The Congregation at Prayer

For the Week of Pentecost 23 (November 2-7, 2026)

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

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: Matthew 25:13 – “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #514 “The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us”

Hymns for Sunday: 515, 514, 618, 663, 701, 689, 821

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

Monday: Psalm 70

Why is the psalmist in a hurry? What is his hope and confidence?

Tuesday: Micah 6:6-8

Why do sacrifices without faith fail to produce the fruits and good works God desires? How should we come before the Lord?

Wednesday: Philippians 3:17-21

How does living for this world and life make one an enemy of the cross of Christ? How should we think and live and act?

Thursday: Amos 5:18–24

How does Amos describe “the Day of the Lord?” Why are their sacrifices unacceptable? What hope do we have? Whose sacrifice is acceptable? Why?

Friday: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Why does Paul call death “sleep?” When Jesus comes again, what will happen to all people? Is this encouraging to you?

Saturday: Matthew 25:1-13

How were the foolish virgins foolish? Was it lack of oil or lack of faith? How did this make them not ready? What were the bridegroom’s (Jesus’!) frightening words to them?

The Catechism - Baptism: What does such baptizing with water indicate? [Part 2] Where is this written? St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Collect for the Week: Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, 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 Board of Evangelism and Outreach.

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

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and provision for our Synod’s Soldiers of the Cross program.

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