Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9–14
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From the Word: 9 For this also, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in full spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to walk worthily of the Lord, fully pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to the might of his glory, in all endurance and patience with joy— 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you in that portion of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who has rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, 14 in whom we have full redemption: the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9–14)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Daily Prayers
Returning Thanks
After the meal, they should reverently and with folded hands pray:
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. He gives food to all flesh; He gives food to the beast and to the young ravens that cry. He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
Then pray the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
We thank Thee, Lord God, our Father, for all Thy benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Pulling It Together: When we return thanks to God, our gratitude should not be merely for the food and drink we have received from him. We should be thankful for all his benefits: for wisdom and a knowledge of God’s good will, for the Spirit’s work within us that brings benefit to our neighbors and contentment to our Father, for enduring faith in difficult times, for the work of Christ Jesus on the cross that has made us fit us for heaven, for the inheritance that awaits us there through faith in God, and for his forgiveness and the salvation that goes hand-in-hand with the absolution of sinners who trust in the merits of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God and Father, for all of your good gifts. Amen.
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Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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