The Congregation at Prayer

For the Week of Epiphany 2 (January 19-24, 2026)

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

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: Matthew 19:30 – “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #839 “O Christ, Our True and Only Light”

Hymns for Sunday: 396, 839, 642, 409, 517 (v. 12), 412

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

Monday: Isaiah 9:1-4

What is the deep darkness Israel (and all people!) walk in? What light do we need? How did God shine that light on us?

Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Why are there divisions among Christians and Churches today? How are we united in Christ? Why is this important?

Wednesday: Matthew 4:12–25

How was the kingdom of heaven at hand in Jesus? Who’s hands touched Him? Who were touched by His hands? 

Thursday: Acts 9:1-22

How could there be such a sudden change in Saul’s life? Can people change like that today? Why? How?

Friday: Galatians 1:11-24

Why must the gospel come from God and not man? Can we be sure of anything that is from or of man? Why can we be sure of everything that is from and of God? 

Saturday: Matthew 19:27–30

When we follow Jesus, do we lose more or gain more? Why?

The Catechism - Daily Prayers: Asking a Blessing: The eyes of all look to You, [O Lord,] and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15-16) Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Collect for the Week: Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. 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’s Sunday School Teachers.

+ the Ev. Lutheran Church-Synod of France, for God’s wisdom, blessing, guidance, and provision.

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and wisdom for our Synod’s Board for International Mission.

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