Lutheran Catechesis Catechumen Edition Second Edition

A Guide to Catechesis for the Lutheran Catechumen and Family

The Lutheran Catechesis Series

Peter C. Bender Lutheran Catechesis Catechumen Edition

Second Edition

Peter C. Bender

A Guide to Catechesis for the Lutheran Catechumen and Family

Sussex, Wisconsin Unless otherwise noted, all quotations from the Lutheran Confessions are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, 2nd Edition Copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

The parenthetical references at the ends of quotations of the Lutheran Confessions indicate the page number and paragraph numbers in that edition.

The questions in the lessons on the Ten Commandments, under the heading “How Christians Should Be Taught to Confess,” were written by Kenneth F. Korby and revised and edited by Peter C. Bender.

Blank pages appear at various points in this edition for note taking and to facilitate formatting requirements for the catechist edition.

First Edition Copyright © 1999, Second Edition Copyright © 2008, Second Edition Electronic Format Copyright © 2008. Concordia Catechetical Academy P. O. Box 123; W240 N6145 Maple Ave., Sussex WI 53089 Manufactured in the United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Concordia Catechetical Academy.

Printed by Sheridan Books, Chelsea, Michigan.

ISBN 978-0-9814697-8-2

ii Lutheran Catechesis To my catechumens

from

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boone, Iowa Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dayton, Iowa Peace Lutheran Church and Academy, Sussex, Wisconsin

from whom I have learned and continue to learn the riches of God’s grace in Christ

Catechumen Edition iii Preface to the Second Edition

Lutheran Catechesis, Catechumen Edition, was first published in 1999. This volume was well received by pastors and members of congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It has also enjoyed enthusiastic reception by confessional Lutheran pastors and catechists overseas. Portions of the book have been translated for catechetical work by Lutheran pastors in Africa and Sweden. Over 18,000 copies of the first edition are now in print.

The second edition of Lutheran Catechesis, Catechumen Edition, is a conservative revision of the first edition, correcting grammatical and typographical errors. There have been slight adjustments to several term definitions, and the definition of “the image of God” has been completely rewritten. The impetus for this second edition was the desire to make use of the liturgical texts (collects, prayers, liturgies, and hymns) from the newly released Lutheran Service Book and confessional citations from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, Second Edition. The use of texts from LSB and Concordia are the most extensive changes from the first edition.

Lutheran Catechesis, Catechumen Edition, is intended for

F Adult Instruction/Catechesis F Youth Instruction/Catechesis (for youth who have learned the six chief parts by heart and who have successfully completed Old Testament Catechesis and New Testament Catechesis in The Lutheran Catechesis Series) F In-depth catechesis for Lutheran congregations G in Lutheran doctrine G in Lutheran liturgy F Ongoing resource for Lutheran Christians G assisting them in understanding and using their Bible, catechism, and hymnal G as a reference for Lutheran doctrine and practice

There is more material in a single lesson than can possibly be covered during one class session. Catechists should consult the introductory material in Lutheran Catechesis for assistance in knowing how to use the material in various settings.

I am grateful to Susan Gehlbach, our technical editor, for her patient and painstaking work on the second edition. Her attention to detail and love for Lutheran theology is always appreciated. As always, I am grateful to Deacon Matthew W. Gatchell, the board of elders, and the members of Peace Lutheran Church, Sussex, Wisconsin, for their continued support of the Concordia Catechetical Academy and the ongoing publications in The Lutheran Catechesis Series.

Peter C. Bender The Week of Holy Trinity 19 May 2008 iv Lutheran Catechesis Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition...... iv

Table of Contents...... v

Foreword to The Lutheran Catechesis Series...... ix

About the Cover...... xii

Preface to the First Edition...... xiii

The Lutheran Catechesis Series...... xvi

Introduction to Lutheran Catechesis...... 1

The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis...... 5

How to Use Lutheran Catechesis...... 12

The Congregation at Prayer—A Catechetical and Devotional Tool...... 19

The Structure of the Lessons...... 24

Central Thoughts of Each Lesson...... 29

Pray the Primary Texts of the Christian Faith...... 32

Lesson 1: The Ten Commandments...... 34 The Word of Faith: The Rich Man and Lazarus...... 35 The Catechism in Detail: The First through the Third Commandments...... 37 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Lutherans Believe That the Highest Worship of God Is the Desire to Receive God’s Gifts of Grace in Christ The First, Second, and Third Commandments in the Divine Liturgy...... 43

Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments...... 46 The Word of Faith: Christ Fulfills the Law...... 47 The Catechism in Detail: The Fourth through the Eighth Commandments...... 49 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Lutherans Believe That the Divine Service Is Necessary for Faith and Salvation The Lord’s Preaching and the Lord’s Supper...... 61

Lesson 3: The Ten Commandments...... 62 Word of Faith: The Rich Young Ruler...... 63 The Catechism in Detail: The Ninth Commandment through the Close of the Commandments...... 65 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Kyrie...... 71

Catechumen Edition v Lesson 4: The Creed...... 72 The Word of Faith: The Creation...... 73 The Catechism in Detail: The First Article—Part 1...... 77 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Christ Serves Us in the Liturgy to Preserve and Teach the Faith to Each Generation of Christians ...... 79

Lesson 5: The Creed...... 80 The Word of Faith: Man and the Fall...... 81 The Catechism in Detail: The First Article—Part 2...... 85 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Creed...... 87

Lesson 6: The Creed...... 88 The Word of Faith: The Incarnation of the Son of God...... 89 The Catechism in Detail: The Second Article—Part 1...... 93 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Gloria in Excelsis...... 95

Lesson 7: The Creed...... 98 The Word of Faith: The Crucifixion of Our Lord...... 99 The Catechism in Detail: The Second Article—Part 2...... 105 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Sanctus...... 107

Lesson 8: The Creed...... 110 The Word of Faith: The Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord...... 111 The Catechism in Detail: The Second Article—Part 3...... 117 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Agnus Dei...... 119

Lesson 9: The Creed...... 120 The Word of Faith: The Second Coming and Judgment Day...... 121 The Catechism in Detail: The Second Article—Part 4...... 127 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Holy Absolution Proclaims the Judgment of God...... 129

Lesson 10: The Creed...... 132 The Word of Faith: The Holy Ministry of Love—Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit...... 133 The Catechism in Detail: The Third Article—Part 1...... 137 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Word and Sacrament—The Ministry of the Holy Spirit...... 139

Lesson 11: The Creed...... 144 The Word of Faith: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit...... 145 The Catechism in Detail: The Third Article—Part 2...... 149 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Scripture in the Divine Service...... 151

Lesson 12: The Creed...... 154 The Word of Faith: The Day of Pentecost...... 155 The Catechism in Detail: The Third Article—Part 3...... 159 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Ordination of a Minister...... 161

Lesson 13: The Lord’s Prayer...... 166 The Word of Faith: Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray...... 167 The Catechism in Detail: The Introduction through the Second Petition...... 171 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Lord’s Prayer in the Liturgy...... 177 vi Lutheran Catechesis Lesson 14: The Lord’s Prayer...... 180 The Word of Faith: The Canaanite Woman...... 181 The Catechism in Detail: The Third Petition through the Fifth Petition...... 183 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Psalter and the Offices of Prayer...... 189

Lesson 15: The Lord’s Prayer...... 192 The Word of Faith: The Stilling of the Storm...... 193 The Catechism in Detail: The Sixth Petition through the Conclusion...... 197 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Canticles and Hymns...... 203

Lesson 16: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism...... 208 The Word of Faith: The Baptism of Our Lord...... 209 The Catechism in Detail: What is Baptism? Which is that word of God? What benefits does Baptism give? Which are these words and promises of God?...... 211 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Sign of the Holy Cross Remembrances of Baptism in the Divine Service...... 213

Lesson 17: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism...... 216 The Word of Faith: Naaman Is Washed in the Jordan River...... 217 The Catechism in Detail: How can water do such great things?...... 219 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Baptismal Liturgy...... 221

Lesson 18: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism...... 226 The Word of Faith: Jesus Blesses the Little Children...... 227 The Catechism in Detail: What does such baptizing with water indicate? Where is this written?...... 229 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Baptismal Sponsors...... 231

Lesson 19: Confession...... 234 The Word of Faith: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son...... 235 The Catechism in Detail: What is Confession?...... 241 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: General Confession of Sins in the Church and Among Christians...... 243

Lesson 20: Confession...... 248 The Word of Faith: The Prophet Nathan Ministers to David...... 249 The Catechism in Detail: What sins should we confess? Which are these?...... 253 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Rite of Private Confession and Absolution...... 255

Lesson 21: Confession...... 262 The Word of Faith: The Healing of the Paralytic...... 263 The Catechism in Detail: What is the Office of the Keys? Where is this written? What do you believe according to these words?...... 267 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Excommunication...... 269

