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 sign of the cross () 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 Matthew
July 2 / Worship at Lord of Love
Monday / Matthew 26:31-46
Tuesday / Matthew 26:47-68
Wednesday / Matthew 26:69-27:10
Thursday / Matthew 25:31-46
Friday / Matthew 27:11-31
Saturday / Matthew 27:32-56
July 9 / Worship at 8:00 or 10:30
See you in church!

Weekly Prayer: O God, Protector of all the faithful, You alone make strong; You alone make holy. Show us Your mercy and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things You have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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: Father, we thank You that You have released us from the Law and that we now belong to Christ. Help us always to serve You in the new life of the Spirit and bear fruit for You.

·  Monday: Keep safe all who travel, whether by land, sea or air; bring them safely to their destinations and see them home again.

·  Tuesday: Thank You for the gift of this nation. Bless the believers here, that they may testify to Your goodness

·  Wednesday: Give comfort, healing, patience and endurance to all who suffer [especially ______]. Strengthen their faith so that they know that despite their suffering, they have not lost their reward.

·  Thursday: Be with all the baptized believers of our congregation, especially the young children. Strengthen their parents for the hard work of raising Christian children. Be with those who are pregnant, guarding the souls You have created.

·  Friday: Jesus died on a Friday. In Your humble death, You raised me up from the degradation of my sin to the goodness of Your holy glory. Thank You for Your gift

·  Saturday: Father, we thank You for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Bring us at last with them into the full freedom of Your Kingdom

· 

(This is the morning prayer. If you have evening devotion, the morning prayer is in your Catechism, or in the hymnal, page 151.)

Luther's Morning 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 kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. 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

The Ministry of the Keys and Confession

As the head of the family should teach them

in the simplest way to those in his household.

Confession

Third: How can we recognize these sins? / All learn
Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, employer or employee? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you hurt anyone by word or deed? Have you been dishonest, careless, wasteful, or done other wrong? / Gr. 4+
Fourth: How will the pastor assure a
penitent sinner of forgiveness? / All learn
He will say, “By the authority of Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” / Gr. 2+

A Prayer for our Nation

Father, we thank You for our nation and the many freedoms that You have provided for us here. Guide our elected and appointed leaders to serve us with integrity. We especially ask Your blessing and guidance to be with President Trump and Governor Walker. Help all who govern to realize they lead at Your behest.

Be with those who defend our freedoms in the armed forces, as well as the police and firefighters who protect our freedoms closer to home.

Be with all who work to grow the fruits of the earth that You have given us for food. Give them favorable weather and a successful harvest. Bless also all involved in the commerce and industry of our land. Allow the fruits of their labor to provide for the material needs of the many who rely on them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.