Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of April 6 – April 13
Preparing for Palm Sunday
Hymn of the Week: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (443)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 72:1-11 (Mon); Psalm 118:19-29 (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 – Of Civil Government/Of Citizens
Monday: Catechism – Table of Duties (Of Civil Government/Of Citizens): Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 2:13-14
On Palm Sunday, we’ll remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. What kind of King do you think the people of Israel were expecting? What kind of king is He? What should we expect from our earthly rulers (governing authorities like mayors, governors and presidents)? What is the special job God gives to them? What is the special job God gives to us as citizens?
Tuesday: A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth (438)
Stanza 1 captures the silence and the innocence with which Jesus goes to His sacrificial death. The Gospels also record Jesus’ silence in the face of His accusers and tormenters. What is the significance of this silence? Does divine silence imply judgment? Why or why not? The stanza ends with the words “All this I gladly suffer.” How is this response of joy revealed in Jesus’ own words and actions? Gerhardt writes, “O wondrous Love, what have You done!” and “O Love, how strong You are to save!” How does Jesus’ crucifixion define love in a profound way?
Wednesday: Lenten Midweek – “Crosswords” (John 19:30)
Jesus’ final words from the cross are these: “It is finished!” What is finished? (Christ’s mission to save sinners!) What has been accomplished by his suffering and death? (the full atonement for all sin!). Jesus has willingly placed himself on the altar of sacrifice in order to finish his mission of saving God’s people from their sins. By his sacrificial death he has completed the work of saving you from your sin! If Christ’s mission is accomplished, then what is the consequence for you and me?
Thursday: Epistle – Philippians 2:5–11
Although Jesus is fully God, He does not count equality with God “a thing to be grasped.” Instead, out of His great love for sinners, He “lets go of” those divine attributes that could have spared Him the disgrace of the cross. Read verse 9. Why does this act of humiliation result in the “bestowal” of the name that is above all names. Hint: what does the name Jesus mean? How is Jesus’ death his “living up to His name”? Read or sing LSB 444.
Friday: Holy Gospel – John 12:20-43
On Palm Sunday, we see the great mystery of Passion of our Lord. “The hour has come for the Son of the Man to be glorified” (v.23) by being “lifted up from the earth,” (v. 32). Read vs. 33. Where do we see the glory of the Son of Man?
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 (GLCA): Table of Duties – Of Civil Government/Of Citizens
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities.
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matt. 22:21
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” – 1 Peter 2:13–14
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
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (443)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for Palm Sunday – Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.