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The Receptive Life

TheReceptiveLife

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copyright©2019PaulW.Arndt

Allrightsreserved.

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans—electronic,mechanical,photocopy,

recording,oranyother—exceptforbriefquotationsinprintedreviews,withoutthepermissioninwritingfromtheauthor,exceptasprovidedbyUSAcopyrightlaw.

ScripturetakenfromtheHolyBibleNewInternationalVersion®.NIV®

copyright©1973,1978,1984byInternationalBibleSociety.UsedbypermissionofZondervanPublishingHouse.

Allrightsreserved.

The“NIV”and“NewInternationalVersion”trademarksareregisteredintheUnitedStatesPatentandTrademarkOfVicebyInternationalBibleSociety.

Luther’sEveningandMorningPrayersweretakenfromLuther’sSmallCatechism

copyright©1943ConcordiaPublishingHouse.

TheGeneralConfessionwastakenfromTheLutheranHymnalcopyright©1941ConcordiaPublishingHouse.

aShadowPawpublicationPaulW.ArndtP.O.Box7277

SterlingHeights,MI48311www.TheReceptiveLife.com

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Contents

Contents 3...........................................................................................................

Pre-Assignment 4.................................................................................................

MapoftheTerritory 10..........................................................................................

ACompass:thePsalm119PrayerCycle 16.............................................................

ABackpack:(Tools,MaterialsandSkills) 18............................................................

Itinerary:15-30MinutesaDayforTwelveWeeks 20.................................................

Stations1and2: 23...............................................................................................

Station3: 26........................................................................................................

Station4: 28........................................................................................................

Station5: 31.........................................................................................................

Station6: 34........................................................................................................

Station7: 36........................................................................................................

Station8: 38........................................................................................................

Station9: 40........................................................................................................

Station10: 42.......................................................................................................

Station11: 44.......................................................................................................

Station12: 46.......................................................................................................

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Pre-Assignment

Read, study and pray through Psalm 119 (the longest Psalm in the Bible … 176verses).Asyouread,writedownyourthoughtsaboutthePsalm.

WhattermsdoesthePsalmistusetodescribeGod’sWord?

Example:“thelawoftheLord”(119:1)

WhatdoesthePsalmistthinkabouttheScriptures?

Example:“ohhowIloveyourlaw”(119:97)

Read Martin Luther’s writing on Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio (see below)or(clickhereforfullversion).

https://www.wls.wels.net/rmdevser_wls/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Helpful-Articles-Luthers-Preface-to-the-Wittenberg-Edition-of-His-German-Writings-Luther.pdf

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Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio(Prayer, Meditation, Trial) By Dr. Martin Luther

Moreover, Iwant topointout toyouacorrectwayofstudyingtheology, for Ihavehadpracticeinthat.Ifyoukeeptoit,youwillbecomesolearnedthatyouyourselfcould (if it were necessary) write books just as good as those of the fathers andcouncils,evenasI(inGod)daretopresumeandboast,withoutarroganceandlying,thatinthematterofwritingbooksIdonotstandmuchbehindsomeofthefathers.OfmylifeIcanbynomeansmakethesameboast.

This is the way taught by holy King David (and doubtlessly used also by all thepatriarchsandprophets)intheonehundrednineteenthPsalm.ThereyouwillVindthreerules,amplypresentedthroughoutthewholePsalm.

TheyareOratio,Meditatio,Tentatio.

Firstly;youshouldknowthattheHolyScripturesconstituteabookwhichturnsthewisdomofallotherbooks into foolishness,becausenotone teachesabouteternallifeexceptthisonealone.

Thereforeyoushouldstraightwaydespairofyourreasonandunderstanding.Withthemyouwill not attaineternal life, but, on the contrary, yourpresumptuousnesswillplungeyouandotherswithyououtofheaven(ashappenedtoLucifer)intotheabyssofhell.

Butkneeldowninyourlittleroom[Matt.6:6]andpraytoGodwithrealhumilityandearnestness, that he through his dear Sonmay give you his Holy Spirit, whowillenlightenyou,leadyou,andgiveyouunderstanding.

ThusyouseehowDavidkeepspraying in theabove-mentionedPsalm, “Teachme,Lord,instructme,leadme,showme,”andmanymorewordslikethese.AlthoughhewellknewanddailyheardandreadthetextofMosesandotherbooksbesides,stillhewantstolayholdoftherealteacheroftheScriptureshimself,sothathemaynotseizeuponthempell-mellwithhisreasonandbecomehisownteacher.

ForsuchpracticegivesrisetofactiousspiritswhoallowthemselvestonurturethedelusionthattheScripturesaresubjecttothemandcanbeeasilygraspedwiththeirreason,as if theywereMarkolforAesop’sFables, forwhichnoHolySpiritandnoprayersareneeded.

