Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Feb 15 – Feb 22, 2026
Preparing for the First Sunday in Lent
Hymn of the Week: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (656)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn/Catechism: Spring Break
Monday: Old Testament – Genesis 3:1–21
Almost immediately following Adam and Eve’s fall into bondage to death and the devil because of their sin, God promises to rescue them in Genesis 3:15 (called the “first promise of the Gospel”). God declares the serpent (Satan) to be cursed above all living things and promises that an offspring (a Seed) of Eve will administer the deathblow of that curse. In what sense are the words of Genesis 3:15 a declaration of war? Where does the ultimate battle between Christ and Satan culminate?
Tuesday: Epistle – Romans 5:12–19
Although Eve is the first to eat the forbidden fruit, as head over Eve and ultimately responsible for his household, Adam shares equal blame in the fall. Therefore, God comes looking for Adam (Gen 3:9). Adam had failed in protecting his household (namely, his wife and the garden entrusted to his care). How does this help us understand Paul putting the blame on the one man, Adam in Romans 5:12? How does this help us appreciate the work of the one man, the Second Adam, Jesus Christ to save us?
Wednesday: Ash Wednesday – Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21
At the beginning of our Ash Wednesday service, the pastor addresses us with these words: “From ancient times the season of Lent has been kept as a time of special devotion, self-denial, and humble repentance born of a faithful heart that dwells confidently on His Word and draws from its life and hope.” What are the disciplines of giving to the needy (Matt. 6:2), prayer (Matt. 6:5), and fasting (Matt. 6:16) “born of”?
Thursday: Holy Gospel – Matthew 4:1–11
Following His Baptism, Jesus is “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). As He takes upon Himself the curse of our sin and sets Himself against our enemy, He trusts His Father’s voice and waits upon His Father’s hand for all things. The devil questions His sonship, but the beloved and well-pleasing Son remains faithful. According to Matt. 4:4, how does Jesus do this?
Friday: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (656)
While Luther found inspiration for his hymn in the words of Psalm 46, he did not confine himself to that text alone. Read Rev. 19:11–16, where St. John sees a vision of a conquering rider on a white horse, who “in righteousness … judges and makes war” (v. 11). According to stanza 2 of the hymn, who is this rider? What other clues to the rider’s identity do you find in Rev. 19:11–16?
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.
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.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty…
Hymn of the Week
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (656)
Family Prayers
Collect for Transfiguration of Our Lord (Monday and Tuesday)
O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshadowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Collect for Ash Wednesday (Wed – Fri)
Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Lord’s Prayer