Order of Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families

Bible Verse for the Week:

“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Psalms for the Day:

Morning: Psalm 42, 43
Evening: Psalm 44

Catechetical Instruction: The Sacrament of the Altar

What is the Sacrament of the Altar? These Words “given and shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins, show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

Where is this written? The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write:Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Who receives this sacrament worthily? Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.

Scripture Readings

Bible Stories for the Family: Christ’s Righteousness Fulfills the Law-Matthew 5:13-20
Additional Reading: Obadiah 1-4

Theme for Daily Prayer:

For the joy of the resurrection among us; for the fruit of faith nourished by the Word and Sacraments.

Prayer for our Government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn of the Week:

Lutheran Service Book 571 God Loved the World so that He Gave

God loved the world, so that He Gave
His only Son the lost to save,
That all who would in Him believes
Should everlasting life receive.

Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,
Who was made flesh and suffered death;
All then who trust in Him alone
Are built on this chief cornerstone.

If you are sick, if death is near,
This truth your troubled heart can cheer:
Christ Jesus saves your soul from death;
That is the firmest ground of faith. vv. 1,2, 5