Note: We are now in Trinity 21 because of the “Michaelmas Skip.” After the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, we skip forward so that the readings align with the end of the church year.
Parents, this is a basic outline of how you might do family devotions each day this week. Each devotion takes less than five minutes, though time will vary depending on your child’s participation and questions. When you do devotions, remember to pick a familiar spot each day, whether it’s at a family altar or bedside before going to sleep. Whatever the case, consistency is critical. Remember that “repetition is the mother of learning” (repetitio est mater studiorum). If you have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or email.
Divine Service Setting Three – Offertory (LSB 192)
Monday (10/09/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Read “Cain and Abel, Genesis 4” in The Story Bible (pgs. 33–35). Review vocabulary terms “accepted” and “punishment.” Ask your child: Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice, but not Cain’s? (Hebrews 11:4 tells us the difference: Abel had faith) When did Cain begin to sin? (When he got angry and resented his brother instead of repenting)
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.
Tuesday (10/10/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Teach your child the Fifth Commandment, “You shall not murder.” Read Matthew 5:21–26 in your Family Bible. Ask your children: Is the fifth commandment just about not murdering others? What else is forbidden by the fifth commandment? (See pgs. 85–87 in your child’s Small Catechism) Instead of “hurting or harming our neighbor,” what does God want us to do instead? (See pg. 87)
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.
Wednesday (10/11/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Read “The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–6” in The Story Bible (just pg. 355!). Ask your children: How does God want us to treat those who hurt us? How is Jesus an example for us here? (Think Luke 23:34, Jesus forgives those who crucify him!)
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.
Thursday (10/12/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Read John 4:46–54 in your Family Bible. Ask your children: How did Jesus heal the nobleman’s son who was sick? (By his word) How does Jesus use his word to help us today? (He forgives us through the pastor; see Small Catechism pg. 25 “What is Confession?”)
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.
Friday (10/13/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Show the Art Card, “Jesus Heals the Nobleman’s Son (John 4:46–54).” Ask your children what they remember about the miracle. Tell your children: Just as the nobleman came to Jesus for help and Jesus heard his prayer, so also Jesus hears our prayers when we cry out to him.
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.
Saturday (10/14/23)
- Say the Invocation – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Say the First Five Commandments:
You shall have no other gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. - Review your children’s understanding of the Fifth Commandment. Ask your children: What does God forbid us in the Fifth Commandment? What does he want us to do instead?
- Sing the Offertory. A recording is provided at the top of this page.
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Teach your children to fold their hands and close their eyes.