Sacred Meditations

Johann Gerhard continues pondering how Holy Baptism brings us spiritual healing and makes us temples of the Holy Spirit. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 96-97.

In this meditation on the benefits of Baptism, Johann Gerhard draws from the Red Sea of Exodus 14 and the crystal sea of Revelation 4 to plumb the depths of the Bible’s rich teaching on Holy Baptism. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 95-96.

According to Johann Gerhard, John 5, the pool by the sheep market, serves as a picture of the healing that Baptism gives us from our malady of sin. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 94-95.

Johann Gerhard begins his Meditation XVII by saying, “Baptism is a Holy Washing.” Here’s how he proclaims the benefits of Baptism and what makes this washing so holy. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 93-94.

Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross in order to draw the whole world to Himself. We pray God the Father to grant that we may have grace to take up our cross and follow Him. Holy Cross Day (September 14), from The Book of Common Prayer.

Without God, we are not able to please Him. Therefore, we pray that He would give His Holy Spirit to us, so that He may direct and rule our hearts in all things. Collect for Proper 19 (the Sunday closest to September 14), from The Book of Common Prayer.

True peace of soul comes only in Jesus Christ–not in earthly riches, nor in pleasure, nor in worldly honors. And what does true peace of soul look like in the life of the Christian? Here’s Johann Gerhard from Meditation 32. Part 1     Part 2     Part 3 Source: Sacred Meditations by …

Johann Gerhard said, “The mind that rests in the Lord is at peace.” (Listen here.) We cannot find true peace of soul in earthly riches, nor in pleasure. (Listen here.) In this meditation, Gerhard explains why we cannot find peace in worldly honor either. This, again, from Gerhard’s Meditation #32. …

In yesterday’s meditation (listen here), we heard from Johann Gerhard that only Jesus Christ can satisfy and fully meet the soul’s immortal desires. In this meditation Gerhard explores the folly of finding peace in earthly riches or in pleasure. Source: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard, pages 181-182.

Johann Gerhard begins Meditation #32 of his Sacred Meditations by saying, “The mind that rests in the Lord is at peace.” Perhaps Gerhard’s insights from the early 17th century can actually help us in the early 21st century as we long and strive for genuine peace. Source: Sacred Meditations by …