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Secondly,youshouldmeditate,thatis,notonlyinyourheart,butalsoexternally,byactuallyrepeatingandcomparingoralspeechandliteralwordsofthebook,readingandrereadingthemwithdiligentattentionandreVlection,sothatyoumayseewhattheHolySpiritmeansbythem.

Andtakecarethatyoudonotgrowwearyorthinkthatyouhavedoneenoughwhenyou have read, heard, and spoken them once or twice, and that you then havecompleteunderstanding.Youwillneverbeaparticularlygoodtheologianifyoudothat,foryouwillbelikeuntimelyfruitwhichfallstothegroundbeforeitishalfripe.

Thirdly,thereistentatio,Anfechtung.Thisisthetouchstone,whichteachesyounotonly to know and understand, but also to experience how right, how true, howsweet,how lovely,howmighty,howcomfortingGod’sWord is,wisdombeyondallwisdom.

ThusyouseehowDavid,inthePsalmmentioned,complainssooftenaboutallkindsof enemies, arrogant princes or tyrants, false spirits and factions, whom hemusttoleratebecausehemeditates, that is,becausehe isoccupiedwithGod’sWord(ashasbeensaid)inallmannerofways.

ForassoonasGod’sWordtakesrootandgrowsinyou,thedevilwillharryyou,andwillmakearealdoctorofyou,andbyhisassaultswill teachyou toseekand loveGod’sWord.

Imyself (if youwill permitme,meremouse-dirt, to bemingledwith pepper) amdeeply indebted to my papists that through the devil’s raging they have beaten,oppressed,anddistressedmesomuch.Thatistosay,theyhavemadeafairlygoodtheologian ofme,which Iwould not have becomeotherwise. And I heartily grantthem what they have won in return for making this of me, honor, victory, andtriumph,forthat’sthewaytheywantedit.

There now,with that youhaveDavid’s rules. If you studyhard in accordwith hisexample, thenyouwill alsosingandboastwithhim in thePsalm, “The lawof thymouthisbettertomethanthousandsofgoldandsilverpieces”[Ps.119:72].

Also,“Thycommandmentmakesmewiserthanmyenemies,foritiseverwithme.Ihave more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are mymeditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep thy precepts,” etc. [Ps.119:98–100].

Anditwillbeyourexperiencethatthebooksofthefatherswilltastestaleandputridtoyouincomparison.Youwillnotonlydespisethebookswrittenbyadversaries,butthelongeryouwriteandteachthelessyouwillbepleasedwithyourself.

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Whenyouhavereachedthispoint,thendonotbeafraidtohopethatyouhavebegunto become a real theologian, who can teach not only the young and imperfectChristians,butalsothematuringandperfectones.Forindeed,Christ’schurchhasallkinds of Christians in itwho are young, old,weak, sick, healthy, strong, energetic,lazy,simple,wise,etc.

Ifhowever, you feel andare inclined to thinkyouhavemade it, Vlatteringyourselfwithyourownlittlebooks,teaching,orwriting,becauseyouhavedoneitbeautifullyandpreachedexcellently;ifyouarehighlypleasedwhensomeonepraisesyouinthepresenceofothers;ifyouperhapslookforpraise,andwouldsulkorquitwhatyouare doing if you did not get it—if you are of that stripe, dear friend, then takeyourselfbytheears,andifyoudothisintherightwayyouwillVindabeautifulpairofbig,long,shaggydonkeyears.

Thendonotspareanyexpense!Decoratethemwithgoldenbells,sothatpeoplewillbeabletohearyouwhereveryougo,point their Vingersatyou,andsay, “See,See!There goes that clever beast, who can write such exquisite books and preach soremarkably well.” That very moment you will be blessed and blessed beyondmeasureinthekingdomofheaven.Yes,inthatheavenwherehellVireisreadyforthedevilandhisangels.

Tosumup:Letusbeproudandseekhonorintheplaceswherewecan.ButinthisbookthehonorisGod’salone,asitissaid,“Godopposestheproud,butgivesgracetothehumble”[1Pet.5:5];towhombeglory,worldwithoutend,Amen.

(ExcerptedfromPrefacetotheWittenbergEditionofLuther’sGermanWritings1539,Luther’sWorks,AmericanEdition,Vol.34.Philadelphia:FortressPress,1960,pp.285-288.)

WhatdoesMartinLuthermeanbyeachofthefollowingwords?

oratio:

meditatio:

tentatio:

ReadthefollowingwordsofMartinLutherabouthowtoprayandmeditateuponthechiefpartsoftheCatechism.

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A Simple Way to PrayMartin Luther

DearMasterPeter,

I’lldomybesttoshowyouhowIapproachprayer.MayourLordGodhelpusalltodobetterinthisregard.Amen.

First,sometimesIfeelIambecomingcoldandapatheticaboutprayer.ThisisusuallybecauseofallthethingsthataredistractingmeandVillingmymind.IknowthisisaresultoftheVleshandthedevilalwayswagingwaragainstme,tryingtopreventmefrompraying.

WhenthishappensIliketotakemylittlebookofthePsalmsandsneakawayintoalittleroom,or,ifitistherighttimeorday,Iliketogotochurchwithotherpeople.

First,IreadandconsiderwhatGodisteachingme.Second,IturntothanksgivingonaccountofwhatGodhasdone.Third,Iconfessmysinbaseduponthetext.Fourth,Iusethetexttosayaprayerforstrongfaith.

(ExcerptfromMartinLuther’slettertohisbarber,PeterASimpleWaytoPray)

WhatfourthingsdoesMartinLuthertellhisbarber,Peter,todo?

ReadPsalm119onemoretime.Asyouread,usethe“A,B,C,D’s”ofmeditationtopraythroughthePsalm.

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A=“Ask”(Prayer)–WhatisthePsalmaskingmetoprayfor?

B=“Believe”(Instruction)–WhatisthePsalmaskingmetolearnandbelieve?

C = “Confess”(Repentance)–HowisthisPsalmconvictingmeofmysin?ForwhatdoIneedforgiveness?

D=“Do”(Response)–HowshouldIpraise,thankandact?

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Map of the Territory

The Gifts That Only Jesus Can Give

This online course will help you learn how God uses the ancient spiritualdisciplinestodeliverallofthegiftsthatonlyJesuscangive.Giftslike...

• Gracethatgoesbeyondanyfault,failure,sinandweakness.

• Mercy that goes beyond anything that we can bear and holds backanythingthatwedeserve.

• Peacethatgoesbeyondanyhumanunderstanding.

• Hopethatgoesbeyondanydespairthattheworld,theDevilandourownsinfulVleshmightbring.

• Joythatgoesbeyondanyhappinessthatthisworldmightoffer.

• AndthesureandcertainpromiseofHispresence.

This course ismy attempt to reclaim the spiritual disciplines froma slavishspirit of performance. The core idea is that the spiritual disciplines are notabout our activity and ascent toward God, but rather, they're themeans bywhichGoddescendsanddeliverstousallofthegiftsmeritedbyJesus.

ThereasonthatwegiveourselvestotheWordofGodisthat,indoingso,theGodoftheWordpromisestogiveHimselftous.It'sallaboutreceptivity.

Let's Walk Together

Asapastor/shepherdI’vespentalotoftimewalkingwithpeoplethrough…

• thesacredterritoriesofRepentanceandGrace

• thebackwoodvillagesofMeditationandPrayer

• thegreenpasturesandstillwatersofSilenceandSolitude

• thebadlandsofDespairandSuffering

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• theValleyoftheShadowofDeath

• andthenewworldoftheResurrection

Hopefully,whenIwriteaboutandspeakofsuchplaces,you’llheartheaccentofalocal,thevoiceofanativeandnotatourist,thewordsofsomeonewho’sspenthisfairshareoftimeintheterritory.Ifyou’reopenandwilling,I’dliketoinviteyoutowalkwithmethroughsomeofthisspiritualterritory.

Butbeforewebegin,letmegiveyou…

• amap(thelayoftheland)

• acompass(aguideandsomedirections)

• abackpack(spiritualtools,materialsandskills)

• anitinerary(aschedulefornextsteps)

Map of the Spiritual Territory

Herearethetenstations/outpostsoftheterritory:

• Station1:Invocation/Prayer(EveningandMorningPrayer)

• Station2:MeditationonthePersonandWorkofJesus(Daily)

• Station3:TheSpiritualPractice,TrainingandFormationofFaith

• Station4:Confession(Daily)

• Station5:TheWordofGod(Daily)

• Station6:TenCommandments(Monday)

• Station7:TheCreed(Tuesday)

• Station8:TheLord’sPrayer(Wednesday)

• Station9:SacramentofBaptism(Thursday)

• Station10:OfViceoftheKeys(Friday)

• Station11:SacramentoftheAltar(Saturday)

• Station12:Vocation(Sunday)

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Everydaywewalktoandthroughtheseterritories.Wegoasabeggar,holdingthespiritualsackwideopentoreceiveallofthegiftsthatonlyJesuscangive.We make our way to each station because in each place Jesus offers anddeliversonapromise.

Here’showitworks…

• Whenwegetourselvestothesesacredplaces,theHolySpiritconnectsustothepersonandworkofJesus.

• And when we're connected to the Word of God (in the Vlesh, in theScriptures, in the Sacraments), the God of the Word promises to giveHimselftous.

• AndwhentheTriuneGodgivesHimselftous,Hepromisestobewithus,toVightforus,toworkon,in,throughandaroundus.

Again,everythingfromGod.Nothingfromourselves.

It’sallaboutreceptivity.

It’snotaboutearningperformancepointsoraspiritualmeritbadgebutaboutrunning to theplaces andembracing themeansbywhich Jesus said thathewouldgiveallofhisgifts.

