The Congregation at Prayer

For the Third Week of Advent (December 16-21, 2024)

Invocation: In the Name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: Psalm 80:7 – ”Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #357 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Hymns for Sunday: 357 (v. 1-6), 357 (v. 7), 359, 621, 333, 934, 383

Readings for the Week: [The readings for Thursday-Saturday are the Scriptures for this coming Sunday.]

Monday: Psalm 80:1-7

The psalmist asks, “let your face shine, that we may be saved.” How does God’s face shine upon us? How does He save us?

Tuesday: Deuteronomy 18:15-19

How did Jesus fulfill these words of Moses, and then some!?

Wednesday: John 20:24–29

Commemoration of St. Thomas, apostle (Saturday). Why was the flesh and blood of Jesus so important for Thomas? Why is it so important for us today?

Thursday: Micah 5:2–5a

Malachi tells us of Jesus’ birth. How did His life start little? But how will it end big? What will He be for us? How?

Friday: Hebrews 10:5–10

What sacrifice did God desire? How did all the others point to that one? Who came and did God’s will perfectly? How did that qualify Him to be the one sacrifice God required?

Saturday: Luke 1:39–56

Why did Elizabeth’s baby leap for joy? How was the Lord doing great things for Mary? How was this a great thing for us all?

The Catechism - Morning Prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil for may have no power over me. Amen.

Collect for the Week: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Prayers:  Please pray for . . .

+ yourself and for all in need (remembering especially those on our prayer list).

+ God’s blessing, wisdom, and guidance for our congregational Board of Evangelism and Outreach.

+ the Lutheran Church of Togo, for God’s wisdom, blessing, guidance, and provision.

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and strength for Pastor Douthwaite in his role as Circuit Visitor.

Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer and Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer from the Catechism.

Now joyfully go about your day (or to bed) in good cheer, child of God!

Collect for the Week © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Lutheran Service Book Hymn License: 110019268