Learning the Faith by Heart

Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together  

The Week of September 6 – September 13  

Preparing for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Hymn of the Week: Come Down, O Love Divine (501)

GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: The Gifts Christ Freely Gives (602:5)

GLCA Catechism Memory: What benefits does Baptism give?   

Jr. Confirmation Memory: Review Ten Commandments

Bible Verse Memory: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16

Monday: A Prayer for Labor Day

Gracious Lord, You designed us to care for Your creation, yet we confess that toil often comes with sweat, burden, and frustration because of a broken world. Remember in Your mercy those who face difficult working conditions, those who are exhausted by physical or emotional strain, and those who currently struggle with unemployment or the inability to work. We give you thanks for Jesus and His bloody sweat and toil for us and our salvation on the cross. Grant us strength to meet our daily responsibilities with integrity, grace to serve our neighbors with love, and true rest for our bodies and souls when we are weary; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Tuesday: Old Testament – Genesis 50:15–21Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Gen. 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones” (Gen. 50:21). How does God take even our sinful actions and use them for good?

Wednesday: Epistle – Romans 14:1–12

Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Rom. 14:10), but gladly forgive him. Is there anyone who needs to hear the words, “I forgive you” from your lips?

Thursday: Catechism Bible Story – Matthew 4:1-4

How can we resist the temptations? We can use the same resource Jesus used: The Word of God. When we feed ourselves a healthy diet of God’s Word by being in church and devotions and chapel, God strengthens us and prepares us to overcome temptations. – LCMS School Ministry: Rooted in Christ Chapel Talks, pg. 18

Friday: Holy Gospel – Matthew 18:21–35

         In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matt. 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt. 18:33, 35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us! How does this relate to our parents and other authorities included in the Fourth Commandment (pastors, teachers, civil authorities)?

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 Verse Memory

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16

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. 

Apostles’ Creed 

            I believe in God the Father Almighty…

Hymn of the Week

Come Down, O Love Divine (501)

Catechism

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…