That’sthemap,thelayoftheland.

ForadetailedPDFoftheterritory,clickhere.

http://paulwarndt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/119-Prayer-Cycle_2016_Africa.pdf

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the WEAPON and SHIELD of faith (the Word of God - memorized and

meditated upon)

the COMMAND and DEMAND for faith

(the 10 Commandments)

the OBJECT of faith (the Creed)

the BATTLE CRY of faith (the Lord’s Prayer)

the NOURISHMENT and SUSTAINING of faith

(the Sacrament of the Altar)

the EXPRESSION and EMOTION of faith

(the Psalms)

the DAILY EXERCISE of faith (the Table of Duties

station + location = vocation) “calling”

the HEART, CORE and CENTRAL MESSAGE of faith (the person and work of Jesus Christ for the

forgiveness of sins)

the HEARTBEAT of faith (Repentance: Confession

and Absolution)

the RHYTHM of faith (evening and morning Prayer)

TheReceptiveLife(“byfaith”)

Psalm119

the REVELATION and CONTENT of faith (the Word of God –

heard, read, studied)

Evening and Morning Prayer

the CARE and SHEPHERDING of faith

(the Office of Keys)

the CREATION of faith (the Sacrament Baptism)

the SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, TRAINING and FORMATION of faith

(oratio, meditatio, tentatio)

prayer to the Holy Spirit, meditation on the Scripture, soul struggle

Copyright,©2019,PaulW.ArndtTheReceptiveLife.com

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TheReceptiveLife(“byfaith”)

Psalm119

Evening and Morning Prayer 1

3

5

6

8

7

910

11

12

Confession (Daily) “Lord Jesus, Son of God,

have mercy on me the sinner.” Or the General Confession

the Lord’s Prayer (Wednesday)

the Creed (Tuesday)

Office of the Keys (Friday)

Ten Commandments (Monday)

Vocation (Sunday)

Sacrament of the Altar

(Saturday)

The Word of God (Daily) Hear, Read, Study, Memorize and Meditate

on the Scriptures

Meditation on the Person and Work of Jesus

Sacrament of Baptism

(Thursday)

Invocation and Evening and Morning Prayer

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”

2



prayer to the Holy Spirit, meditation on the Scripture, soul struggle

the EXPRESSION and EMOTION of faith

(the Psalms)

4

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�I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. (Ps. 119:59)

�I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands� (Ps. 119:10)


the Creed (Tuesday)



Vocation (Sunday) (7x) “ I run in the path of your

commands for you have set my heart free.� (Ps. 119:32)

(7x) �Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your

commands.” (Ps. 119:73)

(7x) �I call with all my heart; answer me O Lord, and I will obey your decrees.�

(Ps. 119:145)

(7x) �May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation

according to your promise.� (Ps. 119: 41)

(7x) �Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.�

(Ps. 119:105)

�Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.� (Ps. 119:18)

�Oh, how I love your law, I meditate on it all day long.� (Ps. 119:97)

�I am laid low in the dust, preserve my life according to your word.� (Ps. 119:25)


(Saturday)

(7x) �Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws

sustain me.� (Ps. 119:175)

Man

Son of God

Son

�Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.� (Ps. 119:133)

ThePsalm119PrayerCycle


(Thursday)

(7x) �Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find

delight��(Ps. 119:35)

(7x) �I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant for I have not

forgotten your laws.��(Ps. 119:176)

1

3

5

6

8

7

910

11

12

2

Confession (Daily)

Meditation on the Person and Work of Jesus





on the Scriptures

4

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A Compass: the Psalm 119 Prayer Cycle

The Psalm 119 Prayer Cycle is an intentional and structured process thatI've developed to help you consistently get to all of the "right" places. It’s acompass,aspiritualguidethroughtheterritory.

The heart of it, as the name suggests, is Psalm 119 (one giant song, 176verses,abouttheWordofGodandtheGodoftheWord).

Psalm119(andtheprayercycle)pulseswiththesethreethemes:

• oratio:prayer,

• meditatio:meditationontheScriptures,

• tentatio:thepromiseofgraceinthemidstofsoul-struggle.

•

Here’s a link to Martin Luther’s Preface to the Wittenberg Edition of hisGermanWritings. In these words he speaks of Psalm 119 and the spiritualthemesoforatio,meditatio,tentatio.

Clickhereforthelink.

Whensin,deathandtheDevildisorientate,thePsalm119PrayerCyclehelpsusgetourbearings.Likea compass, itpoints to truenorth. It reorientsanddirectsustothefollowinglandmarks:

• thespiritualrhythmoflife(eveningandmorningprayer)

• thepersonandworkofJesusChrist

• theheartbeatandpulseofthereceptivelife

• thecontinualcalltolivealifeofrepentance

• thedailyreading,meditationandmemorizationofScripture

• thePsalms(LifeHappens/ButtheLordis...)

