The Congregation at Prayer

For the Week of Lent 4 (March 16-21, 2026)

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

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #430 “My Song Is Love Unknown”

Hymns for Sunday: 423, 422, 430, 618, 552 (vs. 9-10, tune: 754), 687, 420

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

Monday: Psalm 130

From what depths have you cried to the Lord? What is your hope? What promises of the Lord give you that hope?

Tuesday: John 8:42-59

Why is the truth of God’s Word sometimes rejected? What if we don’t like it? What if it doesn’t seem reasonable or in step with the world? Should we judge the Word or should it judge us?

Wednesday: Matthew 2:13-25, 19-23

Commemoration of St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus. Where was Joseph told to go? Do you think that was easy? What can help us do what is asked of us, even when it is hard?

Thursday: Ezekiel 37:1–14

Cemeteries are places of dry bones for us today. Can all those bones live? What would Ezekiel say? How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope that they can? And will?

Friday: Romans 8:1-11

Why is there now no condemnation for us sinners? Who was condemned for us? Does this change how we now live? Why?

Saturday: John 11:1-53

Why did Jesus delay going to see Lazarus? Did that stop Him from helping him? Did Mary and Martha think so? What if Jesus delays helping us? Is anything too great for Jesus to overcome?

The Catechism - The Ten Commandments: The Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

Collect for the Week: Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; 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 congregational vice president, Rob Douthwaite.

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

+ God’s blessing, guidance, wisdom, and provision for Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO.

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