07 May 2009
New Lutheran Quote of the Day
Okay, okay, so this book so unbelievably good that I'm at a loss to even know WHAT to cite and what to leave out. But here goes:
There is, in fact, no better way to publicize His hidden riches and glory than by whole-hearted, full-bodied, communal praise. Our songs of adoration and praise declare that His goodness far surpasses what is best in our earthly experience. Our songs of praise recommend the mystery of Christ to those who do not yet know Him by giving them a sense of our unutterable and exalted joy; our songs also draw us deeper into the hidden riches of Christ, who is invisibly present among us. -- John Kleinig, *Grace Upon Grace* p. 67
There is, in fact, no better way to publicize His hidden riches and glory than by whole-hearted, full-bodied, communal praise. Our songs of adoration and praise declare that His goodness far surpasses what is best in our earthly experience. Our songs of praise recommend the mystery of Christ to those who do not yet know Him by giving them a sense of our unutterable and exalted joy; our songs also draw us deeper into the hidden riches of Christ, who is invisibly present among us. -- John Kleinig, *Grace Upon Grace* p. 67
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
Therefore, let us never forget that we are on a journey, and by our good behavior, we should also make a good name for our fatherland. -- C .F. W. Walther, *God Grant It!* p. 401
Patristic Quote of the Day
Those who love the Word of salvation, and unroll the divine Scripture as a treasure, and carefully search out the things therein concealed, find the life-giving knowledge which leads them on to every virtuous pursuit, and makes them perfect in the knowledge of the doctrines of truth. -- St. Cyril of Alexandria, Homily on Luke 10
06 May 2009
That's Our Hib Alright
Hilbert Schumacher was president of St. Paul's congregation when I was called as Pastor. He and Evie are still backbones of the parish in so many ways!
Tim's Idea
(that would be Pr. Landskroener) and a good one:
with the incredible prices on Treasury of Daily Prayer for the month of May, have you thought of purchasing a copy for your Church to have and to keep there for anyone who gathers for the daily office, for school chapels, for devotions for various meetings and so on? I'm ordering one tonight for St. Paul's to keep!
with the incredible prices on Treasury of Daily Prayer for the month of May, have you thought of purchasing a copy for your Church to have and to keep there for anyone who gathers for the daily office, for school chapels, for devotions for various meetings and so on? I'm ordering one tonight for St. Paul's to keep!
I was really puzzled...
...about what to do for the Baccalaureate service for Metro East Lutheran High School (held here at St. Paul's this year), and then I realized that it was the Eve of Ascension. So we'll be doing the First Vespers for the Ascension Feast. How simple was that, I ask you? The Divine Service will follow on the Day of the Ascension itself. Whew. Cross that off the list of things to do - bulletin is basically done, pending any last minute changes from the school (Go Builder!). Now, if I could just figure out what to do for Trinity-St. Paul's graduation the day prior...
New Lutheran Quote of the Day
I've just started reading Dr. John Kleinig's marvelous *Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today.* I can already tell this is a must read for all Lutherans. A teasing taste to tempt you?Christian spirituality is, quite simply, following Jesus. It is the ordinary life of faith in which we receive Baptism, attend the Divine Service, participate in the Holy Supper, read the Scriptures, pray for ourselves and others, resist temptation, and work with Jesus in our given location here on earth. By our practice of spirituality we are not raised to a higher plane above the normal, everyday, bodily life, but we receive the Holy Spirit from Christ so that we can live in God's presence each day of our lives as we deal with people and work, sin and abuse, inconvenience and heartbreak, trouble and tragedy. We are not called to become more spiritual by disengaging from our earthly life, but simply to rely on Jesus as we do what is given us to do, experience what is given for us to experience, and enjoy what is given us to enjoy. (p. 23)
And it just gets better. A huge coherence at the beginning of the book with Oswald Bayer's work *Theology the Lutheran Way.* When you read Kleinig you get Cappadocian theology, insights from Luther, from Loehe, and from Schmemann all "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" poured into your life! What a treat! It's available from CPH here:
Grace Upon Grace
Aw, heck. One more quote:
"We do not, as we follow Jesus, become increasingly self-sufficient. Rather, we learn, bit by bit, the art of begging from God the Father, until at death we can do nothing but say: 'Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!'" (p. 29)
Yeah, you want it!
