Psalm 119,153-160
Psalm 119 is a song of praise to the Lord for his Word. It is one of three psalms with this focus. Psalm 1 and Psalm 19 are the two others. Consider using these psalms in a rotation as prayers before coming to church or reading the Bible at home.
Job 10.1-22
For younger children read at least Psalm 119.154b, “give me life according to your promise!” and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also say, “This is what we are praying for every time we go to church. How does Jesus give us life according to his promise at church?” You can then help them listen for the words of promise during the Divine Service, like the absolution, “I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
For older children you could discuss this note – “God can do with Job as He pleases (v 15), so Job sees his own position as a ‘lose/lose’ situation. If he has sinned, then he has no hope before God, since God is righteous and punishes sinners. If he has not sinned, he still has no hope before God, because God is all-powerful, the Creator and Lord. We must remind ourselves and others that God provides hope for all sinners in Christ Jesus. Luther: ‘So only the knowledge of Christ preserves me.’” The Lutheran Study Bible
John 5.1-18
For younger children read at least John 5.18 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how Jesus works to comfort us in the Divine Service when we get Sabbath rest.
For older children you could discuss this note – “After Jesus heals an invalid, Jewish leaders accuse Him of breaking Sabbath law and begin to persecute Him. Legalistic rigidity can also keep us from showing mercy to those in need. The Lord calls us to repentance, sincere faith, and compassionate service. Jesus cares deeply for us, helping us in our physical and spiritual needs.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Psalm 119.154b and John 5.18
Small Catechism for the week: Second Article (Part 1) – I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord.
Small Catechism question for the day: Why is it so good to know that Jesus is true man? 1 Timothy 2.5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. As true man he can be our mediator with God and bring peace that lasts forever.