Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of March 30 – April 6
Preparing for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Hymn of the Week: My Song is Love Unknown (430)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 25:1-10 (Mon); Psalm 126 (Thurs)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer Lives (461, ss. 1,3,5,6)
Catechism Memory (GLCA Only): Table of Duties – What the Hearers Owe Their Pastors: 1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb 13:17
Bible Verse Memory (Jr Confirmation Only): “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” – Acts 2:42
Monday: Catechism – Table of Duties (What Hearers Owe Their Pastors); on the same date: Commemoration of Joseph, Patriarch
According to 1 Thess 5:12, why does God give us pastors? (Answer: to care for our souls). How do they do this? (Answer: they admonish us). What does it mean to “admonish”? (to call to repentance and faith in Christ). Read vs. 13. Why are pastors to be loved? (Answer: because they preach the Word of God to us). Read Hebrews 13:17. What is the authority God gives to pastors? (Answer: the Word of God).
Tuesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 43:16–21
The same God who rescued Israel from their bondage to Egypt has rescued us from our bondage to sin, death, and the devil. Through the mighty waters of Baptism, God provides us daily refreshment in our earthly pilgrimage. How does Isaiah describe this in vs. 19? How does God refresh us throughout our pilgrimage on earth?
Wednesday: Lenten Midweek – “Crosswords” (John 19:28‒29)
Jesus cries out from the cross, “I thirst.” These words show us Jesus’ humanity. They indicated that He truly suffered bodily. But there is also a deeper reason Jesus announces His thirst while dying on the cross. Not only does He experience physical suffering. He also endures spiritual suffering. Many Scripture passages use thirst as a metaphor for spiritual deprivation. Read Psalm 42:1-2.
Thursday: Epistle – Philippians 3:8–14
Our life and works apart from Christ, no matter how they may glitter to the eyes of the world, are ultimately rubbish and have no righteousness. Instead, where do we find our righteousness? Read Phil 3:9
Friday: Holy Gospel – Luke 20:9–20
By parable and psalm, Jesus warns against rejecting the Messiah. God’s mission in Christ will succeed; we reject it at our great peril. Despite all opposition, God will build His Church on the crucified and resurrected Jesus. • O God, grant that we may always build our heavenly hope on the one sure cornerstone You have provided, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (Lutheran Study Bible, pg. 1758)
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 (GLCA): Table of Duties – What the Hearers Owe Their Pastors
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – 1 Thess. 5:12–13
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. – Heb. 13:17
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
My Song is Love Unknown (430)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for Lent 5 – Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.