Family Devotions€¦ · You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, workers, animals, or anything...

1

Family Devotions August 16 – August 22, A.D. 2020

2

Sunday, August 16, 2020 (11th Sunday after Pentecost)

Invocation

While the invocation is spoken, family members may make the sign of the cross on the head and heart, as the pastor marked it when the Christian was baptized.

Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Group: Amen.

The Ten Commandments

Leader: What are the Ten Commandments?

All: You shall have no other gods.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Honor your father and mother, that it may go will with you and that you may

enjoy long life on the earth.

You shall not murder.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, workers, animals, or anything that

belongs to your neighbor.

If time permits, the family may discuss one commandment, especially considering

the instruction, the thanksgiving, the confession, and the prayer that this commandment prompts.

3

Reading from God’s Word – Genesis 23

The head of the house should read the reading out loud for all to hear. If other family members have Bibles, they may follow along.

After the reading is read, the family will discuss it, perhaps using the prompts below. Any unanswered questions may be marked and asked of the pastor at church.

For the Kids:

• What happened in Abraham’s family? What did Abraham do?

• Why do the people we love die? (See Romans 6:23)

• How did Jesus take away the sting of death and give us comfort?

For the Adults:

• Why do you think Abraham insisted on paying Ephron the Hittite for the field in

Machpelah?

• The cave purchased in Machpelah (in modern Hebron) becomes the tomb of Sarah,

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What is the significance of the fact that these ancestors of

the Israelites were buried in the land of Canaan?

• What was Abraham confessing by the way that he treated the body of Sarah? What

do we want to confess in the way we treat the bodies of our loved ones when they die? What about your own body?

Creed – A Selection from the Large Catechism, Apostles’ Creed: Third Article

Leader: Meanwhile, however, while sanctification has begun and is growing daily, we expect that our flesh will be destroyed and buried with all its uncleanness, and will come forth gloriously, and arise to entire and perfect holiness in a new eternal life. For now we are only half pure and holy, so that the Holy Ghost has ever [some reason why] to continue His work in us through the Word, and daily to dispense forgiveness, until we attain to that life where there will be no more forgiveness, but only perfectly pure and holy people, full of godliness and righteousness, removed and free from sin, death, and all evil, in a new, immortal, and glorified body.

Behold, all this is to be the office and work of the Holy Ghost, the He begin and daily increase holiness upon earth by means of these two things, the Christian Church and the forgiveness of sin. But in our dissolution He will accomplish it altogether in an instant, and will forever preserve us therein by the last two parts.

4

Prayer

The head of the house may include any of the prayers from pages 26-27, or any other prayers for the specific

occasion and circumstance. To conclude the prayers, the family will say the Lord’s Prayer together.

If time permits, the family may use the Lord’s Prayer as a template,

using each petition as a starting point to ask the Lord for His gifts according to our needs.

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be

done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as

we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.

Amen.

Memorization

The family may work on memorizing the passages on pg. 24 or other passages of Scripture or the Small Catechism.

Blessing

Leader: The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us.

Group: Amen.

Hymn

The family may sing the hymn on page 25 or another hymn.

5

Monday, August 17, 2020

Invocation

While the invocation is spoken, family members may make the sign of the cross

on the head and heart, as the pastor marked it when the Christian was baptized.


Group: Amen.

Responses – Selected Verses of Psalm 80

Heading: For the choir director. To “Lilies.” A Testimony. By Asaph. A psalm.

Leader: O Shepherd of Israel, give ear, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

Group: You who are seated above the cherubim, shine forth.

L: Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might.

Come with salvation for us.

G: God, restore us, and make your face shine, so we will be saved.

The Psalm is continued in Wednesday’s devotion.

6




For the Kids:

• What did Abraham want his servant to do?

• How do we see that the servant was trusting in the LORD to help him?

• Why was it important for Isaac to have a good wife who believed in the LORD?

For the Adults:

• Why did Abraham not want Isaac to have a wife from among the Canaanites?