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
If someone is born of royal descent, but through the power of the enemy falls into slavery, he longs for the day when he had that fortunate circumstance and thinks back to his noble ancestry. Should we not also in genuine repentance and humility yearn for this, as we remember how our first parents, from whom we all descend, who were made kings of the earth - indeed, kings of heaven - by God and who were exalted to the highest worthiness, while from them we fell unto the power of the cruel devil through sin? -- Blessed Johann Gerhard, *Schola Pietatis* pp. 178,9
Patristic Quote of the Day
For the flocks of the believers have, as it were, a pasture full of divers plants and flowers, in the Holy Scriptures, which are their wise guides: and filled with spiritual joy at the glorious doctrines and instructions which they contain, they frequent the sacred courts. - St. Cyril of Alexandria, Homily on Luke 9
05 May 2009
Pray for Bev...
...it will not be long now. And ask God's peace for her family.
Who so happy as I am?
Even now the Shepherd's Lamb,
And when my short life is ended
By His angel hosts attended
He will fold me to His breast
There within HIs arms to rest.
P.S. JGF, if you're reading this, I always hear your beautiful setting as I sing it.
Who so happy as I am?
Even now the Shepherd's Lamb,
And when my short life is ended
By His angel hosts attended
He will fold me to His breast
There within HIs arms to rest.
P.S. JGF, if you're reading this, I always hear your beautiful setting as I sing it.
Commemoration of Frederick the Wise
Today our Synod commemorates Frederick the Wise, Christian Ruler. From the Treasury:High-born Prince, kind, dear brother and kinsman. Herewith I send you a book written by Dr. Martin Luther, in which you will find many wonderful things. God Almighty grant that it will turn out well, for truly things are coming to light which many people conceal; may God Almighty vouchsafe to us poor sinners that we may be improved and not made worse thereby. - from a Letter of Frederick to his brother, Duke John, 1520
The Treasury notes that upon his death bed, the Elector received the Eucharist under both kinds, "a clear confession of the evangelical faith."
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
They [our bodies] shall shine with the effulgence of the divine glory, because of their nearness to God, who dwells in a "light which no man can approach unto" and "who covereth Himself with light as a garment;" and they shall be incorruptible because they are like the angels, nay, rather, because they shall be changed into the likeness of the glorified body of Christ. -- Blessed Johann Gerhard, *Sacred Meditation XLVIII
Patristic Quote of the Day
For in the churches we teach by bringing forward our doctrines from the inspired Scripture, and setting forth the Evangelic and Apostolic Word as a sort of spiritual nourishment. And they who believe in Christ and are conspicuous for unperverted faith, are obedient listeners to such teaching; but they turn away from the voices of falsifiers, and avoid them as a deadly evil. -- St. Cyril of Alexandria, Homily on John 10
04 May 2009
Speaking of Treasury...
...don't miss the beautiful selection from Pastor Friedrich Wyneken, whom our Synod commemorates on this day. Starts on bottom of page 1293. I think it will be our Council Devotion this evening.
Good News!
from Pastor McCain:
I have some great news.
Concordia Publishing House is offering special pricing throughout the month of May on the Treasury of Daily Prayer. And if you don't believe me about how great the book is, then read the endorsements at the end of this note. Truly, great stuff.
I can’ think of a better way to celebrate the rest of Eastertide and the Pentecost festival, than by encouraging our folks to embrace a richer, deeper life of prayer and meditation on the Word of God. In my opinion, there is no better single resource to aid and strengthen us in our prayer lives, than Treasury of Daily Prayer. But, you know I’ve been saying that for some time now. If you don’t believe me, listen to what others are saying. I’ll post a slew of recommendations and endorsements from people using it at the end of this note.
The special pricing is this:
The regular edition, $49.99, is now $24.99.
The deluxe edition, $79.99, is now $39.99.
Call 800-325-3040 to place your order.
If you want to place a web order, you must use this link to get the special pricing: http://www.cph.org/dailyprayer
Please let your various networks and contacts know, alert your congregations, and consider placing a group order for the Treasury.
