Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of September 20 – September 27
Preparing for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn of the Week: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: The Gifts Christ Freely Gives (602:ALL)
GLCA Catechism Memory: How can water do such great things?
Jr. Confirmation Memory: Lord’s Prayer (without Explanation)
Bible Verse Memory (Grade 3+): “[He] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
Monday: Learning from the Saints – St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist (Matt. 9:9-13) St. Matthew is remembered for being called away from his covetous desires and love of riches (tax collectors were viewed as men who acquired money at the expense of their own people). How is the use of money related to the Fifth commandment? Do you fear and love God with the way you use your money?
Tuesday: Old Testament – Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
As is the case with all His commandments, death is the penalty for any who transgress its walls (cf. Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). However, the Lord has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek. 18:32). He calls sinners to repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ. How does this shape your attitude toward God’s commandments? How does it shape your attitude toward your neighbor who takes pride in things that God’s Word condemns (risking their well-being)?
Wednesday: Holy Gospel – Matthew 21:23–32
When you play the game Simon Says, do you like to be the leader or the follower? We don’t often like to be told what to do. Neither did the chief priests and elders. They wanted to have authority over others instead of Jesus. Why is Jesus the one we should listen to, follow, and obey before everyone else? – Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal for Kids, pg. 138
Thursday: Catechism Bible Story – Psalm 95:1-7
Have you ever been to a sporting event where people are making a LOT of noise? Why do you think they’re making so much noise? Psalm 95 tells us to “make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” We sing this Psalm in Matins. Read the Psalm. Why do God’s people make a joyful noise? – LCMS School Ministry: Rooted in Christ Chapel Talks, pg. 19
Friday: Epistle – Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18
This way of repentance has been opened for us by the cross of Christ. Read 2:1-4. How does Jesus’ humility and His cross shape our attitude toward our neighbors who don’t know Jesus or His love?
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
“[He] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
GCLA Catechism Memory
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three.
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
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655)
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…