• Why did Abraham insist that Isaac not go back to Mesopotamia with the servant?

• How did this servant express his faith in the LORD? His gratitude to the LORD?

• Where did Abraham look to find a good wife for his son? Where might your children

find believing spouses one day? How will you help them? How can you talk with

your children about this even now?

Creed – Apostles’ Creed

Leader: What do you believe?

All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

If time permits, the family may discuss one article of the creed, especially considering the instruction, the thanksgiving, the confession, and the prayer that this article prompts.

7

Prayer

The head of the house may include any of the prayers from pages 26-27, or any other prayers for the specific occasion and circumstance. To conclude the prayers, the family will say the Lord’s Prayer together.

If time permits, the family may use the Lord’s Prayer as a template, using each petition as a starting point to ask the Lord for His gifts according to our needs.



we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.

Amen.

Memorization


Blessing

L: May the blessing of the eternal God be upon us: his light to guide us, his presence to shelter us, his peace to unite us.

G: Amen.

Hymn


8

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Invocation




Group: Amen.















If time permits, the family may discuss one commandment, especially considering the instruction, the thanksgiving, the confession, and the prayer that this commandment prompts.

9




For the Kids:

• Isaac was Abraham’s heir. That means that after Abraham died, Isaac received the

possessions that were his. The Bible tells us that through Baptism we are heirs of God, and what we receive is eternal life.

• Who were the sons of Jacob and Rebekah? What did the LORD say about these two

sons?

• Why was it foolish for Esau to give up his birthright to Jacob?

For the Adults:

• The peoples who descended from Abraham and Keturah and from Abraham’s son

Ishmael would be peoples with whom the Israelites would have interactions later.

• What problems do we see in the family of Jacob? While none of our families are

perfect, where do we find the forgiveness for our failings and the strength to do

what is right?

• Esau gave his birthright for a bowl of stew. How does he serve as a warning for us?

(See Hebrews 12:16)

Creed – Augsburg Confession, Article II: Of Original Sin

Leader: What do the Lutheran churches teach concerning original sin?

All: Also they teach that since the fall of Adam all men begotten in the natural way are born with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with concupiscence; and that this disease, or vice of origin, is truly sin, even now condemning and bringing eternal death upon those not born again through Baptism and the Holy Ghost.

They condemn the Pelagians and others who deny that original depravity is sin, and who, to obscure the glory of Christ’s merit and benefits, argue that man can be justified before God by his own strength and reason.

10

Prayer

The head of the house may include any of the prayers from pages 26-27, or any other prayers for the specific occasion and circumstance. To conclude the prayers, the family will say the Lord’s Prayer together.





from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.

Amen.

Memorization


Blessing

L: May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself. May the power of the Lord Jesus make us strong to do his will. May the peace of the Lord Jesus fill our lives.

G: Amen.

Hymn


11

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Invocation

While the invocation is spoken, family members may make the sign of the cross on the head and heart, as the pastor marked it when the Christian was baptized.


Group: Amen.


Leader: LORD God of Armies, how long will your anger smoke against the prayer of your people?

Group: You make them eat bread with tears,

and you make them drink tears by the quart.

L: You create strife between us and our neighbors,

so our enemies join together in mocking us.

G: God of Armies, restore us, and make your face shine, so we will be saved.

The Psalm is continued in Friday’s devotion.

12


The head of the house should read the reading out loud for all to hear.

If other family members have Bibles, they may follow along.


For the Kids:

• What promise did the LORD make to Isaac?

• What lie did Isaac tell? Why did he lie? What should he have done?

• What blessings did the LORD give to Isaac?

• What did Esau do that became a source of trouble for his parents?

For the Adults:

• How do we see the sin of Isaac in this chapter? How do we see his faith?

• What do Isaac’s neighbors, the Philistines, eventually recognize about him?

• How would it be a source of bitterness to you if your child took an unbelieving

spouse, like Esau did? How would it be a source of joy and blessing if your child took a believing spouse? Be sure to tell your children these things and pray with them for

a good, believing spouse.






