Walking Together in the Word

These devotional materials guide you through the Bible readings for the October 17, 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.

• What might make it difficult for rich people to enter the kingdom of God?

• What is the miracle that God can perform in all people?

Read Mark 10:23-31.

Jesus knows that we like things—we like toys, games, cars, money, clothes. Some people start to like those things too much. They start to think they are more important than God. Don’t do that, Jesus says. Remember who is most important in your life—your heavenly Father who loves you.

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.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

Psalm 119:10

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.

• As opposed to popular opinion, the Bible is clear that greater wealth does not bring satisfaction. What can be the result from the love money and wealth?

• What is it that will allow a man to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all his toil?

Read Ecclesiastes 5:10-20.

The writer of the book of Hebrews says that God’s Word is sharper than a two-edged sword. What does that mean? God’s Word cuts through everything so nothing is hidden. God’s Word uncovers our sinful heart and shows us our need for a Savior.

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 does the writer of Hebrews mean when he says that “the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword?” (see vv. 12-13)

• Look ahead to verses 14-16. How does knowing that God’s own High Priest (Jesus) was tempted in every way, just as we are, enable us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence?

Read Hebrews 4:1-13.

The writer of the book of Hebrews says that God’s Word is sharper than a 2-edged sword. What does that mean? God’s Word cuts through everything so nothing is hidden. God’s Word uncovers our sinful heart and shows us our need for a Savior.

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.

• The psalmist declares, “I seek you (God) with all my heart.” How can the psalmist’s devotion to his God and His Word inspire and encourage us?

• The last three verses of this text the psalmist writes that he “rejoices” in following God’s statutes, “meditates” on His precepts, and “delights” in His decrees. Is this our response to God’s Law.

Read Psalm 119:9-16.

Do you rejoice in rules like someone rejoicing in riches? Do you think deeply about laws and find joy in what you're supposed to do? The writer of this psalm does! But it's not just any rules and laws He's happy about. It's God's laws. Why? Because God's laws are good. His commandments are meant to help us live a happy live with Him and with one another.

So go ahead, praise God for the 10 Commandements! Thank Him for His loving guidance, and for His forgiveness when you fail. He wants the best for you, because He loves you.

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 world to me

With all its vaunted pleasure

When You, and You alone,

Lord Jesus, are my treasure!

You only, dearest Lord,

My soul’s delight shall be;

You are my peace, my rest.

What is the world to me!

The world seeks to be praised

And honored by the mighty

Yet never once reflects

That they are frail and flighty.

But what I truly prize

Above all things is He,

My Jesus, He alone.

What is the world to me!

The world seeks after wealth

And all that mammon offers

Yet never is content

Though gold should fill its coffers.

I have a higher good,

Content with it I’ll be:

My Jesus is my wealth.

What is the world to me!

What is the world to me!

My Jesus is my treasure,

My life, my health, my wealth,

My friend, my love, my pleasure,

My joy, my crown, my all,

My bliss eternally.

Once more, then, I declare:

What is the world to me!

Public domain

• This hymn makes a bold statement of the changed value system of the Christian life, contrasting the world and its “vaunted pleasures” against the peace and rest of having Jesus as our treasure and our soul’s delight. What are some of the “vaunted pleasures” of this world? Why is Jesus always better?

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