Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, as we study our Small Catechism today, may your Holy Spirit inspire us. Teach us what we need to know, and help us to develop a deeper trust in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. (Luther’s Small Catechism)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: The words we just read are part of the Apostles’ Creed. Why do you think we say the Creed out loud in church so often? What does the Creed teach us?
Child: Thinking of all that Jesus endured (including pain, death, and seeing hell, itself), is there anything we go through in our lives that he cannot understand? How can this help us to feel less alone when we suffer?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus, went through terrible things on our behalf. He is our truest and most faithful friend. As we learn more about what he did for us, help us to trust him more each day. In his holy name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you trust the Lord with your heart, soul, and mind! Amen.