Catechumen Edition vii Lesson 22: The Sacrament of the Altar...... 274 The Word of Faith: The Passover...... 275 The Catechism in Detail: What is the Sacrament of the Altar? Where is this written?...... 279 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Holy Communion Liturgy...... 281

Lesson 23: The Sacrament of the Altar...... 284 The Word of Faith: The Feeding of the Five Thousand...... 285 The Catechism in Detail: What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?...... 289 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Pastoral Care—Communion of the Sick and Homebound...... 291

Lesson 24: The Sacrament of the Altar...... 294 The Word of Faith: The Emmaus Disciples...... 295 The Catechism in Detail: Who receives this sacrament worthily?...... 299 A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Examination of Communicants and Closed Communion...... 301

Catechism Terms...... 305

Luther’s Small Catechism...... 327 Luther’s Preface...... 329 Section 1—The Six Chief Parts...... 333 Section 2—Daily Prayers...... 350 Section 3—Table of Duties...... 354 Section 4—Christian Questions with Their Answers...... 361

viii Lutheran Catechesis Foreword to The Lutheran Catechesis Series A Change of Thinking About the Task of Catechesis

The Lutheran Catechesis Series represents a paradigm shift for most Lutheran pastors and congregations in their understanding of what catechesis is, how it is done, and the role of the Small Catechism. For most, catechesis is “confirmation class.” It is primarily academic in nature, the goal being to impart a certain body of religious knowledge that is to be mastered before admission to the Lord’s Supper. It often involves workbooks, quizzes, and tests, like any other academic course of instruction. While such “academic tools” might be utilized in some of the tasks of catechesis, the main goal of catechesis is the creation and sustaining of faith in Christ, and how that faith expresses itself in the Christian life.

Christians are disciples of Jesus—catechumens—for life, not just for a few years of confirmation instruction. Christians learn from His Word continuously as they sit together at Jesus’ feet in the Christian congregation and in the Christian home. From His Word they learn to believe that they are sinners, they learn repentance, they learn to confess their sins, they learn to trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins, they learn to call upon Him in prayer, they learn to confess their faith before the world, they learn to confess their sins to one another, they learn to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven them, and they learn to live faithfully in their vocation as hearers of the Word, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, citizens of the land, and workers of every kind. This life of faith all flows from the Word of God that is received and believed. Faith in Christ lives from the preaching of the Gospel and the reception of Christ’s sacraments (the Divine Service), and this faith expresses itself in the Christian’s life of prayer, confessing the faith before the world, confession and absolution in the home and congregation, acts of mercy toward the neighbor, and faithfulness in one’s vocation (the Table of Duties).

Catechesis, therefore, involves much more than an “academic classroom”; it involves doing those things that Christians will continue to do for the rest of their lives. It involves establishing “a culture of hearing the Word of God and prayer” in both the congregation and home. How does a Christian, whose faith is in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, listen to God’s Word, receive the Sacrament of the Altar, pray, confess, forgive, and live in his or her vocation? These are the questions of catechesis. When catechesis is approached purely as an “academic endeavor” there is often little connection to the Divine Service, and the Small Catechism becomes only a textbook, rather than a prayer book and handbook for the Christian faith and life. But when a “culture of prayer” is established in which the catechism can be learned by heart as one actually meditates upon the text of the catechism, it can begin to shape the way we think. It can also teach us how to listen to God’s Word correctly, what to expect from Him in the Sacraments, how to receive the Sacraments for our blessing, how to pray and confess the faith, and how to live in our vocations. This is how the catechism functions as a handbook and prayer book for the Christian faith and life.

Catechumen Edition ix “The Congregation at Prayer” In order to establish the “culture of hearing the Word of God and prayer” in the congregation and home, The Lutheran Catechesis Series recommends the use of a weekly devotional guide called “The Congregation at Prayer.” The Congregation at Prayer is to be prepared by the pastor and distributed each week to the entire congregation. Although the supporting materials for “catechetical classes” are a very important part of The Lutheran Catechesis Series, The Congregation at Prayer is the single most important resource for establishing the culture of prayer in the congregation and in passing on the language of the faith to the next generation of Christians. The Congregation at Prayer is a weekly guide for daily meditation and prayer for the entire congregation and for the Christian and the Christian family to use at home. The Congregation at Prayer helps to establish the culture of prayer in the parish. This culture involves daily Bible readings, the singing of hymns, and meditation upon Bible verses and portions of the Small Catechism.1 Each week, the material in The Congregation at Prayer is introduced during the Sunday School and Adult Bible Class opening. This catechetical introduction, led by the pastor, helps to gather the entire congregation together around the same diet of the Word of God in their weekly and daily devotions. The Congregation at Prayer becomes the principal instrument for assisting everyone in learning the text of the Small Catechism by heart, in the context of daily devotions and prayer. As much as possible, pastors may want to offer daily Matins or Vespers services in their parishes and, if they have a day school, daily chapel services. At these times of prayer, as well as for all other devotions in the congregation, material from The Congregation at Prayer is used.

