Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Sept 29 – Oct 6, 2024
Preparing for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn of the Week: Our Father, by Whose Name (863)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655)
Catechism/Bible Verse Memory: Holy Absolution Institution from John 20:22-23
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” – John 20:22-23
Monday: Catechism – Holy Absolution
Holy Baptism makes you a part of God’s great big family! It’s a wonderful thing to be a child of God and live together with all of God’s children. But sometimes we don’t act like God’s children. We sin against Him in our thoughts, words, and deeds. The Good News is that our Father in Heaven is merciful! He sent His Son to pay for our sins; and His Son (our brother Jesus) sends Pastors to deliver His forgiveness (see John 20:23). Review the part on Confession in the Catechism (LSB, pg. 326). Where do we receive forgiveness?
Tuesday: Old Testament – Genesis 2:18–25
Just as God created Adam and Eve for each other, so God brings male and female together to be the heart of the family. It is God’s desire that husband and wife love each other and stay faithful to each other. Read Mark 10:9. Who joins together a man and a wife in marriage?
Wednesday: Our Father, by Whose Name (863)
Stanza 3 has us sing of the Christian home as a place where unity, love and peace are to be found. Original sin, the sin we have inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve, and actual sin, the sins we commit against one another, break the unity, love and peace at home. What is the one thing necessary to restore unity, love and peace? Consider Psalm 133. In what ways do Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution and Holy Communion reestablish and strengthen Christ’s peace in your home? – LCMS Worship Hymn of the Day Studies, pg. 44.
Thursday: Holy Gospel – Mark 10:2–16
Families are very special to Jesus! He was part of a human family with an earthly mother and father. Jesus also had stepbrothers and sisters and cousins. God chose to send His Son into the world to be part of a family so that we all could be part of God’s family! How does God make us a part of His family? How does belonging to God’s family help us if things go wrong in our earthly family? Review the Fourth Commandment and explanation.
Friday: Epistle – Hebrews 2:1–13 (14–18)
One of the best parts of belonging to God’s great big family is that we have Jesus as our brother! As God the Father’s perfect Son, Jesus was willing to take the punishment for all of our sins on the cross. Is Jesus ashamed to call you His brother? Read vv. 11-12.
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…
Catechism/Bible Verse Memory: Holy Absolution Institution from John 20:22-23
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” – John 20:22-23
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
Our Father, by Whose Name (863)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for Pentecost 20– Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.