Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Aug 11 – Aug 18, 2024
Preparing for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn of the Week: O God, My Faithful God (696)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God (895)
Catechism Memory: Daily Prayers (Asking a Blessing) – LSB pg. 327
Bible Verse Memory: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (GLCA Theme Verse for 2024-25 Academic Year)
Monday: GLCA Theme – Philippians 4:8
Through the centuries, the church has recognized that truth and wisdom, wherever it is found, comes from Christ, who is Truth and Wisdom made flesh (see 1 Cor 1:30 and John 14:6). Is it possible to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure and lovely without thinking about Jesus? Can we know the Good, the True, and Beautiful apart from Jesus?
Tuesday: Epistle – Ephesians 5:6-21
How do we respond to the dark and evil days in which we live? What does it look like to “walk in the light”? What is the “fruit of light” (v. 9)? How does a Christian “make the best use of time”?
Wednesday: Old Testament – Proverbs 9:1-10
Proverbs often refers to Wisdom as a person, rather than simply a set of ideas. Jesus is the divine wisdom and word of God made flesh (John 1:1,14, and 1 Cor 1:30). Whenever you see Wisdom personified (doing things people do) in Proverbs, you should have Jesus in mind. What is Wisdom inviting us to do in this section?
Thursday: Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord – Luke 1:39–55
While we recognize Mary’s unique role in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation, Lutherans are leery of getting carried away in her praise. At the same time, we do set aside a special day to give thanks to God for her, to have our faith strengthened as we see the mercy God showed her, and to give us an example of faith and holy living. At numerous places Mary’s song of praise emphasizes the idea that God gives grace to the humble and lowly but opposes the proud and mighty. How should that theme shape our attitude toward Mary? What does Mary mean when she says, “from now on all generations will call me blessed” (v. 48)?
Friday: Holy Gospel – John 6:51-69
While the 5 food groups help us stay healthy physically, they are incomplete. Jesus teaches that it is important to add another “food” to the group: Himself! Jesus is the living bread from heaven (vs. 51). He promises that “whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood, [He] will raise up on the last day.” (vs. 54). Where/how do we do that?!? Hint: read Matthew 26:26-28.
The Order of Meditation and Prayer
The sign of the cross + may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism
Invocation
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty…
Bible Verse Memory
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
Catechism Memory: Daily Prayers (Asking a Blessing)
The eyes of all look to You, [O Lord,] and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16
Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Bible Reading for the Day (From Upcoming Readings for Sun, Portals of Prayer, or other Daily meditation)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn of the Week
O God, My Faithful God (696)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord’s Prayer