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBThe Epiphany hymn “Hail, O Source of Every Blessing” (stanzas 1-2) provides us with today’s prayer. See Lutheran Service Book, 409:1-2.
For the Church
January 20, 2021 11:26 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBToday we pray for God’s “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” “For the Church,” from The Book of Common Prayer, adapted.
For Vocation in Daily Work
January 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBSince God shows His handiwork in heaven and on earth, we pray that He would deliver us in our vocations from the service of self alone so that we may serve Him and our neighbor to His glory. “For Vocation in Daily Work,” from The Book of Common Prayer.
For All Christians in Their Vocation
January 18, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBAll Christians have a vocation given by God, whether butcher, baker, candle stick maker, or pastor. We pray that all members of Christ’s holy Church may truly and devoutly serve Him in their various vocations. “For All Christians in Their Vocation,” from The Book of Common Prayer.
The Second Sunday after Epiphany (2021)
January 17, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBJesus Christ is the light of the world. We pray that we, His people, may be illumined by His Word and Sacraments so that we may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory that He may be known, worshiped, and followed by all people. Second Sunday after the Epiphany, from …
The Saving Benefits of Christ’s Incarnation, part 3
January 15, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBJohann Gerhard continues pondering the benefits of Christ’s Incarnation. Not only is God’s power in creating us–and giving us flesh and bones–wonderful, but even more wonderful is how God redeems us in Christ Jesus–who becomes flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. [Part 1] [Part 2] Source: Sacred …
The Saving Benefits of Christ’s Incarnation, part 2
January 14, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIt was–and is–a great mystery that the Son of God lowered Himself to take on our human flesh. But the greater mystery is WHY? Here Johann Gerhard continues to lead us in pondering the saving benefits of Christ’s incarnation. [Part 1] Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 83-84.
The Saving Benefits of Christ’s Incarnation, part 1
January 13, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn his Sacred Meditations, Johann Gerhard helps us ponder and proclaim the saving benefits of our Lord Jesus Christ in His Incarnation. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 82-83.
For the Mission of the Church-1 (2021)
January 12, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBJesus Christ reveals Himself to be God in the flesh and proclaims Himself to be the Savior of all people. We pray that He would bring the nations into His fold and pour out His Spirit on all people. “For the Mission of the Church” (first option), from The Book …
Prayer to God the Highest Good
January 11, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBAfter exhorting us on how God–not wealth, nor honor, nor wisdom and skill–is our highest good (Listen here.), Johann Starck leads us in praying to the Triune God who alone is our “highest, dearest, truest, and very best good.” Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and edited by W. …
The Baptism of Our Lord (2021)
January 10, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBWhen Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River, He reveals Himself to be the Savior of us sinners. We pray that we who are baptized into Him may remain faithful to Him and confess Him as Lord and Savior. First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our …
God Alone Is the Highest Good
January 08, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBFrom Psalm 73 we learn to pray, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26, ESV). Johann Starck exhorts us to recognize that God alone is our highest good. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and …
The Epiphany of Our Lord (2021)
January 06, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.33 MBOn this Epiphany day, we acknowledge that God has manifested His Son to all the peoples of the earth, and we pray that He would lead us who know Him now by faith to see His glory face to face in eternity. The Epiphany, from The Book of Common Prayer.
The Mystery of the Incarnation, part 4
January 05, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBIn this fourth and final part of meditating on “The Mystery of the Incarnation,” Johann Gerhard leads us to wonder at just why our Lord Jesus took on our human flesh. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 79-81.
The Mystery of the Incarnation, part 3
January 04, 2021 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBWe continue pondering the mystery of our Lord’s Incarnation with Johann Gerhard. Here Gerhard leads us in joining our voices and our praises with both the angels and the shepherds. Part 1 Part 2 Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 78-79.
Second Sunday after Christmas (2021)
January 03, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.73 MBGod wonderfully created and yet more wonderfully restored the dignity of human nature through His incarnate Son. We pray that we may share the divine life of Him who humbled Himself to share our humanity. Second Sunday after Christmas Day, from The Book of Common Prayer.
The Holy Name (2021)
January 01, 2021 10:00 - 57 seconds - 1.73 MBGod the Father gave His incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus as a sign of our salvation. We pray Him to plant in our hearts the love of Him who is the Savior of the world. The Holy Name (January 1), from The Book of Common Prayer.
The Mystery of the Incarnation, part 2
December 31, 2020 10:00 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBWe continue pondering the mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here Johann Gerhard weaves together several images of what Christmas means for us. Part 1 Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 77-78.
The Mystery of the Incarnation, part 1
December 30, 2020 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBChristmas is about the Birth of the very Son of God who was born of the Virgin Mary. More than that, Christmas is truly all about the Son of God taking on human flesh for us sinners. Johann Gerhard leads us in pondering “The Mystery of the Incarnation.” Source: Sacred …