Day: July 16, 2026

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.

Holy God, we live in a world of people who are struggling and hurting. Let us be people who do not hurt others, but help them in all their needs, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listen:  Listen carefully as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

Praying, Peter closed his eyes
And he had a big surprise!
God sent him a vision sweet,
Showing foods that he could eat.

Then a voice said, “These are clean.”
Peter thought, “What could this mean?”
But just then there came some men,
Who opened Peter’s eyes again.

These three men, they were not Jews,
But they were ones the Lord did choose.
They were clean in God’s own eyes,
when that day they were baptized!

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

Child: Was there ever a time when you felt icky because you were not clean? What was that like?

Child: Why do you think that God wants us to be clean inside and out? How does God do that for us?

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

Holy God, we thank you that by your mercy and forgiveness you make us clean. Help us not to look down on others because of who they are or where they come from, but help us to reach out with love and compassion, especially for those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May the Holy Spirit give you the compassion to serve in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.

Holy God, make us aware of the struggles that others are going through. Just as you have provided for our needs, help us to provide for the needs of others. Show us how we can serve you in the everyday moments of our lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Listen:  Listen carefully as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

A man who couldn’t use his feet
was sitting there along the street
When Paul spoke up to him and said,
“Stand up and walk. Lift up your head.”

The man stood up and grinned a grin;
a miracle had come to him!
And all who saw what had occurred
assumed that Paul, himself, was Lord!

But Paul said, “You must understand;
I’m not a god! I’m just a man.
I did not make the earth and sea,
It’s God we praise — not you or me.”

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

Child: Why do you think Paul didn’t just walk past the crippled man? Why did he stop?

Child:  What is an example of something we could do to help someone in need?

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

Holy God, we thank you for coming into our lives. Help us to be like your servant Paul, and help those who are in need, by showing the love of Jesus to those we meet. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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

May the Lord pour out his love upon you. Amen.