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Month: October 2022

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: October 31st

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 this new week unfolds, open our hearts and minds so we can learn from our Bible story and develop true faith. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we study, and help us to live good lives that are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

James 2:14-18
James wrote to people of the Church:
My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn’t have any clothes or food, you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!

Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.” I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” (CEV)

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

Child: What does it mean to have faith in Jesus? Who gives us this faith?

Child: How can our love of God inspire us to do good things for others?

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

Holy God, we want to reach out and help others but sometimes we don’t know how to best do that. Inspire us and lead us, so that we might make a difference in this world for your good purpose. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you serve God by helping your neighbor! Amen.

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

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.

Lord God, it is good to spend this time together! We ask that you would be with us as we study. Let your Holy Spirit guide our thinking, and open our minds to truly understand your Word. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

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

Psalm 25:20-21
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. (CEV)

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

Child: A “refuge” is a shelter or safe place. What does it mean for us to find our refuge in God? How might doing that give us courage?

Child: The writer of this psalm talks about waiting for God. When have you waited for God to act? What happened?

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

Almighty God, we praise you, for you are mighty and powerful, and you look upon us with kindness. Thank you for being our shelter in the storm. Please continue help and guide us all our days. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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

May God give you true and lasting peace. Amen.

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

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, thank you for this beautiful day. No matter the weather, every day you give us is a gift and every moment spent with you is a blessing. Help us to see the many ways you care for us as we study your Word today. 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.

2 Timothy 1:7-8
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: A “coward” is someone who is very afraid to stand up for what is right. What does Paul mean when he says that “God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us?”

Child: Tell us about a time when you were afraid to do something. How did God help you face your fear?

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

Heavenly Father, all of us feel afraid at times. Yet you don’t want us to be controlled by our fears. Give us strength to do your work in the world with a peaceful heart. Thank you for loving us no matter how anxious we may be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

May you turn to God when you feel afraid. Amen.

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

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 27th

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 26th

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 25th

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, life can be hard sometimes. But no matter what is going on, you always invite us to pause and spend some time with you. Thank you for loving us, even when we feel alone and unlovable. Help us to learn more about you as we study your Word today. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Galatians 2:11-12
Paul wrote to the Galatians: When Peter came to Antioch, I told him face to face that he was wrong. He used to eat with Gentile followers of the Lord, until James sent some Jewish followers. Peter was afraid of the Jews and soon stopped eating with Gentiles. (CEV)

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

Child: Jews were people who came from a religious background. Gentiles did not. In your own experience, what are some differences (good or bad) you might notice between people who go to church and those who don't?

Child: When have you felt afraid of being seen hanging around with someone else? Did this affect any of your decisions? How?

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

Lord, it can be hard to go against the crowd. But you want us to live in the freedom of the gospel rather than in fear of judgment. Help us to reach out to those who need to hear your Word, and not to worry about what people may say. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you bravely reach out to others! Amen.