Tag: Saturday

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.

Holy God, help us see that you are at work in us. Make us generous with all that we have, knowing you have given us all we need for the day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him; but 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: What does it mean that “the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel”? What is God calling on us to do?

Child: If God is the one who gives us faith, how can we help pass that gift of faith to others?

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

Holy God, by the power of your Holy Spirit you give us faith. Remind us that there is nothing we do to earn your love or gain salvation but you are the one who makes us your own. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

Go now in faith, trusting that God will give you all you need. Amen.

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.

Loving God, through the power of your Spirit you call us to new life in Christ. You generously shower us with your love and forgiveness so that we may rest assured of our place with you forever. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

In this Christian church, [the Holy Spirit] daily forgives abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers. At the last day, he will raise me and all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true! (Luther's Small Catechism)

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

Child: Do you believe that God has given us life?

Child: Do you believe that God will raise us back to life again someday, even after we are dead?

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

Holy God, you have created us and given us birth. In the resurrection of Jesus, you have given us the promise of eternal life. Help us to remember that because we belong to Jesus, we never have to fear death. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

Because of God’s great love for you, he sent Jesus to save you from the power of sin, death, and the devil. Amen.

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, you have promised that you’re always with us. Help us to hear in our devotion today the promises of forgiveness and life eternal that come to us through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully 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.  (Small Catechism)

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

Child: Do you remember the day that I was baptized? What was it like?

Child: Why is it important to know that God has called us by name and we belong to him?

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

Generous God, because we have been baptized, we know that we belong to you. Help us to remember that we are important to you. Help us to give that same promise to others. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

You have been washed in the waters of Baptism. Go and live your life for Jesus. Amen.

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.

Heavenly Father, you have given us the most precious gift of your Son, Jesus. Help us to be truly grateful for the life he has given us, both now and in eternity. May we be bold to share with others all that we have been given. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

I believe that God has created me and all that exists, that he has given me and still preserves my body and soul, my eyes and ears, my reason and all my senses, together with food and clothing, home and family, and all my property. (Small Catechism)

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

Child: What does it mean to be generous? Is God generous to us?

Child: Can you think of a time when you came to realize that it is God who gives us all we have?

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

Holy God, you provide us with everything we need. We know we can trust you to provide for us. Help us to share what you have given us with others who are in need. Amen.

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

May God inspire you to serve others with what he has given you. Amen.

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.

Heavenly Father, you have given us the most precious gift of your Son, Jesus. Help us to be truly grateful for the life he has given us, both now and in eternity. May we be bold to share with others all that we have been given. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

From the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed: "On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead."

What Does this Mean?
He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!  (Luther's Small Catechism)

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

Child: Is Jesus a king? What does that mean?

Child: What does it mean that we should live under Jesus in his kingdom and serve him? How do we do that in everyday life?

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

Holy God, help us to see that Jesus won the victory over death, and that he now lives and rules as king over heaven and earth. Help us to be his faithful servants. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

May God inspire you to serve others with what he has given you. Amen.

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.

Dear Lord, in you alone we put our trust. In you alone can we live! Grant us your love, and help us to trust in your Word, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

John 20:27-29
He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!” Thomas replied, “You are my Lord and my God!” Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”  (CEV)

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

Child: Have you ever gone through a time in your life when you struggled with doubts? How did God help you through that?

Child: When Jesus spoke of those “who have faith without seeing me,” he was talking about people like us!  Why do you think our faith matters to God?

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

Thank you dear God, for showing us that you are always near. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us so that we never doubt your love for us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

May God remove your doubts and give you faith! Amen.

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, you have promised that you’re always with us, even in the most difficult times. With the courage of your Holy Spirit, help us to share this same promise with others that we meet, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Luke 24:33-35
And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (CEV)

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

Child: Why did the men go all the way back to Jerusalem? Who did they go to tell about what had happened?

Child: How or when could I use this Bible story to help someone understand more about Jesus?

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

Thank you dear God, for the gifts you have given us that fill us and sustain us with your love. With your Spirit living in us, use our gifts for the sake of the world you love.  In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

May the Lord be with you and inspire you to let your faith shine. Amen.