All other “courses” in The Lutheran Catechesis Series flow out of the “culture of prayer and listening to the Word of God” that is established by the use of The Congregation at Prayer. A complete listing of materials and resources in The Lutheran Catechesis Series is available through the Concordia Catechetical Academy, Sussex, Wisconsin at www.peacesussex.org/CCA. The material in The Lutheran Catechesis Series represents “a change of thinking about the task of catechesis” that is summarized in the following points:

✦ Faith in Christ is the goal of all catechesis. ✦ Catechesis is God’s way of teaching the Word of God by which faith is established. God’s way of teaching always involves the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ✦ Catechesis establishes preaching and teaching the Word of God as the center of congregational life. ✦ Catechesis passes on the language of our holy faith as God’s gift that is received as a gift, rather than as something that is “force fed” into the catechumen. ✦ The Christian life of faith is lived from the Word of God that is received and believed. ✦ The Christian life of faith has concrete expressions: ✧ in the ongoing reception of God’s gifts in the Divine Service through the hearing of Scripture, the hearing of preaching, and the eating and drinking of the Lord’s body and blood; x Lutheran Catechesis ✧ in the daily prayer of the Christian; ✧ in the confession of one’s faith in the world; ✧ in the confession of one’s sins to God or a brother; ✧ in forgiving the sins of those who have sinned against him; ✧ and in living “concretely” by faith in Christ in the vocation to which God has called him.

✦ God has His own language for learning how to receive God’s gifts in the Divine Service, how to pray, how to confess, and how to live where God has called us. ✦ The Small Catechism preserves for us the “pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13) so that it functions as both a prayer book and a handbook for the Christian faith and life. ✦ The chief reason why the catechism is memorized or “learned by heart” is so that it can shape the faith and understanding of the catechumen and be used by him throughout his life as he learns to interpret Scripture, listen to preaching, receive the absolution, pray, confess, and live in his vocation. ✦ Catechesis is, therefore, much more comprehensive and involves the actual doing of things that Christians will continue to do for the rest of their lives: attend Divine Service, listen to preaching, receive the Lord’s Supper, confess their sins, receive absolution, pray, confess their faith, forgive one another, live as husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children, workers of every kind, etc.

I am indebted to my catechetical father, the Reverend Dr. Kenneth F. Korby, who was the principal catalyst in my ongoing study of catechesis and Luther’s revolutionary work in this area. Dr. Korby introduced me to the riches of Martin Luther’s catechisms, catechism sermons, personal prayer book, and other writings, which have broadened my understanding of catechesis to include not only the traditional classroom settings for adult and youth confirmation, but the entire culture of Scripture reading, prayer, and confession and absolution which needs to be part of every Lutheran parish and family. My good friend and colleague in the ministry, the Reverend Professor John T. Pless, has also offered invaluable support and guidance to me in my work.

The Concordia Catechetical Academy remains dedicated to the task of promoting Luther’s Small Catechism and faithful Lutheran catechesis to the church at large.

Peter C. Bender, Director Concordia Catechetical Academy Sussex, Wisconsin

1 A detailed description of The Congregation at Prayer is found in both the catechumen and catechist editions of Lutheran Catechesis (p.19-23). The Compendium to the Lutheran Catechesis Series also includes the schedules, lectionaries, and directions for preparation of The Congregation at Prayer. Samples of The Congregation at Prayer from Peace Lutheran Church, Sussex, Wisconsin, are available online at www.peacesussex.org.

Catechumen Edition xi About the Cover

Jesus Christ, His person and work, is the very heart of the Christian faith. He is the center of Lutheran catechesis. This is depicted by the crucifix at the center of the cover design. All Christian doctrine flows to and from an understanding of who Jesus is, what He has done to save us from our sins, and how we are incorporated into Him so that everything that He is and has done becomes our own. His life of death, resurrection, and ascension to eternal life with the Father becomes the believer’s own life in Holy Baptism and is captured in the Small Catechism’s “pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13).

