Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Feb 2 – Feb 9
Preparing for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
On the Same Date: LWML Sunday
Hymn of the Week: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (398)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 116:1-14 (Mon); Psalm 138 (Thurs)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: What Is This Bread (629)
Catechism/Bible Verse Memory: Sacrament of the Altar: What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
Monday: Catechism Bible Story – The Passover (Exodus 12:1-14)
In the Sacrament of the Altar, we receive the greatest treasure: the forgiveness of sins. Our Lord’s words assure us that this treasure “is passed along and made our very own” when we receive His body and blood (LC V 29). Why is forgiveness such a treasure? How did the Passover meal and the blood of the lamb benefit Israel? How is this similar or different than how the Sacrament benefits us?
Tuesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 6:1–8
What happened when Isaiah realized that he was in God’s holy presence? What happens when unholy things are in God’s holy presence? We sing the angel’s words from this story right before we receive Holy Communion. Why? What caused Isaiah to go from being fearful, ashamed, and in despair (“woe is me!”) to being eager and confident (“Here am I!” Send me!)?
Wednesday: Commemoration of Jacob (Israel), Patriarch
Today, the Church remembers the ancestor of Christ, the holy Patriarch Jacob (Israel). Prayer: O Lord Jesus, Your ancestor Jacob wrestled with God and would not let Him go until he had been blessed, thus winning the name Israel. Give to all who have been baptized into You a faith like Jacob that holds tightly to You and Your promises in all adversity, obtains great blessings, and finally looks upon the face of God and lives. Amen.
Thursday: Holy Gospel – Luke 5:1–11
There was a much more important “net” being let down than the fishing net. Jesus was catching followers. Jesus chose to bring Peter into His net. How does God let down His net and catch people for His kingdom? (Hint: it also involves water)
Friday: Epistle – 1 Corinthians 14:12b–20
God’s Word is meant to be shared with others; not kept to ourselves. Why does St. Paul say that he would rather speak “five words with his mind in order to instruct others, then ten thousand words in a tongue” (vs. 19)? What does this tell us about the purpose for which God gives us His Word? (Hint: compare to 2 Tim 3:15-16)
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 Memory/Bible Verse Memory: Sacrament of the Altar (LSB pg. 326)
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
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
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (398)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for Epiphany 5 – O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.