Acts of Quiet Praise
Today’s Verses:
Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
For the first couple of days this week, our devotional theme will be “Healthy Living as Worship.” It’s a little different than usual, so that makes it essential. Well, I think so!
God doesn’t just want our words or our thoughts—He wants our whole selves. Paul says our bodies are part of our worship. Not as some burden, but in response to God’s mercy.
Caring for your health—eating wisely, exercising, resting—isn’t about vanity or control. It’s a way to say, “Thank You, Lord, for this body You gave me.” When you build good habits, you’re not just improving yourself; you’re stewarding a gift from God. You’re making yourself more ready to serve others—your family, your church, your neighbor.
Lutherans don’t worship the body, but we do offer it to God. Not in perfection, but in obedience. Even small, consistent steps—like walking, stretching, or choosing water over soda—can become acts of quiet praise.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, thank You for giving me this body. Help me to honor You with how I care for it. Give me the strength to make healthy choices, not for my own glory, but so I can serve You and others more fully. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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