Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of October 4 – October 11
Preparing for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn of the Week: A Multitude Comes from the East and the West (510)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Fall Break
GLCA Catechism Memory: Fall Break
Jr. Confirmation Memory: Holy Absolution Institution (John 20:22-23)
Bible Verse Memory Review (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: Catechism Bible Story – Galatians 5:22-23 Read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Notice that this isn’t called “the fruit of the Christian,” but “the fruit of the Spirit.” When the Holy Spirit is at work in us through God’s Word and Sacraments, He produces good fruit. What does this fruit look like? Take turns listing the fruit of the Spirit and give examples of what each fruit looks like in real life.
Tuesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 25:6–9 In her earthly eating and drinking the Church celebrates a royal feast of rich food and fine wine (“the true body and blood of Jesus given under the bread and wine for our forgiveness”!). It is a celebration of her heavenly Bridegroom and anticipation of the wedding feast to come. It is a celebration of death being swallowed up by the atoning death of Jesus! For, “where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” Read vs. 6. Who is invited to this joyous feast of life and salvation?
Wednesday: Epistle – Philippians 4:4–13 Here in the valley of the shadow of death our Good Shepherd not only leads us beside the still waters of His grace and into the green pastures of His love, He also prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies (Dying to Live, pg. 110. In this sacred meal there is solace and peace because we are partaking in a “Holy Communion” with our Lord who swallowed up our worst enemy, death. We are “in the Lord.” Read vs. 4. How can receiving Holy Communion help with anxiety?
Thursday: Holy Gospel – Matthew 22:1–14 The Israelites expected invited guests to wear festive wedding garments, which the host could provide. Thus, the man’s failure to dress in appropriate clothing, which was freely given to him, offends the host. (LSSB note on vs. 11). The garment signifies the righteousness of God, which covers our sin (and makes it possible to eat and drink in God’s holy presence). Read Galatians 3:27. Where was this garment freely given to us?
Friday: Learning from the Saints – Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) What was Abraham’s original name? What title did God promise Abraham when He gave him a new name? What is Abraham’s first wife’s name? Was Abraham perfect? In what ways did Abraham fail to trust God? What was Abraham asked to do that foreshadowed what God would do for the whole world? – Family Lectionary, pg. 276
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…
Bible Verse Memory Review:
“[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
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
A Multitude Comes from the East and the West (510)
Collect of the Day for this Coming Sunday (Pentecost 20)
Almighty God, You invite us to trust in You for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of Your judgment but by the greatness of Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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…