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
June 5 / Third Sunday after Pentecost
Monday / Matthew 25:31-46
Tuesday / Matthew 26:1-16
Wednesday / Matthew 26:17-35
Thursday / Matthew 26:36-56
Friday / Matthew 26:57-75
Saturday / Galatians 3
(for tomorrow’s sermon)
June 12 / Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Only one service – 10:30 – and church picnic

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 Your have prepared for us in heaven; 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: Lord Jesus, You have given Apostles to establish the Church, and an unbroken line of ministers to sustain her. Bless all ministers of the Word with truth, faithfulness and love.

·  Monday: For Your glorious gospel of full and free forgiveness in Christ, we praise You! You have done all we have failed to do, we are made complete in Christ alone.

·  Tuesday: Heavenly Father, within me lives the pride that wants to earn salvation by what I do rather than on Your merits. Help me to crucify my sinful nature with all its ungodly passion. Turn me heart today and always to Jesus as Savior.

·  Thursday: When conflict enters into Your Church, give us of Your Holy Spirit so that resolution may come by the humility of subjecting ourselves to the Word, rather than by might of argument, show of force, or concession with an unbelieving world.

·  Friday: Jesus died on a Friday. This day is precious, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice for my sins. Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.

·  Saturday: As we close this week, be with us and all Your Church around the world. Protect those who are persecuted, strengthen those who are faint of heart, ennoble those who are fighting against their own personal sins and demons, and grant free reign to Your Word as it is proclaimed in pulpits around the globe tomorrow. We ask in Jesus’ name.

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

The Lord’s Prayer

As the head of the family should teach them

in the simplest way to those in his household.

The Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

Lead us not into temptation. / All learn
What does this mean?
God surely tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not deceive us or lead us into false belief, despair, and other great and shameful sins; / All
and though we are tempted by them, we pray that we may overcome and win the victory. / Gr. 3

A Saint from the Past – Boniface of Mainz, Missionary to the Germans –Sunday, 6/5

He came from England, but became missionary to the Germans. Born late in the 600’s, Boniface was educated, became a monk and was ordained as a presbyter in England. Nevertheless, inspired by the example of others, he became a missionary.

In A.D., 719, the papal commission came for him to work in Germany and Boniface set to the task of planting, organizing and reforming the churches and monasteries of Germany. After becoming archbishop, Boniface was assigned to oversee the bishop’s office at Mainz in 743. Ten years later he resigned that post to engage in mission work in the Netherlands.

On June 5, A.D., 754, while awaiting a group of converts for confirmation, Boniface and his companions were murdered by a band of pagans. Boniface has always been know as the apostle and missionary to the Germans.