• theTenCommandments(thewayofLove)

• theCreed(thenatureandcharacteroftheTriuneGod)

https://paulwarndt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Receptive-Life_Introduction.pdf

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/119.html

https://www.wls.wels.net/rmdevser_wls/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Helpful-Articles-Luthers-Preface-to-the-Wittenberg-Edition-of-His-German-Writings-Luther.pdf

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• theLord'sPrayer(aguidedintercessionfromJesus)

• theForgivenessofSins(Baptism,Confession,theLord'sSupper)

• andourGodgivenandgracedVocations(thecallofJesustofollow)

Here’sacoupleofPsalm119PrayerCycleresources:

• Step-By-StepGuide

• MapoftheTerritory(PDF)

That’sthecompass.

https://paulwarndt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Template_Thinkific_Receptive-Life_Step-by-Step-Guide.pdf

https://paulwarndt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Map-of-the-Territory_2019.pdf

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A Backpack: (Tools, Materials and Skills)

While traveling, we'll need some tools and materials. I’d like to suggest acoupleofessentialresourcesthatyoucanputinthebackpack…

• astudyBible

• Luther’sSmallCatechism(printedition)

• Luther’sSmallCatechism(mobileapp)

• Luther’sSmallCatechism(webversion)

• Luther'sSmallandLargeCatechism(wonderfulprintedition)

You'll also need some skills. The following spiritual disciplinesmight take alittle bit of work but with some encouragement and time they can bedeveloped.

Thinkof the following skills as spiritual exercises to strengthen thewalkingmuscles.Themoreyouusethem,thestrongertheyget.

Here’salistofsomeofthespiritualpracticesthatwe'lluse…

• PlacingtheNameandActivityofGodUponourLives

• EveningandMorningPrayer

• GivingUpControl(theillusionofcontrol)

• TheDailyReadingandStudyoftheScriptures

• MemorizationandMeditationoftheScriptures

• ThePsalms:aSafeSpace/PlaceforourEmotions

• ThePracticeofaReceptiveLife

• TheGiftofBlessingandBeingBlessed

• TheDailyPracticeofRe-MemberingYourBaptism

https://www.cph.org/p-11334-the-lutheran-study-bible-hardback.aspx

https://www.cph.org/p-32272-luthers-small-catechism-with-explanation-2017-edition.aspx

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/luthers-small-catechism/id733691341?mt=8

http://catechism.cph.org/

https://www.cph.org/p-33133-martin-luthers-small-and-large-catechisms.aspx

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• ConfessionandAbsolution

• ExaminationandPreparationBeforeReceivingtheLord’sSupper

• ThePracticeofLeavingandReturning

• Saying“No”inOrdertoSay“Yes”

• DistractionsandDivineInterruptions

• IdentifyingandFullyEngaginginourVocation

• TheFreedomtoSay:“Idon’tknow”

• TheCouragetoSay:“ButIdoknow!”

• EmbracingtheMysteryof“MissingPieces”

Again, like all types of exercise, these are going to require some work. Butremember, the spiritual disciplines are not about performance points orspiritualmerit.They’resimplythemeansbywhichGodworksandgivestousthemeritofJesus.

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Itinerary: 15-30 Minutes a Day for Twelve Weeks

Andso,here’swhatI’mthinking.Ifyougivemeabout15-30minuteseachday,for a couple of months, I’ll walk you through and show you around thespirituallandscapeofthePsalm119PrayerCycle.

In 15-30 minutes a day we’ll cover a lot of territory but the pace will becomfortable-nottoofast,nottooslow-progressnotinleapsbutababystepforwardeveryday.

15-30minutesadaywillgiveusenoughtimetoexplore,yet,atthesametime,we'llkeepmovingtowardthenextstation/outpost.

Let'swalk togetherwith thepromise that ifwe get ourselves to all of thoseplacesonthemap,Godwillpromisetodohiswork.

Andso,here’stheitinerarythatIpropose:

• Week1:theHEART,COREandCENTRALMESSAGEoffaith(thepersonandworkofJesusChristfortheforgivenessofsins)

• Week2:theRHYTHMofFaith(Invocation,EveningandMorningPrayer)

• Week3:theSPIRITUALPRACTICEandTRAININGoffaith(“trainingingodliness”)

• Week4:theHEARTBEAToffaith(repentance)

• Week 5: theREVELATION and CONTENT of faith (theWord of God –heard,readandstudied)

• Week 6: the WEAPON and SHIELD of faith (the Word of God –memorizedandmeditatedupon)

• Week7:theEXPRESSIONandEMOTIONoffaith(thePsalms)

• Week8:theCOMMANDandDEMANDoffaith(the10Commandments)

• Week9:theOBJECToffaith(theCreed)

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• Week10:theBATTLECRYoffaith(theLord’sPrayer)

• Week 11: the CREATION, SHEPHERDING, NOURISHMENT andSUSTAININGoffaith(theSacramentsandOfViceoftheKeys)

• Week12:theDAILYEXERCISEoffaith(station+location=vocation)

Admittedly, at Virst glance, the Psalm 119 Prayer Cycle may lookoverwhelming. But on this site, I'll do my best to guide you through theprocesswithfurtherposts. I'llalsotryandofferanumberofretreatoptionswherewecantalkthroughsomeofthespeciVics.