These prices are only good through the end of May.
Feel free to use these quotes below.
What Others are Saying about the Treasury of Daily Prayer
+++
Wonderful Tool as One Choice for your Daily Devotions - TREASURY OF DAILY PRAYER
In some of my Bible classes over the last several months I shared with you my joy in purchasing and using a new devotional book: Treasury of Daily Prayer. (I brought it in and showed one of the Sunday classes.) Pastor Olsen and I each picked one up from the Seminary Bookstore when we attended the Exegetical Symposium at the Ft. Wayne Seminary at the end of this last January.
We had both received pre-publication PR ... but neither of us had ordered it. Being frugal Lutherans (and knowing we would have to give answer to our wives as to why we allowed ourselves the temptation of entering the bookstore) ... we noticed that it was a good buy - discounted during the Symposium, I believe.
After giving it a ride back to Lansing TDP (Treasury of Daily Prayer) found a place in my home. Like everything else, however, ... exercise equipment, that new diet, books ... you have to USE it for a while to see how good it is ... or if it "works".
Folks, I love using it ... and it "works" in terms of deepening your walk with Jesus in your daily life. When preaching on Sunday or in a Bible class or Confirmation class, I have often used something that I've read in TDP over the previous two weeks (about how long I can remember what I've read and where) in the message. It provides different orders of service IF you want to incorporate that into your quite time (QT) as well as providing daily Scripture readings, prayers, psalms, some hymn verses from our new hymnal - Lutheran Service Book, writings from our Confessions and other Church fathers. Here's the deal: it is amazingly flexible in how it can be used.
Concordia Publishing House states of TDP: "In today's busy times, God's people long for a richer, more intentional life of prayer and meditation on God's Word. Treasury of Daily Prayer presents an ordered collection of materials that guide daily prayer and devotions, and is appropriate for use by individuals, families, and small groups."
At the link immediately above there's also a Twitter button so that you can get daily tweets from Treasury of Daily Prayer. It's very encouraging to get them throughout the day. (I've been passing a number of them on to those who are following me on Twitter.) Also, at the site above, you can see a sample of what TDP is like by pressing the Take A Look Inside button. Give it a try.
I would recommend TDP for adults, and possibly for older teens ... who are interested in deepening their relationship with Jesus.
Blessings. Pastor David Maier Michigan
+++
I'm obviously not a pastor, but I also love the TDP! It's made my prayer life more disciplined by spurring me to pray matins and vespers or compline daily - this means I now spend more time in prayer and meditation on God's Word than I did previously. Having the propers for daily prayer has also been a great pleasure. I really did have sometimes up to 4 books with me previously when I prayed (Bible, hymnal, devotional or book of sermons, and Lutheran book of prayer), but now I generally just use the TDP since it rolls most things into one. I'm eagerly awaiting the Lutheran Study Bible! Best, Bethany Tanis (Assistant Prof of Mod Euro Hist at Aquinas College)
+++
The Lord God acts and we respond. What a joy to have a tool such as the Treasury of Daily Prayer. In one convenient place, the Word of God and prayers and church fathers. In the Old and New Testament Readings, a well as the psalms, the Lord speaks - turn a page and we have a model for response, liturgy, song, prayer - It has been such blessing that I need to purchase another...I have given my first two away to parishioners desiring a good prayerbook.
Kelly
+++
The Treasury of Daily Prayer has become a trusted friend and a necessity. The relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament readings gives greater meaning to both. Beginning with a Psalm that coincides with the readings begins the daily devotion with a meaningful prayer. The extra bonus is reading the suggested portion from The Book of Concord! It ties all the readings together and makes very clear what we privileged Lutherans believe and teach. Using this resource for daily devotional reading is never something I do as a self-discipline; it is almost an indulgence because I benefit so deeply from and treasure the time spent each day with The Treasury of Daily Prayer. Jean Michigan +++
As a Lutheran layman, I greatly appreciate the systematic supplement offfered in the Treasury of Daily Prayer to the corporate Divine Service(s). The combination of OT and NT Scripture, writing of the Church Fathers, hymns and prayers that follow the Church Year gives me an opportunity daily to grow in the Faith--something of which we never get our fill.
