Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of May 18 – May 25
Preparing for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Hymn of the Week: Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice (556)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 67 (Mon); Psalm 127 (Thurs)
GLCA Catechism Memory: Review
GLCA Bible Verse Memory Review: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (GLCA Theme Verse for 2024-25 Academic Year)
Monday: First Reading – Acts 16:9–15 How were Lydia and her family brought to faith? Who/what should we credit with their conversion to Christianity? Why does it matter? Recite the Catechism’s Explanation to the Third Article of the Creed as a prayer, giving thanks to the Holy Spirit for “opening your heart to believe”.
Tuesday: Holy Gospel – John 16:23–33 The name of Jesus is not a magic formula. Tacking the words, “in Jesus’ name” on the end of our prayers does not give them some sort of extra power to manipulate the will of God. To pray “in the name of Jesus” means to pray according to His will and from His promises. We pray, therefore, in the confidence that we will be heard and answered. Read John 16:24. What is the result of praying in Jesus’ name?
Wednesday: Commemoration of Emperor Constantine, Christian Ruler and Helen, Mother of Emperor Constantine Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, by Your Spirit You brought Emperor Constantine to believe and confess the victory of the cross and moved his mother to help in the building of many churches where Your people could gather to receive Your gifts and praise Your name. Receive our thanks for them and for all benefactors who give generously of their wealth to further the work of Your Church in spreading the saving Gospel, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thursday: GLCA Theme – Philippians 4:8 (Last Day of GLCA) Through the centuries, the church has recognized that truth and wisdom, wherever it is found, comes from Christ, who is Truth and Wisdom made flesh (see 1 Cor 1:30 and John 14:6). Is it possible to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure and lovely without thinking about Jesus? We give thanks to Jesus, who is the source of all truth, for all that we have learned this past year.
Friday: Second Reading – Revelation 21:9–14, 21–27 The “city of Jerusalem” that “comes down out of heaven from God” is beautiful. Read how it’s described. What is its foundation? Compare this with Ephesians 2:20 and Psalm 127:1. What is the foundation of all that is good, true and beautiful?
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…
GLCA Bible Verse Memory Review:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (GLCA Theme Verse for 2024-25 Academic Year)
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
Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice (556)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for Easter 6
O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.