Skip to content

Month: February 2023

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

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.

Lord God, may your Holy Spirit inspire us today as we read your Word. Fill our hearts with kindness towards others, and with love for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Luke 10:30-32
As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man, he walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side. (CEV)

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

Child: Why do you think the priest and the temple worker passed by the hurt man instead of helping him? Have you ever felt too rushed, or too afraid, to help someone else?

Child: Have you ever stopped to help a stranger? If so, what happened?

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

Heavenly Father, sometimes we see people who are suffering, and we don’t know what to do. Other times we simply feel too busy to see beyond our own needs. Please heal those who are hurting, and show us how we can best help them, as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you help others where you can! Amen.

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

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.

O God, as we read our Bible story today, may we learn from it and be changed for the better. Open our hearts, so that we understand what it means to truly love our neighbor. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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

Luke 10:30-37 [Jesus told this story about a Good Samaritan]:

As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man, he walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side.

A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, “Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return.”

Then Jesus asked, “Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?” The teacher answered, “The one who showed pity.” Jesus said, “Go and do the same!” (CEV)

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

Child: Why do you think this story is known as “The Good Samaritan?” What did the Samaritan do that was good?

Child: In those days, Samaritans and Jews did not get along. Do you think the hurt man (who was probably Jewish) was surprised by what the Samaritan did for him? Why or why not?

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

Heavenly Father, we thank you for people like the Good Samaritan, who look beyond themselves and reach out to others. Help us to do the same, and to see where we can make a positive impact in this world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you be a good neighbor! Amen.

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

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, it is good to be together. As we settle in to read our psalm for today, please give us a sense of peace and calm. Thank you for this beautiful Sabbath day! In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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

Psalm 63:2-4
I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. (CEV)

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

Child: When do you most sense God’s presence in worship—during Holy Communion, the sermon, the hymns, or at another time?

Child: Where have you seen God’s power in the world? Tell us about that.

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

Lord God, we are so thankful for you, and for all that you do in our world! Help us to tell others about you, so that they, too, may experience your love and power in their lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you praise the Lord! Amen.

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

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.

Mighty Lord, we are so blessed to be able to study your Word and pray to you directly! Thank you for giving us the Bible, and for those who recorded its stories and teachings for us. Help us to understand it better each time we read it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Matthew 17:7-8
When the disciples heard the voice, they were so afraid that they fell flat on the ground. But Jesus came over and touched them. He said, “Get up and don’t be afraid!” When they opened their eyes, they saw only Jesus. (CEV)

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

Child: When everything was over, the disciples saw only Jesus. Why does God want us to put our faith and trust only in him?

Child: When you are afraid, why is it important to remember that you can always turn to Jesus? Who do you know that needs Jesus’ help right now?

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

Dear Lord, you know that all of us face times of struggle, worry, and fear. We pray for all those that need your help (especially _________). We ask that you will hear our prayers when we call out to you, and show us that you are always with us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

May you trust Jesus, and not be frightened! Amen.

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

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.

O God, stir up your Holy Spirit and inspire us to look to you for everything. As we study the prayer that Jesus taught us today, help us to realize how important and meaningful it is. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: Why do we call God our “Father?” How is God like (and unlike) an earthly father?

Child: Why is it a good thing for God’s will to be done on earth? What does that mean?

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

Heavenly Father, we love you! Every day you watch over us, protect us, and guide us. We want to worship you, and to live in a way that is pleasing to you. Help us to do so. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you live each day according to God’s will! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: February 22nd

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.

Almighty God, as we focus on today’s Bible story, open our minds to understand it better. Teach us all that you would have us know, and show us how to share the Good News of your love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Matthew 17:5-8
While Peter was still speaking, the shadow of a bright cloud passed over them. From the cloud a voice said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so afraid that they fell flat on the ground. But Jesus came over and touched them. He said, “Get up and don’t be afraid!” When they opened their eyes, they saw only Jesus. (CEV)

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

Child: Have you ever been so afraid that you lost your strength, like the disciples did? What happened?

Child: Jesus calmed the disciples’ fear. Why does having a relationship with Jesus mean that we need not be afraid?

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

Gracious Father in Heaven, not only did you announce that Jesus is your own dear Son, you have now made us your beloved children as well.  On this Valentine’s Day, help us to feel and see the many ways you love us. Help us to share that same love with others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

May you show God’s love to others each day! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: February 21st

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.

Lord God, inspire us as we read our Bible story now, and give us true faith in Jesus, your Son. We know that every good thing comes from you, and are thankful that we can learn more about Jesus today. In his holy name we pray. Amen.

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

Matthew 17:1-4
Six days later Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John with him. They went up on a very high mountain where they could be alone. There in front of the disciples, Jesus was completely changed. His face was shining like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. All at once Moses and Elijah were there talking with Jesus. So Peter said to him, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (CEV)

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

Child: Who is Moses? Who is Elijah? Where have we heard those names before?

Child: Peter was probably amazed and confused by all that was happening. Why do you think he said what he did?

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

Heavenly Father, you are a God of surprises. We can only imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to see Jesus transfigured so long ago. But we are glad that they described what they saw, so that we might know how powerful Jesus really is. Thank you for sending your Son to us! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you believe that Jesus is God’s Son! Amen.