13

If time permits, the family may discuss one article of the creed, especially considering

the instruction, the thanksgiving, the confession, and the prayer that this article prompts.

Prayer





All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as


from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Memorization


Blessing

L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and abide with us all.

G: Amen.

Hymn


14

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Invocation




Group: Amen.















If time permits, the family may discuss one commandment, especially considering the instruction, the thanksgiving, the confession, and the prayer that this commandment prompts.

15




For the Kids:

• What commandments are broken in this chapter? What harm does all of this sin

cause?

• The blessing that Isaac speaks over Jacob includes the Savior, who will be a

descendant of Jacob.

• Did Jacob deserve the blessing he received? Do we deserve any of the blessings we

receive in Jesus?

For the Adults:

• In this chapter, we see the outbreak of several sins that have been brewing for some

time. What sins are behind all of this? How could repentance have prevented a whole lot of trouble?

• Jacob’s descendants (the Israelites) would live in the fertile land of Canaan, while

Esau’s descendants (the Edomites) would live in the arid land of Seir. These two

nations would have a tenous relationship. All of this is included in the two blessings which Isaac speaks over Jacob and Esau.

• In what way do we see the grace of God in action in this chapter of Scripture? Why is

this grace of God a comfort to us?

Creed – Augsburg Confession, Article III: Of the Son of God

Leader: What do the Lutheran churches teach concerning God the Son?

All: Also they teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, did assume the human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, so that there are two natures, the divine and the human, inseparably enjoined in one Person, one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, that He might reconcile the Father unto us, and be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men.

16

He also descended into hell, and truly rose again the third day; afterward He ascended into heaven that He might sit on the right hand of the Father, and forever reign and have dominion over all creatures, and sanctify them that believe in Him, by sending the Holy Ghost into their hearts, to rule, comfort, and quicken them, and to defend them against the devil and the power of sin.

The same Christ shall openly come again to judge the quick and the dead, etc., according to the Apostles’ Creed.

Prayer




All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done

on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive

those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the

kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Memorization


Blessing

L: Now may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you continue to believe, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

G: Amen.

Hymn


17

Friday, August 21, 2020

Invocation




Group: Amen.


Leader: God of Armies, return now!

Group: Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine,

the shoot that your right hand has planted,

the son that you made strong for yourself.

L: It is burned with fire like garbage.

G: Because of the rebuke from your face they perish.

L: Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, on the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself.

G: Then we will not turn away from you.

L: Cause us to live, and we will call on your name.

G: LORD God of Armies, restore us, and make your face shine,

so we will be saved.

18




For the Kids:

• Why did Rebekah want Jacob to go to Paddam Aram? What did she say to Isaac so

that Isaac would send him there?

• What did Jacob see in a dream as he slept?

• What promises did the LORD speak to Jacob in his vision?

• With paint or coloring supplies, make a picture of Jacob and his vision at night.

For the Adults:

• In the LORD’s promise to Jacob, what things are repeated that the LORD already

promised to Abraham and Isaac?

• Bethel means “house of God”. Why would Jacob give the place this name?

• Jesus is the fulfillment of the LORD’s promise to Jacob. In John 1:51, Jesus alludes to

this vision of Jacob and connects it to Himself.








19

Prayer





All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done

on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive

those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the

kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Memorization


Blessing

L: May the grace of the Lord Jesus sanctify us and keep us from all evil; may Christ drive all hurtful things far from us and purify both our souls and bodies; may Christ bind us to himself by the bond of love; and may his peace abound in our hearts.

G: Amen.

Hymn


20

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Invocation




Group: Amen.


Heading: A psalm by Asaph.

Leader: Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart. But as for me, my feet almost slipped out from under me.

I almost lost my footing.

Group: I even envied the arrogant when I observed the peace of the wicked.

L: For there are no struggles at their death.

Their bodies are sturdy.

G: They do not have the trouble common to people. They are not plagued along with the rest of mankind.

