Learning the Faith by Heart

Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together 

 The Week of Nov 3 – Nov 10, 2024  

Preparing for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 

Hymn of the Week: Lord of All Hopefulness (738) 

Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 43 (Mon); 146 (Thurs)

GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Baptized into Your Name Most Holy (LSB 590, ss 1,4)

Catechism Memory: The Power of Baptism (“How can water do such great things?”)

Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God, it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit. 

Bible Verse Memory: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” – Titus 3:5–8

Monday: Catechism Bible Story – Naaman and Elisha (2 Kings 5)

            How did God use the servants and messengers in this Bible Story? Naaman was cured of his deadly disease by washing in the Jordan River. What “washing” saves you from the deadly disease of sin? Naaman tried to pay Elisha with silver, gold, and clothing, but Elisha refused the gifts. Can you pay God for healing you from your sin? Who paid the price?  – 120 Bible Stories, pg. 112

Tuesday: Old Testament – 1 Kings 17:8-16

            Through Elijah, the Lord miraculously provides food for a widow in Zarephath. God’s goodness and mercy are “never spent.” He daily and richly provides for all that we need to support this body and life. How does God’s past goodness assure us for the future?

Wednesday: Epistle – Hebrews 9:24-28

            Unlike the high priests before Jesus who had to “enter the holy places every year with the blood of another,” Jesus’ sacrifice was “one and done.” Jesus’ blood earned forgiveness that never runs out! In the Christian church He daily and richly forgives us all our sins and the sins of all believers. How does God’s past forgiveness assure us for the future? 

Thursday: Holy Gospel – Mark 12:38-44

            Some of the temple leaders during Jesus’ time thought themselves better than other worshipers and were prideful of how much they gave for offering. Jesus often warned those who thought they could earn God’s love or deserved His attention by how much they gave or did. What was it that grabbed Jesus’ attention about the poor widow? What other offering does the widow’s offering make you think of? What does the title of hymn “We Give Thee But Thine Own” (LSB 781) teach us?

Friday: Lord of All Hopefulness (738)

This hymn prays for the gifts that God provides to His people throughout life’s stages. How does this hymn’s description of God help to provide meaning to the ordinary tasks and moments of our everyday life? Does your heart always need the same thing, or are there times when it is in need of extra “bliss” or “strength” or “love” or “peace”? 

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…

Catechism Memory: The Power of Baptism (“How can water do such great things?”)

Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God, it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit. 

Bible Verse Memory:  “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” – Titus 3:5–8

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  

Lord of All Hopefulness (738)

Family Prayers 

For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.