Larry in Texas
+++
Excellent book and resource.
I read it fairly often to my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter as well. My 5 year old says "can we read the 'Daily Book' "as he calls it or the "Treasury" I read a portion of the daily readings to them.
Makes me want to read Holy Scripture each day and gets me in the mode of reading Scripture more often.
Now for the unabridged version of the Treasury with the Book of Concord suggested readings each day too :)
We also play church at home with the Lutheran Service Book - mostly with Matins and my son serving Holy Communion and knowing quite a bit of the words. My daughter is the deaconess. She uses the smaller Lutheran Prayer books as "hymnals". The What About half-sheet pamphlets are "bulletins".
Gary in Minnesota
+++
In my Study, a salve for a weary heart. At home the best reading and singing that my children do all day.
Adrian in Indiana
+++
Paul, Keeping the Treasury open at my desk has revitalized my daily devotional life. The Treasury makes it easy to be in God's Word daily and meditate on it with the assistance of prayers and writings from church fathers who walked before us. Suggested readings from the Book of Concord have nudged me back into regular conversation with the brilliant theologians who shaped our heritage. God's Word, the confessions and the church writings are true treasures that we neglect at our peril. Thanks for making them a joy to use again.
Philip in Nebraska
+++
Paul:
I was given the Treasury of Daily Prayer as a gift and I use it in conjunction with Kraus' "The Pastor at Prayer". The daily reading from the Treasury is my "Liturgical Lesson for the Day", so it's a nice addition even though I continue to read through the Scriptures and Confessions according the the schedule in Kraus. I, however, remain underwhelmed by the ESV. Those to whom I've showed it are taken aback by the Treasury's size. The people here have stayed with their Portals of Prayer even though we advertised the Treasury.
Rick in Kansas
+++
"As we begin a lengthy trip to deal with the aftermath of a family loss, it is extremely helpful to both carry and have ease of access to the "Treasury of Daily Prayer" for daily devotions at this time. One need not "search the car" to find all that one might want. It is there with both Word and helpful words based soundly upon Scripture. Lastly, as one spends time in motels there is always the opportunity to use the "TDP" as part of witness to the Risen Christ."
Paul in Missouri
+++
"For many years I have struggled in my prayer life, looking for a way to pray that was more connected to the liturgical life of the church. It was frustrating because it would take a long time to gather what was needed and often I felt like I couldn't know what I needed unless I bothered one of my pastors each day. Treasury of Prayer has solved all that. Everything needed to have a full and complete prayer life in keeping with the lectionary and the Lutheran faith is in one volume. I highly recommend it!"
Noreen in Houston, Texas
+++
The arrival of the Treasury of Daily Prayer at our house practically coincided with the accidental death of our 18-year-old son. During this time, the Treasury has been our refuge of being together and being in the word. During February we lamented with Job. On Easter we heard a great sermon by Chrysostom. We like to read all the daily readings before we go to bed and we often tack on an Evening Prayer or a Compline. The book is so easy to use, that there remain no excuses or awkwardness in sharing this time, which now has become a precious habit.
Yours, and thanks, Brigitte in Alberta, Canada
I have some great news.
Concordia Publishing House is offering special pricing throughout the month of May on the Treasury of Daily Prayer. And if you don't believe me about how great the book is, then read the endorsements at the end of this note. Truly, great stuff.
I can’ think of a better way to celebrate the rest of Eastertide and the Pentecost festival, than by encouraging our folks to embrace a richer, deeper life of prayer and meditation on the Word of God. In my opinion, there is no better single resource to aid and strengthen us in our prayer lives, than Treasury of Daily Prayer. But, you know I’ve been saying that for some time now. If you don’t believe me, listen to what others are saying. I’ll post a slew of recommendations and endorsements from people using it at the end of this note.
The special pricing is this:
The regular edition, $49.99, is now $24.99.
The deluxe edition, $79.99, is now $39.99.
Call 800-325-3040 to place your order.
If you want to place a web order, you must use this link to get the special pricing: http://www.cph.org/dailyprayer
Please let your various networks and contacts know, alert your congregations, and consider placing a group order for the Treasury.
