Weekly Devotional Guide

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Theme for the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

John's bold preaching of the Law against Herod and Herodias led to his beheading. John was a bold confessor of the faith, calling all people to repentance regardless of their station in life. He also pointing unerringly to Christ as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The saints and martyrs are gathered around the throne of Christ in heaven. By God's grace we follow in their train.

Hymn #750

Alleluia. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Alleluia.

Almighty God, You gave Your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in both his preaching of repentance and his innocent death. Grant that we, who have died and risen with Christ in Holy Baptism, may daily repent of our sins, patiently suffer for the sake of the truth, and fearlessly bear witness to His victory over death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

[Verse and Collect from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission]

Hymns #747, #750, #756, #661, #716, #518, st.1,24,3

The Sacrament of the Altar

AS THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY SHOULD TEACH THEM IN A SIMPLE WAY TO HIS HOUSEHOLD

• What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

Luther's Small Catechism copyright © 1986. Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission of the publisher