From page 836 of the LSB Companion to the Hymns Volume 1 that teaches on hymn 656-57- “‘A mighty fortress is our God’ was most likely written sometime between 1527 and 1529, a period that saw an epidemic hit Wittenberg, a serious illness befall Martin Luther, Turkish forces threatening the German borders, further threats from the Catholic armies, and theological attacks from both Catholics and more radical Protestants. The hymn is often called the ‘battle hymn of the Reformation’, but in Luther’s day, it was thought of in different terms, as can be seen from the heading on an Augsburg broadsheet of 1529: ‘A hymn of comfort’- something that was sorely needed at the time.” I would suggest that we still need such a hymn of comfort!
Readings-
Monday- Deuteronomy 18:1-22; Matthew 14:22-36
Tuesday- Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20
Wednesday- Deuteronomy 20:1-20; Matthew 15:21-39
Thursday- Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Matthew 16:1-12
Friday- St. James, Brother of Jesus and Martyr Acts 15:12-22a; James 1:1-12; Mt. 13:54-58
Saturday- Deuteronomy 25:17-26:19; Matthew 17:1-13
Sunday- Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
Collect for Reformation Day (Observed)–
Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Small Catechism- (If you want, try and memorize this by next Sunday.)
(From the Table of Duties)- To Husbands- “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Peter 3:7) “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Colossians 3:19) (3rd grade +)
Weekly Hymn of Emphasis- LSB 656 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Helpful prayers from the Lutheran Prayer Companion this week- 6, 44, 290, 306, 341
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