Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Jan 12 – Jan 19
Preparing for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Hymn of the Week: Come, Join in Cana’s Feast (408)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 40:1-9 (Mon); Psalm 128 (Thurs)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: What Is This Bread (629)
Catechism/Bible Verse Memory: Office of the Keys: What do you believe according to these words? (LSB, pg. 326)
Monday: Catechism Bible Story – John 20:19-23
When we confess our sins publicly in the Divine Service or privately to the pastor, he does not respond by saying, “I hope God forgives you.” Nor does he say, “Let’s pray that God forgives you;” or “I’m sure God will forgive you IF you…” Instead, what does he say? Based on John 20:19-23 he says, “In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” What difference does this make?
Tuesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 62:1-5
The prophet Isaiah depicts our sin as the equivalent of marital unfaithfulness. Like an unfaithful wife, we deserve to be forsaken by our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Read vs. 5. Instead of deserting us because of our sin, what does Jesus do?
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Wednesday: Epistle – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Instead of forsaking us for our infidelity, our loving and faithful Bridegroom gives Himself up for us, that He might sanctify us. He “cleanses us by the washing of water with the Word.” (Eph 5:26) He adorns His bride with His own beautiful righteousness, so that He might rejoice over us. Joined to Him in Holy Baptism, the Church submits to her Lord. Just as in earthly marriage, what’s His is ours, and what’s our is His. Read 1 Cor. 12:4-11. What are some of the gifts the Bridegroom gives to His bride?
Thursday: Holy Gospel – John 2:1-11
The miracle of turning water into wine was a sign of who Jesus is. The disciples saw the sign and knew and believed that Jesus was not just another wedding guest. They saw the glory of the Son of God. As they followed Jesus and saw other signs, they would see more proof of Jesus’ power. But all the signs were pointing to one place, where the disciples would see God’s glory. Read John 12:23-32. Where are all the signs pointing?
Friday: The Only Son from Heaven (LSB 402)
This hymn ties the birth and the Epiphany of our Lord to how God is present with us in the Divine Service. How do the following phrases make these connections for us? “He comes, the king anointed, The Christ, the virgin-born.” “To open heav’n before us And bring us life again.” “That we, through this world moving, each glimpse of heaven proving, May reap its fullness there.” – LCMS Worship Hymn of the Day Studies, 402
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/Bible Verse Memory: Office of the Keys (LSB, pg. 326)
What do you believe according to these words?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
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
Come, Join in Cana’s Feast (408)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.