The Ten Commandments preach repentance, or death to sinners—the Law which kills and points to Christ, the fulfiller of all righteousness. The Creed preaches the faith, or resurrection from the dead—the Gospel which gives life and salvation through the forgiveness of sins which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Lord’s Prayer preaches the holy life, or ascension to the Father, in the Son, by the Spirit—the life of faith which clings to the promises of the Gospel. This trinity of repentance, faith, and holy living, as taught in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, describes the dynamic of the baptismal life and is represented by the three intertwined strands of green (the color of new life in Christ). Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension become the personal story of every Christian who, by grace alone, has been baptized into Christ for absolution and communion with Him in the forgiveness of sins. The Christian dies daily to sin and rises to new life by the Gospel to claim the promises of salvation in Christ.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Small Catechism, “The Sacrament of Holy Baptism,” Romans 6:4). “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Holy Supper create, nurture, and sustain the life of faith in Christ, as represented by the continuous circle of red and the trinitarian triquetra connecting the sacraments to that life. The color red represents the blood of Christ which was shed for us for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of our lives to the Holy Trinity. Like the Christian’s new life of faith in Christ, which is a gift of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Baptism, the Small Catechism is thoroughly Christological in its content and trinitarian in its shape.

What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. (Small Catechism, “The Sacrament of Holy Baptism”) xii Lutheran Catechesis Preface to the First Edition

Lutheran Catechesis was born out of twelve years of experience as a parish pastor, studying and meditating upon the Small Catechism and Luther’s approach to catechesis in the context of pastoral care. My work in catechesis has been shaped by the belief that the catechism contains everything that a Christian needs to know and believe in order to be saved, and everything the pastor needs to know and believe for the faithful administration of his office. I did not come to this conviction until I learned the catechism by heart and began to use it in prayer and meditation upon the Word of God. Only when I used it as a daily prayer book and handbook for my own life and ministry did I come to realize its scope and richness. There is no question that we might have as Christians or pastors that is not answered by the catechism. And if the catechism does not answer the question, then the question is not worth asking. I believe that all true theology is practical theology. All theology must lead us to embrace Christ by faith in every time, place, circumstance, and need of our lives. Faith in Christ is the goal of all catechesis. Any other purposes are beside the point. Prayer, meditation upon the Word of God, and suffering (with one’s own sin as well as the sin of others) is how God catechizes and makes us all theologians of the cross, who learn to rejoice in their suffering and live in the confidence of Christ’s forgiveness.

There are three catechists—“spiritual fathers”—that I must honor above all others: Dr. Robert D. Preus, Dr. Kenneth F. Korby, and Dr. David P. Scaer. As Luther writes in the Large Catechism: “The name spiritual father belongs only to those who govern and guide us by the Word of God…. They are entitled to honor, even above all others. But they very seldom receive it, for the world’s way of honoring them is to harry them out of the country and grudge them as much as a piece of bread. In short, as St. Paul says, they must be ‘the refuse of the world, and every man’s offscouring’” (Tappert 387:158-160).

The sainted Robert D. Preus was president and professor of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, when I was a student there. Above all else Dr. Preus was a pastor. His teaching on “the chief article”—the justification of the sinner before God, by grace, through faith—was the center of his life and ministry and has become the center of my own. He lived the conviction that Christian doctrine was not irrelevant, but spoke to every need of the Christian and the Church. He was no pietist. He taught justification as a pastor who understood how to apply Christ’s righteousness to his flock for their salvation and comfort. His classes on the Lutheran Confessions were classes in pastoral theology, hymnology, and catechesis. Though he never used the word “catechesis” in class, he taught us how to catechize and the goal of all learning in the Church: faith in Christ. He taught us to think clearly for the sake of the Gospel, and to preach the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake.

Kenneth F. Korby taught a graduate course for Concordia Theological Seminary at Flathead Lake, Montana, in the summer of 1988 entitled “Catechetics in the Parish.” It was this class, along with Dr. Korby’s indefatigable zeal for holding fast to the catechism, that set me upon this present course of wanting to promote the Small Catechism and faithful Lutheran catechesis. Dr.