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STEP BY STEP GUIDE

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Stations 1 and 2: (Invocation, Evening and Morning Prayer, the Person and

Work of Jesus Christ)

In the Morning

Upon Rising from Sleep: In the morning, when you rise, you shall blessyourselfwiththeholycrossandsay:

InthenameofGodtheFather,Son,andHolySpirit.Amen.

PrayLuther’sMorningPrayer

IthankThee,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,ThydearSon,thatThouhastkeptmethisnightfromallharmanddanger;andIprayTheetokeepmethisdayalsofromsinandallevil,thatallmydoingsandlifemaypleaseThee.ForintoThyhandsIcommendmyself,mybodyandsoul,andallthings.LetThyholyangelbewithme,thatthe

WickedFoemayhavenopoweroverme.Amen.

HoldingontotheCross… MeditateUponthePersonandWorkofJesusChrist:

ThePersonofJesusChrist:

TheSonofGod

TheSonofMan

HisHumiliationandHisExaltation

TheWorkofJesusChrist:

ChristFORus(Romans8)

ChristINandTHROUGHus(Gal.2:20-21;Eph.2:1-10)

ChristWITHus(Matthew28:16-20;Mark16:15-20

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In the Evening

Upon Going to Sleep: In the evening, when you go to bed, you shall blessyourselfwiththeholycrossandsay:

InthenameofGodtheFather,Son,andHolySpirit.Amen.

PrayLuther’sEveningPrayer

IthankThee,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,ThydearSon,thatThouhastgraciouslykeptmethisday,andIprayTheetoforgivemeallmysins,whereIhavedonewrong,andgraciouslykeepmethisnight.ForintoThyhandsIcommendmyself,mybodyandsoul,andallthings.LetThyholyangelbewithme,thattheWickedFoemayhave

nopoweroverme.Amen.

HoldingontotheCross… MeditateUponthePersonandWorkofJesusChrist:

ThePersonofJesusChrist:

TheSonofGod

TheSonofMan

HisHumiliationandHisExaltation

TheWorkofJesusChrist:

ChristFORus(Romans8)

ChristINandTHROUGHus(Gal.2:20-21;Eph.2:1-10)

ChristWITHus(Matthew28:16-20;Mark16:15-20

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Man

Son of God

Son


1

2Meditation on the

Person and Work of Jesus


3

5

6

8

7

910

11

12

4

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Station 3:(Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio)

AsyouleaveStations1and2,praythefollowingPsalm119verses:

Oratio:“OpenmyeyesthatImaysee

wonderfulthingsinyourlaw.”(Ps.119:18)

Meditatio:“Oh,howIloveyourlaw,

Imeditateonitalldaylong.”(Ps.119:97)

Tentatio:“Iamlaidlowinthedust,

preservemylifeaccordingtoyourword.”(Ps.119:25)

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�Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.� (Ps. 119:18)

�Oh, how I love your law, I meditate on it all day long.� (Ps. 119:97)

�I am laid low in the dust, preserve my life according to your word.� (Ps. 119:25)

Man

Son of God

Son


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Station 4:(Daily Confession)

Examineyourlife.

Consider your thoughts, words and actions according to the TenCommandments.

MakeConfessionofyoursinsbysaying:

“LordJesusChrist,SonofGod,havemercyonmeasinner(oryoucansayTHEsinner).”

OR

“OalmightyGod,mercifulFather,I,apoor,miserablesinner,confessuntoTheeallmysinsandiniquitieswithwhichIhaveeveroffendedTheeandjustlydeservedThytemporalandeternalpunishment.ButIamheartilysorryforthemandsincerelyrepentofthem,andIprayTheeofThyboundlessmercyandforthesakeoftheholy,innocent,bittersufferingsanddeathofThybelovedSon,JesusChrist,tobe

graciousandmercifultome,apoor,sinfulbeing.”

FromTheLutheranHymnal

LetgoofyourownworksandclingtothesacribicialworkofJesus.

Holdontothecross.

Claimtheforgivenessofsins.

Rememberyourbaptism.

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AsyoupreparetoleaveStation4,praythefollowingthreeportionsofPsalm119.

SpeakthemdirectlytoJesus.TrustthatHewillleadandguideyouintopathsofrighteousness,givingyouabundantgrace-giftsalongtheway.