These prices are only good through the end of May.
Feel free to use these quotes below.
What Others are Saying about the Treasury of Daily Prayer
+++
Wonderful Tool as One Choice for your Daily Devotions - TREASURY OF DAILY PRAYER
In some of my Bible classes over the last several months I shared with you my joy in purchasing and using a new devotional book: Treasury of Daily Prayer. (I brought it in and showed one of the Sunday classes.) Pastor Olsen and I each picked one up from the Seminary Bookstore when we attended the Exegetical Symposium at the Ft. Wayne Seminary at the end of this last January.
We had both received pre-publication PR ... but neither of us had ordered it. Being frugal Lutherans (and knowing we would have to give answer to our wives as to why we allowed ourselves the temptation of entering the bookstore) ... we noticed that it was a good buy - discounted during the Symposium, I believe.
After giving it a ride back to Lansing TDP (Treasury of Daily Prayer) found a place in my home. Like everything else, however, ... exercise equipment, that new diet, books ... you have to USE it for a while to see how good it is ... or if it "works".
Folks, I love using it ... and it "works" in terms of deepening your walk with Jesus in your daily life. When preaching on Sunday or in a Bible class or Confirmation class, I have often used something that I've read in TDP over the previous two weeks (about how long I can remember what I've read and where) in the message. It provides different orders of service IF you want to incorporate that into your quite time (QT) as well as providing daily Scripture readings, prayers, psalms, some hymn verses from our new hymnal - Lutheran Service Book, writings from our Confessions and other Church fathers. Here's the deal: it is amazingly flexible in how it can be used.
Concordia Publishing House states of TDP: "In today's busy times, God's people long for a richer, more intentional life of prayer and meditation on God's Word. Treasury of Daily Prayer presents an ordered collection of materials that guide daily prayer and devotions, and is appropriate for use by individuals, families, and small groups."
At the link immediately above there's also a Twitter button so that you can get daily tweets from Treasury of Daily Prayer. It's very encouraging to get them throughout the day. (I've been passing a number of them on to those who are following me on Twitter.) Also, at the site above, you can see a sample of what TDP is like by pressing the Take A Look Inside button. Give it a try.
I would recommend TDP for adults, and possibly for older teens ... who are interested in deepening their relationship with Jesus.
Blessings. Pastor David Maier Michigan
+++
I'm obviously not a pastor, but I also love the TDP! It's made my prayer life more disciplined by spurring me to pray matins and vespers or compline daily - this means I now spend more time in prayer and meditation on God's Word than I did previously. Having the propers for daily prayer has also been a great pleasure. I really did have sometimes up to 4 books with me previously when I prayed (Bible, hymnal, devotional or book of sermons, and Lutheran book of prayer), but now I generally just use the TDP since it rolls most things into one. I'm eagerly awaiting the Lutheran Study Bible! Best, Bethany Tanis (Assistant Prof of Mod Euro Hist at Aquinas College)
+++
The Lord God acts and we respond. What a joy to have a tool such as the Treasury of Daily Prayer. In one convenient place, the Word of God and prayers and church fathers. In the Old and New Testament Readings, a well as the psalms, the Lord speaks - turn a page and we have a model for response, liturgy, song, prayer - It has been such blessing that I need to purchase another...I have given my first two away to parishioners desiring a good prayerbook.
Kelly
+++
The Treasury of Daily Prayer has become a trusted friend and a necessity. The relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament readings gives greater meaning to both. Beginning with a Psalm that coincides with the readings begins the daily devotion with a meaningful prayer. The extra bonus is reading the suggested portion from The Book of Concord! It ties all the readings together and makes very clear what we privileged Lutherans believe and teach. Using this resource for daily devotional reading is never something I do as a self-discipline; it is almost an indulgence because I benefit so deeply from and treasure the time spent each day with The Treasury of Daily Prayer. Jean Michigan +++
As a Lutheran layman, I greatly appreciate the systematic supplement offfered in the Treasury of Daily Prayer to the corporate Divine Service(s). The combination of OT and NT Scripture, writing of the Church Fathers, hymns and prayers that follow the Church Year gives me an opportunity daily to grow in the Faith--something of which we never get our fill.
