Be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ– to the glory and praise of God. (Phi 1:11 NIV)

Let’s think of a stone mason. With rough hands and a chisel just as rough he’s working on a statue of Christ. A masterful artist is sculpting one too. There’s a really big difference in the eventual product, yet you might recognize your saviour in both finally. Still the first may be a rather faint remembrance of him, whereas the other is something quite awesome filling you with all sorts of devote emotions and thoughts. In a similar way people reflect their Lord and saviour in various ways. There are those, who in grateful love are motivated by a bright and holy faith in their Lord. They reflect their Lord in even small things of everyday life. They are like those trees, who don’t bear just one or two little fruits, but rather are made up of a whole number of stems, branches and twigs all full of most beautiful fruits for a most holy harvest

Lord – the day and week are drawing to a close. Oh eternal One, we draw all the more closer to your eternity too. Now with you there is no change nor alternation of light and darkness, but just bright glory and joyful clarity. We put this week back into your merciful hands. Forgive all we did wrong, where we failed and sinned. Heal all hurting, illness and corruption. The changing fortunes of our days tire us out. We are longing for home to be with you in your wonderful light. Lord, we thank you for bearing with us so long. You bear us with your longsuffering and mercy just as you lead us to peace everlasting. We are grateful that tomorrow is your day. Let our soul find rest in you. Let us hear your living voice and grant that we faithfully preserve your teachings and promises in a fine, good heart and bring fruit patiently that lasts for eternal life. Amen. (Christian Geyer)

O gladsome light, O grace of our Creator’s face, The eternal splendor wearing; celestial, holy blessed, Our Savior Jesus Christ, joyful in Your appearing!

As fades the day’s last light we see the lamps of night, Our common hymn outpouring, O God of might unknown, You, the incarnate Son, and Spirit blessed adoring.

To You of right belongs all praise of holy songs, O Son of God, life giver. You, therefore, O Most High, The world does glorify and shall exalt forever. (Robert S. Bridges 1844-1930)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Saturday after the twenty second Sunday after the high holiday of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 375 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.