The Small Catechism – part 244
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:6–7
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Daily Prayers
Table Grace
Children and the rest of the household should go to the table with folded hands and reverently say: “The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing” (from Psalm 145:15–16).
(Note that to satisfy desire means that all living things receive enough to eat that they are joyful and happy. Anxiety and greed hinder such satisfaction.)
Then the Lord’s Prayer should be prayed, and following it, this prayer:
Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we take from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pulling It Together: What is your concern, perhaps even an anxiety? Your heavenly Father cares for you, so he shares your concern — though it is no cause for angst in him. Are you concerned for your daily bread? Place that concern upon him; you cannot carry that burden, but he will meet your need. Are you anxious about health? How can worrying over it add another day to your life (Matthew 6:27)? Lay your concerns upon your Father. He cares for you, and his hand is all-powerful. In due time, he will raise you up and get you out. In the meanwhile, trust in the one who has always cared for you. He still cares.
Prayer: Give me this day, Lord, my daily bread. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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