The Congregation at Prayer
"The Congregation at Prayer" is a brief form of devotion included on the back of our every Sunday bulletin. Following a devotion like this is part of a way of life in which we bring Sunday's Divine Service into our daily life of prayer and study of God's Word.
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Each week, there are daily Scripture readings, prayers, a Psalm, and a hymn stanza. Members and their families are encouraged to pray and confess out loud as much from this order of meditation and prayer as they are able, or as works best for their family size and ages.
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Here's an example of the brief format. If you scroll further down, you will also find a brief explanation of each part.
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EXAMPLE:
Invocation: In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Catechism: The Lord’s Prayer: 7th Petition—Conclusion
Psalm: Psalm 19
Readings:
S: Matthew 5:17-26; M: Judges 2:1-5; T: Acts 4:13-22; W: Matthew 4:23-25
R: 2 Chronicles 33:9-13; F: Hebrews 13:1-6; S: John 7:32-36
Apostles’ Creed
Hymn: 708 “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart”
Prayers: For yourself, your family, the Church, the lost
Lord’s Prayer
Luther’s Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer
Blessing
Benediction: The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
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EXAMPLE WITH EXPLANATION:
Invocation: In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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The head of the household says these words of invocation, with the rest of the household giving their "Amen." As we say these words from Matthew 28:19 and make the sign of the holy cross, we bind unto ourselves the strong name of the Trinity, rejoicing that He has created us, redeemed us, and sanctified us, making us His own. And "Amen" simply means "Yes, it shall be so!"
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Catechism: The Lord’s Prayer: 7th Petition—Conclusion
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This portion of Luther's Small Catechism corresponds with the part we read/recite on Sunday as a congregation following the Service. You may choose to go through smaller or larger portions in your home devotions. The Catechism is much more than a textbook to use for Confirmation classes and then be done with. It is, in fact, a prayer book and a meditation book and a life book. Dr. Luther himself once wrote, "I pray the Catechism every day...and ask God to keep me in His dear, holy Word, lest I grow weary of it."​
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Psalm: Psalm 19
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The Psalter (Book of Psalms) has been called the "prayer book of God's people" and "the book of all saints." In it, everyone finds psalms and words that fit his situation so precisely "that it seems they were put in this way only for his sake" (Luther). The Psalms included in "The Congregation at Prayer" match the theme(s) from the Sunday's Propers (Scripture readings, prayers, etc.), so that you can continue to meditate upon and pray for yourself and others in connection with the Divine Service.
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Readings:
S: Matthew 5:17-26; M: Judges 2:1-5; T: Acts 4:13-22; W: Matthew 4:23-25
R: 2 Chronicles 33:9-13; F: Hebrews 13:1-6; S: John 7:32-36
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The Sunday reading here is the Gospel of the week, with the rest of the readings being generally related to the themes of that Gospel reading. Throughout the year, the readings bring encounters with material all throughout Holy Scripture, yet on a daily basis they are brief so that families with young children may more easily make them a part of family devotions. (If you are interested in a longer set of readings, you may want to check out the Daily Lectionary, pp. 299-304 in the Lutheran Service Book).
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Apostles’ Creed
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A creed is a statement of what one believes. In the Apostles' Creed, we make bold confession of the Christian faith as delivered to us in Holy Scripture. Most Sundays, we confess the Nicene Creed, and on occasion we confess the Athanasian Creed (both of these being fuller, longer Creeds developed in faithful response against various false teachings that had arisen in the Church). The Apostles' Creed is short and simple, and excellent for daily devotion, expanding upon the Invocation in detailing the work of each Person of the Holy Trinity. The text of the Apostles' Creed, along with an explanation of each part, can be found here.
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Hymn: 708 “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart”
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The hymns of the Church give voice to our praise of the Almighty God who has brought about our salvation through Jesus. They also serve a teaching function, telling and retelling profound truths of Holy Scripture. You can find hymns from Lutheran Service Book by searching for them (by number or title) here, or you can get your own LSB for your home at CPH.org.
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Prayers: For yourself, your family, the Church, the lost
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Whether using written prayers or praying ex corde (from the heart), you might follow this simple fourfold list, expanding it to include specific people you know and their specific troubles. For guidance in your own prayers, look to the prayers of Jesus, especially in John 17, and in the Lord's Prayer.
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Lord’s Prayer
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Our Lord Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, and Christians have been praying it ever since. There are no better words to pray than these, and no better guide for our other prayers to God. The text of the Lord's Prayer, and an explanation, can be found here.
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Luther’s Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer
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These two simple prayers contain thanksgiving, asking God's protection, confession of sins, and commending all that we are and have to God's almighty care. The text for these prayers can be found here.
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Blessing: Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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This little portion is often overlooked, but in this call and response we are trained in this simple and beautiful reaction to everything in life: In our most joyful times we want to remember to give God all thanks and praise. And even in our most challenging times, along with Job we bless and the Lord and give Him thanks.
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Benediction: The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
Beginning and ending our time of devotion in the name of the Triune God, we remember that in this same way our life in Christ was begun and that when our last hour comes, through faith in Him we will be brought unto everlasting life with Him.​
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Other Education Opportunities...
First Communion Class​​
Congregation at Prayer