Walking Together in the Word

These devotional materials guide you through the Bible readings for the April 11, 2021 Sunday worship service. We pray they are a blessing to you and your family!

Why study God's Word and pray together?

• Bible study and prayer strengthens faith and brings you closer to God and to one another.
• Study of readings and hymns for the weekend prepares you for worship.
• The way parents express and model their faith helps shape young people’s faith lives.
• God's Word gives life!---new life now and eternal life with Jesus in heaven. (John 20:31)

• Five Days of devotional material. Catch up or review on the 6th day, worship on Sunday!
• Bible Readings are the LCMS 3-year lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday.
• Talk about It and Dig Deeper guide discussion and meditation on the Bible passages.
• Kid Talk has questions and activities especially for kids and families.
• Prayer starters are given--add your own as well! Scroll to the bottom for the Lord's Prayer and Luther's Morning and Evening Prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

• According to John 20:21, what does Jesus commission His church to do? (see also John 17:18; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)

• What great privilege and authority did Jesus give to His disciples? (see John 20:23)

Read John 20:19-31.

Have you ever felt really afraid? Who comforted you? Jesus’ disciples were afraid. They thought Jesus was dead, and the soldiers would come for them next. But then . . . Jesus appeared! He was alive! He is alive!

Jesus comes to comfort you too. He will calm all your fears with His love. He promises to be with you always.

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Throughout the week, write prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and requests in a prayer journal or on a sheet of paper. Take turns praying when you gather for devotions.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

• From what did these early Christian followers’ love flow?

• What continually refreshed their desire to serve Jesus Christ and His people?

Are you looking for a way to help and share with others? Consider volunteering or donating to one of Chapel's missions.

Friend of Moms Baby Boutique provides new and gently-used clothing and other resources to parents in need. If you would like to donate baby items, help sort items, or help greet moms, you can call (314) 741-3737 (ask for Friend of Moms) or email Friendofmoms@chapelofthecross.org.

The Helping Hands Food Pantry provides food for individuals in need. You can bring non-perishable food items to Chapel and place them in the grocery cart in the commons area. You can also volunteer to pick up food, sort, or distribute food. Call (314) 741-3737 if you are interested in volunteering.

Read Acts 4:32-35.

Do you like to share? After Jesus went to heaven, the believers were so happy and thankful for Jesus that they told everybody about Him and shared everything so no one was in need. We can show our love and thankfulness for Jesus by sharing too.

• What will you share this week?

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

• What is the result of living “in the darkness?” On the other hand, what blessing is ours as we walk “in the light?”

• Read again 1 John 1:8-10. When do we often hear this text? (see Lutheran Service Book, p. 151, Confession and Absolution)

Read 1 John 1:1-2:2.

Would you rather take a walk in the dark or in the light? Jesus is the light that shines in our dark world. He forgives our sins and helps us “walk in the light” and do what is right.

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

Note how the psalmist calls all things in creation to praise the Lord - both creatures in the heavens (vv. 1-6) and creatures beneath the heavens (vv. 7-12).

• Make a list of all who are called to praise our God.

The last two verses of the psalm give the motivation of our praise.

• What does he say? What reasons could you add as to why we give praise to God?

Read Psalm 148.

• Who (and what) should praise the Lord?

• Why should we and all creatures praise the Lord? (see verses 13 and 14)
  

• Show how you would praise the Lord as one of the creatures or things mentioned in this psalm. Now show how YOU praise the Lord!
  

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

O sons and daughters of the King,

Whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing,

Today the grave has lost its sting!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

That Easter morn, at break of day,

The faithful women went their way

To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,

Who sits and speaks unto the three,

“Your Lord will go to Galilee.”

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

That night the_apostles met in fear;

Among them came their master dear

And said, “My peace be with you here.”

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard

That they had seen the risen Lord,

He doubted the disciples’ word.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

“My piercèd side, O Thomas, see,

And look upon My hands, My feet;

Not faithless but believing be.”

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;

He saw the feet, the hands, the side;

“You are my Lord and God!” he cried.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

How blest are they who have not seen

And yet whose faith has constant been,

For they eternal life shall win.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

On this most holy day of days

Be laud and jubilee and praise:

To God your hearts and voices raise.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Public Domain

This hymn is a poetic retelling of the Gospel reading for the day.

• Read once again John 20:19-31 and then meditate on the words of this hymn.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I thank you my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

I thank you my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Chapel of the Cross--Lutheran exists to show the love of Jesus to North County and beyond, so that all may have a living relationship with Christ.

Our Core Values:

• Empowered by the cross of Christ
• People working together
• Opening the Word to all people
• Showing the love of Jesus
• Warm and supportive environment

Email: pastorlaesch@chapelofthecross.org
Website: http://www.chapelofthecross.org/
Location: 11645 Benham Rd, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 741-3737
Facebook: facebook.com/ChapelSTL