Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Aug 25 –Sept 1, 2024
Preparing for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn of the Week: By Grace I’m Saved (566)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God (895)
Catechism Memory: Daily Prayers (Returning Thanks) – LSB pg. 328
Bible Verse Memory: Verse from Prayer for Returning Thanks (see back: Ps. 136:1, 25; 147:9-11)
Monday: Catechism Bible Story – Luke 17:11-19
Every good gift we receive from our heavenly Father – physical and spiritual, temporal and eternal – is the result of Jesus’ cross. It’s only through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice to pay for our sins that we’re worthy of receiving anything. But it’s so easy to forget that! What good gift did Jesus give to the 10 Lepers? How many of the Lepers who received this gift from Jesus returned “giving him thanks.”? What was Jesus’ reaction? What did Jesus commend in the Samaritan?
Tuesday: Old Testament – Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9
It’s easy to forget all of God’s benefits. What is it that God wants parents to make known to their children and their children’s children? (vv. 9-10)
Wednesday – Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian
Prayer: O Lord God, the light of minds that know You, the life of souls that love You, and the strength of hearts that serve You, give us strength to follow the example of Your servant Augustine of Hippo, so that knowing You we may truly love You and loving You we may fully serve You – for to serve You is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Thursday: Epistle – Ephesians 6:10–20
As Christians, we’re always fighting against our sinful flesh, the devil, and the “spiritual forces of evil” (vs. 12). However, God gave us the weapons to live a life in His grace and protection and to stand firm against attacks. He provided these tools of faith in the gift of our Baptism and He strengthens them through His Word. Go online and find a coloring sheet of a Roman soldier. Next, label each piece of his armor using St. Paul’s titles (“belt of truth,” etc.). Give thanks to God for each tool God gave you so stand firm.
Friday: Holy Gospel – Mark 7:14–23
Sometimes our biggest enemy is the one “within”. Read vv. 21-23. What is the source of evil? We cannot save ourselves, because we are sinful and unclean from the inside out. But as the Lord Jesus “declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19), so He cleanses us by His Word, the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. At which part in the Divine Service is the “sword of the spirit” used against our sinful human nature? At which part does God create in us a clean heart? (Answer: Holy Absolution)
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 the God the Father Almighty…
Bible Verse Memory
Verse from Prayer for Returning Thanks (see below: Ps. 136:1, 25; 147:9-11)
Catechism Memory: Daily Prayers (Returning Thanks)
Also, after eating, they shall, in like manner, reverently and with folded hands say:
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever. [He] gives food to every creature. He provides food for the cattle and for the young raven when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Ps. 136:1, 25; 147:9-11)
Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
We thank You, Lord God, heavenly Father, for all Your benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. 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
By Grace I’m Saved (566)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord’s Prayer