Catechumen Edition xiii Korby introduced me to the catechism as a prayer book and handbook for the Christian faith and life. Dr. Korby is largely responsible for a renaissance of Lutheran catechesis in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and was most certainly the unwitting catalyst behind the formation of the Concordia Catechetical Academy. I am indebted to Dr. Korby for all his wise counsel and guidance over the years. He has always been a friend, and there are many young pastors such as myself who are honored to call him father. If it hadn’t been for Dr. Korby’s catechesis, Lutheran Catechesis would never have been written.

David P. Scaer was my catechist at the seminary and in several graduate courses since. His example as a classroom teacher, in both method and substance, gave me the clearest example of what it is to be a Lutheran catechist. He embodied Luther’s “repentance, faith, and holy living” paradigm in his teaching and life. To be a Lutheran catechist, the pastor must demolish all of man’s notions of human piety, goodness, and righteousness; he must hold up the righteousness of Christ in His death upon the cross as the only salvation for sinners; and he must preach faith as a gift of God through the Gospel and sacraments. David Scaer relentlessly taught the total depravity of man and the utter sufficiency of Christ—central truths and stumbling blocks in Lutheran catechesis. It is my judgment that, among my teachers, no one knew or understood Luther’s mind and heart better than Dr. Scaer. Finally, Dr. Scaer taught me how to interpret the Scriptures. To the extent that I have gotten it right, it is to his credit. To the extent that I have missed the mark, the fault is mine.

It is also important to acknowledge the contributions of two outstanding teachers in my educational career who have contributed in their own way to this volume and my development as a catechist: Dr. Paul Bunjes and Dr. Rudolph Heinze. The late Dr. Bunjes, professor of music at Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois, had a method of instruction that included answering a question before he had asked it, in order to have his students repeat the answer, just as he had given it, once he had asked the question. Those who have had him (or me) know exactly what I’m talking about. Answer: “Christ is our only Savior from sin.” Question: “Who is our only Savior from sin?” Answer: “Christ!” I have employed his method of “catechetical repetition” in my own teaching. Repetition and redundancy is a hallmark of Luther’s catechetic. “What is a hallmark of Luther’s catechetic?” “Repetition and redundancy.” “Pastors must continually repeat themselves.” “What must pastors do?” “Continually repeat themselves.”

Dr. Rudolph Heinze, professor of history at Concordia College, River Forest, during the early 1980s, was a great storyteller. His history lectures were punctuated by “terms”—people’s names, places, and events—that became the linchpins upon which the entire story hung. One by one the terms, posted on the overhead, would be woven through the wonderful prose of his lectures. Students took careful notes, allowing the terms to serve as their outline for the story. This vocabulary became the focus of their study. If one knew the terms, one knew the history and what it meant. Dr. Heinze’s method squares well with Luther’s emphasis upon teaching the language and vocabulary of faith. Dr. Heinze’s example inspired the writing of 600 terms included in Lutheran Catechesis (204), Old Testament Catechesis (184), and New Testament Catechesis (212). xiv Lutheran Catechesis I also want to acknowledge the encouragement and support of my brothers in office, fellow catechists and good friends, the Rev. John T. Pless, the Rev. Richard Resch, the Rev. John E. Klieve, the Rev. Rolf Preus, and the Rev. Stephen Wiest. Each in his own way has helped me understand what it is to be a pastor, and why we as pastors are called to teach the Word of God. The catechesis and consolation received from my father confessor over the last eight years has been an indispensable aid in helping me understand the place of private absolution and catechesis in pastoral care. I pray that all my brothers in office receive the gift of a faithful confessor. The Rev. John W. Fenton offered valuable suggestions on revisions to the final manuscript, particularly the sections on the divine liturgy. Kathryn A. Hill’s dedication and attention to detail as a proofreader and technical editor, along with the questions and suggestions raised by her husband, the Rev. Michael J. Hill, helped me to sharpen the language of Lutheran Catechesis. Their help was very much appreciated. My wife and sons are always supportive and ever my teachers. They would not want me to say much more than this. Finally, I am indebted to my good friend and deacon, Matthew W. Gatchell. Without his loyalty, hard work, personal sacrifice, encouragement, and friendship, Lutheran Catechesis would never have been published.

