Learning the Faith by Heart

Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together 

The Week of March 1 – March 8, 2026

Preparing for the Third Sunday in Lent 

Hymn of the Week: May God Bestow on Us His Grace (824)

GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: We All Believe in One True God (953:ALL)

GLCA Catechism Memory: Intro to Lord’s Prayer (All) + Explanation (2+)

Bible Verse Memory:

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

Monday: Catechism Bible Story – Luke 15:11-32

Jesus invites us to call upon God as our heavenly Father. We can pray with confidence, knowing that God our Father wants to help us! Jesus told a parable about a loving father. Read about it in Luke 15:11-32. What did the father do when he saw his son returning home? What does this parable tell us about the love of God our Father? – Luther’s Small Catechism for Kids, pgs. 65-66

Tuesday: Old Testament – Exodus 17:1–7

Though the Lord had brought them out of Egypt, “all the congregation of the people of Israel” grumbled against Him because “there was no water for the people to drink” (Ex. 17:1). Despite their quarreling, the Lord was merciful to them. He did not strike the people for their sins, but by the hand of Moses He struck the rock instead and brought forth water for the people. Read 1 Cor. 10:3-4. Who was the “spiritual drink” they were drinking?”

Wednesday: “Book of Job: Blessed be the Name of the Lord” Lenten Sermon Series – Job 3:1-26

Five times in chapter three Job cries out “Why?” How can you relate? Say what you will about this chapter, but at least Job let’s God know his feelings. How is this an important step towards healing? Job laments, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25). What was Job’s greatest fear? What is your greatest fear? How will God help you if your fears, like Job’s, become facts?  

Thursday: Holy Gospel – John 4:5–26 (27–30, 39–42)

Just as water flowed from the rock when Moses struck it in the desert, living water flows from the pierced side of Christ at “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6; 19:14), when He is lifted up on the cross for the sins of the world. Read John 4:14. What is the result of drinking from the Rock, who is Christ? Who is our “spiritual drink”?    

Friday: Epistle – Romans 5:1–8

Because God justifies on account of Christ’s work (God’s Riches Account of Christ = GRACE), His favorable disposition toward you never changes. God’s grace never runs dry. It is something in which we “stand,” not something that we work our “way into” or “up to.” He keeps us steadfast with His Word that endures forever, His body that is bread from heaven and His blood that is spiritual drink. How does this bring you peace?

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…

Verse of the Week 

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

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  

May God Bestow on Us His Grace (824)

Catechism Memory 

Introduction to Lord’s Prayer (All) + Explanation (2+) (LSB, pg. 323)

The Introduction

Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.  

Family Prayers 

For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.  

Lord’s Prayer 

Taught by our Lord and trusting in His promises, we are bold to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven