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Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 30th

Friday: Trust

Pray:  Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we want to grow closer to you and deeper in our Christian faith. As we read and discuss Luther’s Catechism today, help us come to trust you ever more. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

We pray in this petition that God would guard and protect us from this, that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or lead us into false belief, despair, and other great and shameful sins, but pray that when we are tempted in these ways, we may finally prevail and gain the victory. (Luther's Small Catechism)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What is a “false belief?” What are some false beliefs that people hold today?

Child: To be in despair means to lose hope. How can our faith in God keep us from giving up or losing hope?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, there are many things in this world that can lead us astray or steal our joy. Yet you want a better life for us. Help us to trust you with all our hearts, and to turn to you when we are confused or struggling. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you trust the Lord your God with all your heart. Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 29th

Thursday: Compassion

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty Father, you give us all that we need each day. We are so grateful! As we turn our hearts and minds to our Bible story now, please help us to focus and listen well. Teach us what we need to know. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

“You are like a child to me,”
Paul declared to Timothy.
“Every day I pray for you,
Asking God to bless you, too.”

“Your grandmother and your mom
Had great faith—and passed it on!
Now you share that faith as well,
And with that, you will excel!”

“Don’t be frightened or afraid
For the Lord will give you aid.
Speak the truth in love each day;
God will help you all the way!”

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What does it mean to “speak the truth in love?” Do you think that is easy or hard to do? Why?

Child: In this Bible story, Paul is trying to encourage Timothy. When have you tried to help someone else be brave? What happened?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Lord God, you shower us with compassion, and invite us to share that kindness with others. Help us to be an encourager, as Paul was to Timothy. Give us the right words, so that we can make a difference in someone else’s life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you lift up those around you. Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 28th

Wednesday: Mercy

Pray:  Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Father, you are merciful and kind, and we love you! Be with us now as we read our Bible story, and teach us all that you want us to know. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

2 Timothy 1:5-7
I also remember the genuine faith of your mother Eunice. Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure that you have it as well. So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Why do you think God gives each of us special gifts? What are some of the gifts that you see in me?

Child: How can having God’s Spirit in our lives give us courage? When have you needed to be brave?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Lord God, thank you for giving us people in our lives to teach us and pass on their faith. May we never take them for granted, and may we boldly share our faith with others as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you use the gifts God gave you! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 27th

Tuesday: Struggle

Pray:  Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, no matter what struggles we face, you are always there for us. Help us to realize this, and to trust you more and more as we study your Word. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

2 Timothy 1:2-4
Paul wrote to his friend, Timothy:
Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace! Night and day I mention you in my prayers. I am always grateful for you, as I pray to the God my ancestors and I have served with a clear conscience. I remember how you cried, and I want to see you, because that will make me truly happy. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What do you do when you are upset like Timothy was and want to feel peace? How does God help you with this?

Child: Who in your life are you grateful for? Why?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Lord, when people we care about have to go away, we feel sad like Timothy did. But you promise to never leave or forsake us. Thank you for being with us no matter where we are in this life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May God comfort you when you are lonely. Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 26th

Monday: Understanding

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God's name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, as we begin this new week at work and school, we ask that you would lead us and guide us. Stir up your Holy Spirit. Help us to understand the Scriptures, so that we might live in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

2 Timothy 1:2-8
Paul wrote to his friend, Timothy:
Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace!

Night and day I mention you in my prayers. I am always grateful for you, as I pray to the God my ancestors and I have served with a clear conscience. I remember how you cried, and I want to see you, because that will make me truly happy. I also remember the genuine faith of your mother Eunice. Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure that you have it as well. So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.

Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Why is it important to pray for people? Who do you mention in your prayers regularly?

Child: Was there a family member or friend who passed on the Christian faith to you? How did they do this?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, thank you for this day and for each person here. Bless our family members, and help us remember to pray for each other. Strengthen us, so that we might never be ashamed to share our faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words:

May your faith grow stronger day by day! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 25th

Sunday: Worship

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you … in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gracious Lord God, pour out on us the gift of your Holy Spirit. Speak to us through your Word and lead us in your ways, so that we may trust in you always, no matter where we go, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Psalm 10:16-18
Our Lord, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth. You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help. You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What does it mean to “defend” someone? Has someone ever defended you?

Child: Why is it important for us to know that God is our greatest Defender? How does trusting God help us to face the things we are afraid of?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Lord God, you are strong and mighty. We trust that you defend and care for us, especially when we are weak and afraid. In times of worry and fear, may our first thought be to turn to you in prayer, and call upon your help. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you always trust in the Lord as your sure defense. Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 24th

Saturday: Generosity

Pray:  Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord God, as our week draws to a close, help us to notice and count our many blessings. Thank you for all that you have given us! Bless each person in this room, and be with us now as we study your Word. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Galatians 2:14-16
But when I saw that they were not really obeying the truth that is in the good news, I corrected Peter in front of everyone and said: "Peter, you are a Jew, but you live like a Gentile. So how can you force Gentiles to live like Jews? We are Jews by birth and are not sinners like Gentiles. But we know that God accepts only those who have faith in Jesus Christ. No one can please God by simply obeying the Law. So we put our faith in Christ Jesus, and God accepted us because of our faith." (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: How have you tried to please God in your life? Why do you think faith pleases God the most?

Child: How did you first learn about Jesus? What helped you put your faith in him?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Heavenly Father, we want to please you, yet so often we fall short. Give us true faith in Jesus, your Son. Help us to realize all that he has done for us, and to share the good news of his saving love with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you realize how blessed you are! Amen.