Peter C. Bender The Ascension of Our Lord 13 May 1999

Catechumen Edition xv The Lutheran Catechesis Series

The following list of materials in The Lutheran Catechesis Series may be purchased from the Concordia Catechetical Academy. Phone: 262-246-3200 Email: [email protected] www.peacesussex.org/CCA

The Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Catechesis Learn-by-Heart Edition

Lutheran Catechesis Catechist Edition

Lutheran Catechesis Catechumen Edition

Luther Catechesis Compendium

Catechism Term Cards

Old Testament Catechesis New Testament Catechesis Catechist Edition Catechist Edition

Old Testament Catechesis New Testament Catechesis Catechumen Edition Catechumen Edition

Old Testament Term Cards New Testament Term Cards

Family Catechism Charts

Learn-by-Heart Certificates

Learn-by-Heart Completion Charts

Bible Stories for Daily Prayer 10 Volume Set for use with the Daily Prayer Bible Story Lectionary

xvi Lutheran Catechesis Introduction to Lutheran Catechesis

Faith in Christ—The Goal of Catechesis To be a Christian is to have faith in Christ that trusts in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the devil, the world, and our own sin (1 John 5:4). Through such faith in Christ, love is born in us that we might serve our neighbor. Through such faith we learn to live in our earthly callings in the joy and freedom of the forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ is the object of our worship and the source of our life and salvation. He is our highest good. Apart from Him there is no good. Paul confessed this at the end of his long and difficult ministry:

Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:7-11 NIV).

Faith in Christ is the goal of all catechesis. I want to know Christ, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but having the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. The Lutheran catechist Oswald Ries understood this and included this passage from Philippians at the beginning of his work, That I May Know Him, first published in 1970. Man is the sinner. I am the sinner. Christ is the Savior. Apart from Him there is no salvation. Christ is righteous because He died for my sins and the sins of the whole world. My righteousness cannot save me, because it is tainted through and through with sin. Christ’s righteousness is my only salvation. It is God’s gift to me through the Gospel. I receive this righteousness—the forgiveness of all my sins—through faith in Him.

Catechesis Is Not the Same as Education Catechesis involves teaching, but it is not the same thing as education. Education is concerned with passing on a body of information, or developing the intellect or skills of an individual. These are not the goals of catechesis. Catechesis is mainly concerned with converting the sinful heart from unbelief to faith in Christ. This is true of catechesis both prior to and following Baptism. Catechesis and evangelism are not essentially different. They are the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through which the Holy Spirit calls sinners to faith in Christ and preserves them in that faith. We continue to catechize those who have been converted to faith in Christ, not because they have a need for more information, but because they continue to have an unbelieving Old Adam that must be put to death, so that the new man of faith might

Introduction to Lutheran Catechesis 1 come forth and arise by power of the Gospel. This process continues throughout the Christian’s life. While many things are learned in catechesis about the Bible and the liturgy, they are all to serve the ongoing need for the catechetical preaching of repentance and faith.

Catechesis deals with the proclamation of a word that is contrary to the sinner’s nature and one that he does not want to hear: “All my righteousness is filth” and “faith in Christ is a gift of God, not of works.” These are the two major stumbling blocks for the catechumen. These two truths are central to Lutheran catechesis. They are the most important themes in the first three lessons. Unless the catechumen is converted to these two truths, the catechist can go no further with the catechumen, and nothing else matters in his catechesis. It must be remembered that faith in Christ is a miracle of the Holy Spirit. Conversion is not worked by man—it is worked by the Spirit. Thus faithful catechesis will produce either hardness of heart or faith in Christ. This must be clearly understood. There is no middle ground. Nevertheless, the catechist who sows the seed of repentance and faith in Christ is called to be patient with his catechumens, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in their hearts “when and where He pleases” through the Word that he has taught.

Catechumens Learn by Doing Catechumens attend Divine Service, they listen to preaching, and they are given prayers to pray and sections of the catechism and Scriptures to meditate upon and to learn by heart. This is a very important part of their catechesis. It does not all take place in the classroom. Catechumens are taught to confess sin and they are given opportunity to do so privately, so that they will hear the absolution and learn from its reception how to forgive others who have sinned against them. Catechesis involves “the doing” of those things which will continue to be part of the Christian’s life after Baptism: attending the Divine Service, confessing sin, hearing preaching and the absolution, receiving the Lord’s body and blood, and living in one’s calling. A man’s calling includes confessing his faith in Christ, loving his wife and children unconditionally, teaching his family the Word of God, praying for them and his neighbors, forgiving the trespasses of those who have sinned against him, suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and contending with his own weakness and failings in the joy and confidence of Christ’s forgiveness. All this flows from faith in Christ. This is the life into which the catechumen is born in Baptism. Catechesis enables the Christian to live faithfully in that calling by hearing the Word of Christ and doing those very things that will continue to be a part of his life.

