The Congregation at Prayer

For the Second Week of Advent (December 8-13, 2025)

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

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: James 5:8 – “You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #345 “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding”

Hymns for Sunday: 349, 357 (v. 6), 345, 636, 337, 341

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

Monday: Psalm 85

What gives the psalmist confidence, even in the face of trials and struggle? What is more sure: our eyes or our ears? Why?

Tuesday: Isaiah 40:1-11

Why do we need comforting? How does God comfort us? How can we also comfort others? What is our hope?

Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Who is the Judge? What does He judge? When will He judge? Why should we not judge others? But what should we do? Why?

Thursday: Isaiah 35:1–10

How is everything going to change when Jesus comes? When did this start? When did it start for you? When will it be completed?

Friday: James 5:7-11

What is James telling us to be? Why? Is this easy or hard? Why? Why is it necessary? How does this benefit us?

Saturday: Matthew 11:2-15

What did John ask? Why did He ask it? How did Jesus answer? Why? Should we expect a smooth and easy life? Why?

The Catechism - The Sacrament of the Altar: Where is this [the Sacrament of the Altar] written? The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He has 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.”

Collect for the Week: Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; 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 congregation vice president, Scott Killian.

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

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and provision for the Luther Academy.

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