Reading God’s Word: Matthew 21:12-17; Psalm 48

Memorizing God’s Word: Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Meditating on God’s Word: Matthew 21:12 (LSB) And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.

Praying God’s Word: “Father, when we think of Jesus, we often see Him as gentle, compassionate, merciful, and loving. It is hard to think of Him as being overcome with anger, taking a whip, and driving people out of the temple. But in our meditation today, we see just that. Your temple is to be a holy place of prayer, not one of commerce, noise, confusion, and where You have been pushed aside. Please help us regain a sense of holiness. When we come to our place of worship, help us to seek You there, see it as a holy place, and expel the noise of our world to hear Your voice.  Amen.”