“Ihaveconsideredmywaysandhaveturnedmystepstoyourstatutes.Iwillhastenandnotdelaytoobeyyourcommands.(Ps.119:59-60)

“Howcanayoungmankeephiswaypure?Bylivingaccordingtoyourword.Iseekyouwithallmyheart;donotletmestrayfromyourcommands”(Ps.119:9-10)

“Directmyfootstepsaccordingtoyourword;letnosinruleoverme.”(Ps.119:133)

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�I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. (Ps. 119:59)

�I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands� (Ps. 119:10)

Man

Son of God

Son

�Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.� (Ps. 119:133)


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Confession (Daily) 4

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Station 5:(The Word of God)

Give yourself to the daily hearing, reading, studying, memorizing andmeditatingontheScriptures.

HearandReadtheScripturesintimesof…

• DailyPrayerand

• SundayWorship

ReadandStudytheScriptures:

• ReadthroughtheBibleinayear

• ReadthroughthePsalmsinamonth

• ReadabookoftheBible

• TreasuryofDailyPrayer

MemorizeandMeditateontheScriptures:

Picture the portions of Scripture that you want to hide in your heart as"friends"and"daggers".

Envision themas someonewhowill comfortandencourageyou in thedailytroublesoflife.Also,usethemasweaponstoVightagainstyourgreatenemies:theworld,theDevilandyourownsinfulVlesh.

Thereareonlythreekeystosuccess:

repetition,

repetition,

repetition.

YoumayalsopraythefollowingthreeportionsofPsalm119…

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“YourWord,OLord,iseternal;itstandsVirmintheheavens.”(Ps.119:89)

“IhavehiddenyourwordinmyheartthatImightnotsinagainstyou.”(Ps.119:11)

“Oh,howIloveyourlaw!Imeditateonitalldaylong.”(Ps.119:97)

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Man

Son of God

Son


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on the Scriptures

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Station 6: (The Ten Commandments - Monday)

Prepare to meditate on the Ten Commandments by saying andmeditatingonPsalm119:32.

(say7x)“Iruninthepathofyourcommandsforyouhavesetmyheartfree.”(Ps.119:32)

Pause at this Station and spend time meditating upon the TenCommandments.

GobeyondcategorizingtheTenCommandmentsasalistof"dos"and"don'ts".

SeethemasJesusportraysthem...apictureoflove.

Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.

ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordThyGodinvain.

RemembertheSabbathDaytokeepitholy.

Honorthyfatherandthymother.

Thoushaltnotkill.

Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.

Thoushaltnotsteal.

Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.

Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’shouse.

Thoushaltnotcovet thyneighbor’swifenorhismanservant,norhismaidservant,norhiscattle,noranythingthatisthyneighbors.

Iftimeallowsandforfurthermeditation,onecanuseLuther’sMeaningtotheCommandmentsintheSmallCatechism

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Man

Son of God

Son


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(7x) “ I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart

free.� (Ps. 119:32)

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Station 7:(The Creed - Tuesday)

Prepare tomeditate on the Creed by saying andmeditating on Psalm119:73.

(say7x)“Yourhandsmademeandformedme;givemeunderstandingaccordingtoyourword.”(Ps.119:73)

PauseatthisStationandspendtimemeditatingupontheApostle'sCreed.

Use the Creed to focus your thoughts on the nature, the character andtheworkoftheTriuneGod.

IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.

AndinJesusChrist,HisonlySon,ourLord,whowasconceivedbyHolyGhost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, wascruciVied, dead, andburied;Hedescended intohell; the thirddayheroseagainfromthedead;HeascendedintoheavenandsittethontherighthandofGod theFatherAlmighty, fromthenceHeshall come tojudgethequickandthedead.

IbelieveintheHolyGhost;theholyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints;theforgivenessofsins;theresurrectionsofthebody;andthelifeeverlasting.Amen.

Iftimeallowsandforfurthermeditation,onecanuseLuther’sMeaningtotheCreedintheSmallCatechism

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Man

Son of God

Son


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the Creed (Tuesday)

(7x) �Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your

commands.” (Ps. 119:73)

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Station 8:(The Lord’s Prayer - Wednesday)

PreparetomeditateonthepetitionsoftheLord’sPrayerbysayingandmeditatingonPsalm119:145.

(say7x)“Icallwithallmyheart;answermeOLord,andIwillobeyyourdecrees.”(Ps.119:145)

PauseatthisStationandspendtimemeditatingupontheLord'sPrayer.

UsethepetitionsoftheLord'sPrayertoexpressalloftheneeds,desires,sighs,groansandhopesofyourlife.

Be assured that these petitions are heard by the Father because he hascommandedussotoprayandhaspromisedtohearus.

OurFatherwhoartinheaven.

HallowedbeThyname.

Thykingdomcome.

Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.

Giveusthisdayourdailybread.

Andforgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.

Andleadusnotintotemptation.

Butdeliverusfromevil.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever andever.Amen.

