Psalm 3
David said, “How many are my foes!” He had plenty of enemies and so do we. Like David we can sing in the face of our enemies with this confidence, “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me.”
Job 21.1-21
For younger children read at least Psalm 3.4 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about the holy hill of Golgotha where Jesus died to answer our cry for help.
For older children you could discuss this note – “Job’s friends ignore the observable fact that many among the wicked prosper and live seemingly easy lives. by truthfully describing life on earth, Job is reminded to look beyond this life for his hope and righteousness. We, too, must look beyond the injustice we observe and continually confess that our outward predicament does not define God’s attitude toward us. While the houses of the wicked remain after earthly storms, the spiritual houses of those in Christ endure forever against sin, the world, and the devil because they are built on the rock that is Christ.” The Lutheran Study Bible
John 8.39-59
For younger children read at least John 8.58 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how strange and wonderful it is that Jesus says, I am. This means that he is God who has always been and always will be! Since he loves you, you can always find love in him!
For older children you could discuss this – “The confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees reaches a climax when the Pharisees attempt to stone Him for claiming to be the preexistent Son of God. The Bible’s witness that Jesus is true God and the only way to heaven receives intense and sometimes virulent opposition today. Pray for those confused or offended by the truth about Jesus, for ‘God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Rom 5.8).” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Psalm 3.4 and John 8.58
Small Catechism for the week: The Third Petition Thy will be done on earth as in heaven. What does this mean? God’s good and gracious will certainly is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when he breaks and defeats every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh, which try to prevent us from keeping God’s name holy and letting his kingdom come. And God’s will is done when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and in the faith as long as we live. This is his good and gracious will.
Small Catechism question for the day: Why do we pray that the will of God would be done? Psalm 43.3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! We pray for the will of God because it is our only way to God’s eternal dwelling.