Tag: Friday

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, today as we study Luther’s Small Catechism, please help us to learn all that you would have us know. Stir up your Holy Spirit in us, so that we may grow ever closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

The Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do you think the Bible calls the Holy Spirit our “Helper?”

Child: The Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus, and always points the way to him. When have you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you or strengthening your faith?

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

Heavenly Father, as we live and make decisions each day, we need help and guidance. May your Holy Spirit be with us, leading us ever closer to you! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May the Holy Spirit always be your help and guide! Amen.

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, teach us what you would like us to know as we study the Small Catechism today. Be with us now, and open our ears and our hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

God indeed tempts no one to sin, but 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. (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: What does the word “despair” mean? Why would giving up all hope be a sin?

Child: The catechism reminds us that God tempts no one to sin. Knowing that, how might prayer help us when we are struggling to make a good decision?

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

Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that we can turn to you, and that you watch over us and keep us safe. Guide us each day, and lead us down the paths that you would have us go. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May God guard and protect you! Amen.

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, as we read from the Small Catechism today, may we come to trust you more. Be with us, and lead us as we study today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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

What gifts or benefits does Baptism bring? It brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: How can knowing that we belong to God give us comfort when we have done something wrong and need forgiveness?

Child: People baptize their children because they know that baptism brings good things into their lives. Let’s name all the people in our family (and in the generations before) who have been baptized!

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

Heavenly Father, it helps so much to know that when we do something wrong, we can go to you for forgiveness and love. Thank you for never giving up on us, and for the wonderful gift of baptism. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you remember that you belong to God! Amen.

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, help us to understand the meaning in the Catechism today. Teach us, so that we may trust you more and treat our neighbors well. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

We should fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, lie, or gossip about our neighbors, but defend them, speak well of them, and put the most charitable construction on all that they do.  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: What are some ways that people use lies to hurt other people?  Has anyone ever lied about you? How did that make you feel?

Child: Who is Luther talking about when he mentions our “neighbors?” Why should we speak well of our neighbors?

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

Heavenly Father, it can be hard to keep from saying mean things about people, especially when we’re angry. Please help us to treat our neighbors as you would, and to be kind in word and deed. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you speak well of others! Amen.

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, as we study the Catechism today, may we have a deeper understanding of all that you do for us, and may we come to love and trust you more. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

Every day [God] provides abundantly for all the needs of my life... He does this purely out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it. Therefore I ought to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true! (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: What’s the difference between a “want” and a “need?” What are some of the ways that God gives us all that we need in life, even when we don’t get everything we may want?

Child: Has God ever met a need for you in an unexpected way? Tell us about that.

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

Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for all that you do for us. When we get caught up in “wants,” help us to count our blessings. We love you! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you realize that God is with you, helping you always! Amen.

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, we want to serve you and live good lives. As we study the Catechism today, teach us how to do just that. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need.  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: When Luther talks about “our neighbors,” who does he mean? Why should our love for God affect how we treat our neighbor?

Child: Can you think of some people who are in need (of food, clothing, friendship, etc.) this season? What might we, as a family, do to reach out to them?

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

Heavenly Father, please be with those who are poor and in need of basic things right now. Inspire people to reach out and help them in whatever ways they can. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you do what you can for those in need! Amen.

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, help us to understand more about your will as we study Luther’s Small Catechism today. Thank you for all that you do for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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

The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it will also be done among us.  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

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

Child: Luther says that God’s will is “good” and “gracious.” How can remembering that help us when we are worried about something?

Child: If God’s will is done even without our prayer, why is it still important to pray to God? Has God ever answered one of your prayers even before you thought to ask for something?

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

Heavenly Father, we know that we can completely trust you. Help us to grow deeper in faith as we learn more about you each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

May you trust in God’s good will for your life! Amen.