Our Congregation at Prayer

An Order of Meditation and Prayer

(If you are a family meeting together, say the words in bold together.)

(At the name of Jesus () each person may make the sign of the cross over the heart, remembering that we are baptized in the name of the Triune God.)

Invocation

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there He will come to judge

the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Christian Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

(Everyone says the verse together. Spend up to two minutes learning the verse by heart. Then the leader reads the Bible lesson.)

Bible Readings

Date / The Gospel of Luke
August 21 / The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Monday / Luke 4:1-15
Tuesday / Luke 4:16-30
Wednesday / Luke 4:31-44
Thursday / Luke 5:1-16
Friday / Luke 5:17-32
Saturday / Luke 5:33-39
August 28 / The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
See you in church! 8:00 or 10:30

Weekly Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope and love, and make us love what You command, that we may obtain what You promise; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours,

now and forever. Amen

Petitions for Daily Prayer:

·  Sunday: We pray for Your Church on earth: we ask You to lead and care for Your people in love, as a Father deals with his sons; that all who are called by Your name would take up the cross in daily repentance and follow Jesus in steadfast faith

·  Monday: Bless President Obama, the United States Congress; Governor Walker, and all those in authority Grant them wisdom, integrity and skill in their lawful duties, so that justice be maintained, the innocent defended, wickedness restrained, liberty upheld and consciences respected

·  Tuesday: Give us thankful hearts and lives of generous charity, that being grateful to receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, we may walk before You in true reverence

·  Wednesday: Grant to our young people an eagerness for Your Word and ways; to our parents give strength for their tasks, to the aged give confidence in Your promises.

·  Thursday: Send down Your blessing upon the fruits of the earth and bring forth whatever is needed for the support of this life; prosper the work of farmers as they care for the land and gather its produce

·  Friday: Jesus died on a Friday. What wondrous love is this, oh my soul; that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse, for my soul.

·  Saturday: O Lord, our Father in heaven, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest

Luther's Evening Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day. Forgive me all my sins, and graciously keep me this night. Into Your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen

Catechism for the Week

Table of Duties

This summer, we consider a part of the Catechism which does not get enough attention – the Table of Duties. Pastors, political leaders, husband / wife, parents / children are all included.

(Just read these portions of the Catechism, no memory work.)

A Word For All

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Love your neighbor as yourself. This is the sum of all the commandments. (See Romans 13:8-10: Galatians 5:14.) And continue praying for everyone. (See 1 Timothy 2:1.)
Let each his lesson learn with care,
and all the household well shall fare.

A Saint from the Past – Monica – Mother of Augustine – Saturday, August 27

She is a godly example for every mother (or father) who has needed to pray for a child wandering far from God.

A native of North Africa, Monica (A.D., 333-387) was the devoted mother of St. Augustine. She sought the spiritual welfare of her children, especially her brilliant son Augustine.

Widowed at a young age, she devoted herself to her family, praying for many years for Augustine’s conversion. When he left North Africa to go to Italy, she followed him to Rome and then to Milan. There she had the joy of witnessing her son’s conversion to the Christian faith and his Baptism.

Monica died at Ostia, Italy, while on a journey she hoped would take her back to Africa. (Some Church calendars mark her day on May 4.)