L: They say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

G: See, this is what the wicked are like—

secure forever, they increase in strength.

L: Have I really kept my heart pure for nothing? Have I kept my hands clean in vain?

G: I have been plagued all day.

My punishment comes every morning.

21

L: If I had said, “I will speak like this,”

I would certainly have betrayed the circle of your children.

G: When I tried to understand this, it was very troubling to me,

until I went to the sanctuary of God.

Then I understood their end.

L: Surely you place them on slippery places.

You cause them to fall into destruction.

G: How quickly they come to ruin, completely destroyed by terrors!

L: Yes, my heart was bitter,

and I was torn up inside.

G: I was unthinking and ignorant.

I was a dumb animal before you.

L: Yet I am always with you.

You hold me by my right hand.

G: With your guidance you lead me,

and afterward, you will take me to glory.

L: Who else is there for me in heaven?

And besides you, I desire no one else on earth.

G: My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.

L: No doubt about it!

Those who are far from you will perish. You destroy all who commit adultery against you.

G: As for me, God’s nearness is good for me.

I have made the LORD God my refuge, so that I can tell about all your works.

22

Review

Take some time as a family to review all that you have read from Genesis this week. What surprises were there? What has everyone learned? How do this week’s readings point us to Jesus?

Are there any questions you would like to ask pastor?

This time is also an opportunity to get caught up on any readings you haven’t completed yet.








Prayer







we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.

Amen.

23

Memorization


Blessing

L: The LORD will watch over your going and your coming from now to eternity.

G: Amen.

Hymn


24

Memorization for the Week

John 20:31

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that

by believing you may have life in his name.

Books of the New Testament (Parts 1 & 2)

1. Matthew 2. Mark

3. Luke

4. John

5. Acts

6. Romans 7. 1 Corinthians

8. 2 Corinthians

9. Galatians

10. Ephesians

11. Philippians 12. Colossians

13. 1 Thessalonians

14. 2 Thessalonians

15. 1 Timothy

16. 2 Timothy

17. Titus 18. Philemon

19. Hebrews

20. James

21. 1 Peter

22. 2 Peter 23. 1 John

24. 2 John

25. 3 John

26. Jude

27. Revelation

25

Hymn of the Week

26

Prayers for the Week

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have

kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and

every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my

body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may

have no power over me. Amen.

Luther’s Evening Prayer:

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have

graciously kept me this day. Forgive me all my sins, and graciously keep me this

night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Meal Prayers to Ask a Blessing

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blest. Amen.

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us through these gifts which we receive from your

bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Meal Prayers to Return Thanks

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endures forever. Amen.

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for all your gifts, through Jesus Christ, our

Lord. Amen.

27

Collect of the Word

Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by

your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus

Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for Courage to Share the Gospel

Give me a caring heart, O Lord, to love and seek the lost. Overcome my fear, and grant

me courage to share my hope of salvation with those who have no hope. Make me

faithful in my daily life so that all I say and do may glorify you.

Prayer for Love of Others

Lord Jesus, teach me to love others as you have loved me. Help me be more patient and alert to the needs of others, and always ready to serve them with the gifts you

have given me.

Prayer When There is Strife

O Lord, it grieves me that anger, strife, and bitterness have become a part of my life.

Forgive my sins and renew my spirit so that I will pardon others, correct the mistakes

I have made, and be more cheerful toward those around me. Remind me through

your Word that your Son’s peace provides the needed hope and reason for healing

and change.

Prayer for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become

partakers of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

28

Elements in Devotions from: The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2017 The Wartburg Project.

All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org Luther’s Catechism © 2017 Northwestern Publishing House

Concordia Triglotta. Published by Concordia Publishing House, 1921. Public Domain. Christian Worship © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission.

Christian Worship Supplement © 2008 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

http://www.wartburgproject.org/

Family Devotions€¦ · You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, workers, animals, or anything...

Documents

Transcript of Family Devotions€¦ · You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, workers, animals, or anything...