The Congregation at Prayer

For the Week of Pentecost 21 (October 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: Psalm 46:11 – “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #587 “I Know My Faith Is Founded”

Hymns for Sunday: 656, 768, 948, 587, 954, 960, p. 198, 617, 865, 655, 666, 938, 824

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

Monday: Leviticus 19:1–2, 15–18

What does it mean to be holy? How do we become holy? What does a holy life look like?

Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13

Why does the Gospel have no ulterior motives? What if it did? How would this destroy its message and its power?

Wednesday: Matthew 22:34–46

How is Jesus David’s son? How is Jesus David’s Lord? How do these enable Jesus to fulfill all the Law?

Thursday: Revelation 14:6–7

What is the Gospel called here? Why? Why must it be?

Friday: Romans 3:19–28

What does the law do? So what does Jesus do? How did He do it? How do we receive it?

Saturday: Matthew 11:12–19

How do these verses present a clash of two kingdoms? How has this always been? How do we live in both faithfully?

The Catechism - Baptism: How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” Titus 3:5-8

Collect for the Week: Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; 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 recording secretary, Caroline Trundle.

+ Lutheran Church in Africa – Synod of Burundi, for God’s wisdom, blessing, guidance, and provision.

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and provision for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.

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