[If you have questions about receiving the Lord’s Supper, or would like to schedule a time for individual confession and absolution, please speak with the pastor before the service on Sunday.]

The reason that Christians come to church is to receive the gifts that our Lord has promised to give. We come to find forgiveness from God the Father for the sake of Jesus, His Son. We come pleading for mercy. We come asking for our prayers to be heard by the Lamb of God. We come asking the Lord to be with us. We come to hear God’s life-giving Word. We come seeking the peace that passes all understanding and is with us always. We come asking the Holy Spirit to create in us clean hearts. We come to give thanks to the Lord for all His benefits to us. We come to taste Jesus’ body broken and blood shed to strengthen our bodies and souls unto life everlasting. We come seeking the Lord’s blessing, that His face may shine on us, His countenance be upon us, and His peace be with us always.

We prepare for the Divine Service by reading and hearing God’s Word, and praying according to His Word. We consider our lives according to His Word. We consider what sins we have which need to be forgiven. We consider what we have to be thankful for. We consider what help we need from the Lord. We come believing that He has forgiveness, life, and salvation for us. We come ready and eager to meet Him.

In the days before Sunday, here are some questions to spark your preparation, to help you to know what to pray for, and what you are hoping to receive from the L0rd.

  • Has God stirred up anything in me in my devotions this week?
  • In what ways has God blessed me this week?
    • How can I use these blessings in faith towards God and for the love of my neighbor?
  • Where have I felt angry or anxious this week?
    • What made me feel that way?
    • Who made me feel that way?
  • What am I worried about?
  • Who am I worried for?
  • Where have I felt hurt?
  • Where have I felt pleased?
    • What made me feel that way?
    • Who made me feel  that way?
  • How has sin affected me? (This is a helpful guide for this devotion)
    • Where have I felt guilty?
    • Have I lived up to God’s demands as a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, worker, employer, etc.?
    • Where have I done wrong?
    • What have I left undone?
    • Are there relationships in my life that are strained?
    • Have I sinned against anyone?
    • Has someone sinned against me?
      • Am I still feeling anger in my heart about it?
  • What do I need God to forgive?
  • What do I need God to fix?
  • What do I need God to heal?
  • What do I have for which to thank God?

Bring them all before the Altar of the Lord. Ask the Lamb of God to take away all the sin from your life and wash you clean with His Blood. Ask the Great Physician to bring you healing. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to bring you His blessings. Ask Christ our reconciler to mend your broken relationships. Ask the Lord who saves by the strength of His Arm to come to your aid in the midst of your worries.