Iftimeallowsandforfurthermeditation,onecanuseLuther’sMeaningtotheLord’sPrayerintheSmallCatechism

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Man

Son of God

Son


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(7x) �I call with all my heart; answer me O Lord, and I will obey your decrees.�

(Ps. 119:145)

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Station 9:(Baptism - Thursday)

PreparetomeditateontheforgivenessofsinsthatcomestousthroughtheSacramentofBaptismbysayingandmeditatingonPsalm119:41.

(say7x)“Mayyourunfailinglovecometome,OLord,yoursalvationaccordingtoyourpromise.”(Ps.119:41)

PauseatthisStationandspendtimemeditatingontheforgivenessofsinsthatcomesthroughthesacriViceof Jesusandtheworkof theHolySpirit throughthemeansofgrace.

Sayandpray"theJesusPrayer".

"LordJesusChrist,SonofGod,havemercyonmeasinner(THEsinner).”

RememberyourBaptism.

DrowntheOldManinConfession.RejoiceintheNewMancomingforth.

MeditateonthefollowingScriptures:

Romans6:1-4

Titus3:3-7

Matthew28:18-20

Mark16:l5-16

Iftimeallowsandforfurthermeditation,onecanuseLuther’sMeaningtotheSacramentofBaptismintheSmallCatechism

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Man

Son of God

Son


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(7x) �May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation

according to your promise.� (Ps. 119: 41)


(Thursday)

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Station 10:(The Office of the Keys - Friday)

PreparetomeditateontheforgivenessofsinsthatcomestousthroughConfessionandAbsolutionbysayingandmeditatingonPsalm119:176.

(say7x)“Ihavestrayedlikealostsheep.SeekyourservantforIhavenotforgottenyourlaws.”(Ps.119:176)


Say and pray "the Jesus Prayer" and remember the promise of Jesus in theOfViceoftheKeys.

"LordJesusChrist,SonofGod,havemercyonmeasinner(THEsinner)."


1John1:8—2:2

John20:19-23

If time allows one can use andmeditate on Luther’sMeaning to ConfessionandtheOfViceoftheKeysintheSmallCatechism.

Also,comfortandconsoleyourconsciencewiththegiftofprivateconfessionbeforethepastor.

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Man

Son of God

Son


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(7x) �I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant for I have not

forgotten your laws.��(Ps. 119:176)

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Station 11:(The Sacrament of the Altar - Saturday)

PreparetomeditateontheforgivenessofsinsthatcomestousthroughtheSacramentoftheAltarbysayingandmeditatingonPsalm119:175.

(say7x)“LetmelivethatImaypraiseyou,andmayyourlawssustainme.”(Ps.119:175)


Sayandpray"theJesusPrayer"andrememberthepromiseofforgivenessthatJesusgivesintheSacramentoftheAltar.

"LordJesusChrist,SonofGod,havemercyonmeasinner(THEsinner)."


Matthew26:26-29

1Corinthians11:23-32

IftimeallowsonecanuseandmeditateonLuther’sMeaningtotheSacramentoftheAltarintheSmallCatechism.

Finally, in preparation to receive the Sacrament of the Altar in the DivineServiceontheLord’sDay,examineyourselfbyusingMartinLuther’sChristianQuestionswithTheirAnswersasprintedintheSmallCatechism.

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Man

Son of God

Son


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(Saturday)

(7x) �Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws

sustain me.� (Ps. 119:175)

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Station 12:(Christian Vocation - Sunday)

Prepare tomeditateonyour thevocation (the “callingofGod”onyourlife)bysayingandmeditatingonPsalm119:35.

(say7x)“Directmeinthepathofyourcommands,forthereIVinddelight”(Ps.119:35)

MeditateonhowGodworksinhisworldthroughmeans:

TheTriuneGod provides, saves, sanctiVies, encourages, loves, feeds, teaches,creates, guides, protects, rules, heals, comforts, rebukes,punishes, dispensesjustice,keepssocialorder,etc…throughmeans.

PauseatthisStationandspendtimeidentifyingandmeditatinguponallofthevocations("callings")thatGodhasgiventoyou.ReVlectandfocusonthetruththat inand through these"callings"we loveGodandserveourneighbor (aswellasJesus).

Spouse/Parent/Child

(say7x)“Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.”(Ps.119:105)

Friends/Neighbors/GeographicLocations/Tribes

(say7x)“Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.”(Ps.119:105)

stationinlife+location=vocation

If time allows one can use and meditate on Luther’s Table of Duties intheSmallCatechism

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Man

Son of God

Son


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Vocation (Sunday)

(7x) �Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.�

(Ps. 119:105)

(7x) �Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find

delight��(Ps. 119:35)

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Vocation/Calling

�Iama…�

�ForweareGod�sworkmanship,createdinChristJesustodogoodworkswhichGodpreparedinadvanceforusto

do.�(Eph.2:10)

�Thisweek,IthinkGodwantstousemeto…�


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