Larry in Texas
+++
Excellent book and resource.
I read it fairly often to my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter as well. My 5 year old says "can we read the 'Daily Book' "as he calls it or the "Treasury" I read a portion of the daily readings to them.
Makes me want to read Holy Scripture each day and gets me in the mode of reading Scripture more often.
Now for the unabridged version of the Treasury with the Book of Concord suggested readings each day too :)
We also play church at home with the Lutheran Service Book - mostly with Matins and my son serving Holy Communion and knowing quite a bit of the words. My daughter is the deaconess. She uses the smaller Lutheran Prayer books as "hymnals". The What About half-sheet pamphlets are "bulletins".
Gary in Minnesota
+++
In my Study, a salve for a weary heart. At home the best reading and singing that my children do all day.
Adrian in Indiana
+++
Paul, Keeping the Treasury open at my desk has revitalized my daily devotional life. The Treasury makes it easy to be in God's Word daily and meditate on it with the assistance of prayers and writings from church fathers who walked before us. Suggested readings from the Book of Concord have nudged me back into regular conversation with the brilliant theologians who shaped our heritage. God's Word, the confessions and the church writings are true treasures that we neglect at our peril. Thanks for making them a joy to use again.
Philip in Nebraska
+++
Paul:
I was given the Treasury of Daily Prayer as a gift and I use it in conjunction with Kraus' "The Pastor at Prayer". The daily reading from the Treasury is my "Liturgical Lesson for the Day", so it's a nice addition even though I continue to read through the Scriptures and Confessions according the the schedule in Kraus. I, however, remain underwhelmed by the ESV. Those to whom I've showed it are taken aback by the Treasury's size. The people here have stayed with their Portals of Prayer even though we advertised the Treasury.
Rick in Kansas
+++
"As we begin a lengthy trip to deal with the aftermath of a family loss, it is extremely helpful to both carry and have ease of access to the "Treasury of Daily Prayer" for daily devotions at this time. One need not "search the car" to find all that one might want. It is there with both Word and helpful words based soundly upon Scripture. Lastly, as one spends time in motels there is always the opportunity to use the "TDP" as part of witness to the Risen Christ."
Paul in Missouri
+++
"For many years I have struggled in my prayer life, looking for a way to pray that was more connected to the liturgical life of the church. It was frustrating because it would take a long time to gather what was needed and often I felt like I couldn't know what I needed unless I bothered one of my pastors each day. Treasury of Prayer has solved all that. Everything needed to have a full and complete prayer life in keeping with the lectionary and the Lutheran faith is in one volume. I highly recommend it!"
Noreen in Houston, Texas
+++
The arrival of the Treasury of Daily Prayer at our house practically coincided with the accidental death of our 18-year-old son. During this time, the Treasury has been our refuge of being together and being in the word. During February we lamented with Job. On Easter we heard a great sermon by Chrysostom. We like to read all the daily readings before we go to bed and we often tack on an Evening Prayer or a Compline. The book is so easy to use, that there remain no excuses or awkwardness in sharing this time, which now has become a precious habit.
Yours, and thanks, Brigitte in Alberta, Canada
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
The Christian should realize that his entire life is a journey and he should abstain from every fleshly lust that fights against the salvation of his dearly paid for soul. -- C. F. W. Walther, *God Grant It!* p. 399
Patristic Quote of the Day
Receiving as a rule of right and undistorted Faith the Holy and God-inspired Scripture we say that when the Only-Begotten Word of God became First-born for us, He ceased not from being what He was and He is called, along with the title of Very God, also Son of Man: and He is not seen to have changed the Nature of the Godhead into flesh, which without change and without confusion was united to Him that He might adorn it with His own Glory: rather we must know that He filled it with God-befitting authority. Thus for a season was He seen of those in all the earth when He came from Heaven. -- St. Cyril of Alexandria, *Against the Synousiasts* par. 18
WOW! I Just Teach
today and next Monday - and I'm through at TSP for the year. Well, except for leading chapel and graduation. Unbelievable.
03 May 2009
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