The Catechism Is a Prayer Book and Handbook for the Christian Faith and Life Lutheran Catechesis proceeds from the basic understanding that the Small Catechism is a prayer book and handbook for the Christian faith and life, rather than a textbook. A textbook is used for a course of instruction, but rarely used again. A prayer book is used continually. A prayer book speaks to all our needs, giving us God’s promises, so that we might learn to “ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.” It even gives us the very words to pray. As a handbook the catechism teaches us how to understand and interpret the Bible, the liturgy, and our own lives in relation to all that God has done and continues to do for us. It sets forth in plain, simple

2 Lutheran Catechesis language what all Christians need to know for their faith and life. Its explanations are devotional in character. They invite us to return to the central truths of our faith again and again for all that we need to live as Christians in this world.

“Learn by Heart”—The Importance of Memorization The text of the Small Catechism is to be learned by heart if it is to function as a prayer book and handbook for Christians. It is to be learned by heart, word for word, so that it can be used for the rest of their lives. Memorization of texts is not part of our modern culture and is deemed unimportant. It was very important for Luther. He wished for his catechumens to develop a love affair with the texts of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the sacraments. To know these texts was to know God. We know of no Jesus except that Jesus who is revealed to us in the sacred Scriptures. The catechism gives us the most important texts or primary vocabulary of the Scriptures. Luther’s explanations of those texts were written so that the catechumen might learn to embrace Jesus through those texts with an ever deeper faith and understanding. Christian faith rests in the words and promises of God. It does not rely upon personal experience, emotion, or human intellect. There is no faith in Christ apart from His Word. The catechism reveals that Word of God to us. The catechism is learned by heart, so that the catechumen might learn to pray those texts and use them in confessing the faith in his vocation. The catechism gives him the words to say.

Learn the Words First! Understanding Takes a Lifetime “First teach them the words, then teach them what they mean” is an axiom for Luther’s approach to catechesis. Baptized children learn the language of their heavenly Father in the same way all children learn a language. They hear their father and mother speaking to them over and over and over again, until they begin to speak the language themselves. They begin to use the words that they have heard, even before they fully understand what the words mean. So it is for the baptized and the catechumen. We hear the Word of God over and over and over again until it becomes imbedded in our hearts. We begin to hear, learn, and use words before we fully understand what those words mean. In fact, learning to believe and understand those words is the lifelong process of catechesis. This process, like faith itself, begins with hearing and receiving the Word in the heart. Only in this way does the Word of God become our own word in our confessions of the faith and in our prayers. If we wait to teach the language of the Scriptures and catechism until people know what the words mean, or are “old enough” to understand them, then we will never use the words or teach them anything.

Christian Meditation When the language of the catechism is learned by heart, it becomes an indispensable aid in meditation, and is continually used by the Holy Spirit for our comfort and to awaken in us new understandings. Christian meditation is to give one’s mind and heart to the contemplation of God’s Word. It is to reflect upon and ponder the Word of God. To put it crassly, Christian meditation is the “regurgitation” of the Word of God. Like a cow that chews her cud, it involves recalling the Word of God that has been previously “implanted” in the heart, for the purpose of

Introduction to Lutheran Catechesis 3 receiving from it even greater blessings for our faith and life. This can happen only when the Word of God and the text of the catechism are committed to memory, or “learned by heart.” Unlike other forms of meditation which teach the individual to find renewed strength and peace from that which is within the self, Christian meditation directs us away from our sinful self to find our comfort, strength, and life in the “implanted word, which is able to save [our] souls” (James 1:21).

4 Lutheran Catechesis The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis

The Importance of a Fixed Text for the Catechism Lutheran Catechesis uses the 1986 translation of the Small Catechism, officially adopted by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. All references to the Small Catechism are from this translation. The preface to the Small Catechism stresses the importance of adopting one version of the catechism and using it year in and year out without alteration:

The pastor should most carefully avoid teaching the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the sacraments, etc., according to various texts and differing forms. Let him adopt one version, stay with it, and from one year to the next keep using it unchanged. Young and inexperienced persons must be taught a single fixed form or they will easily become confused, and the result will be that all previous effort and labor will be lost. There should be no change, even though one may wish to improve the text.

The honored fathers understood this well, and therefore they all consistently used one form of the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. We should do as they did by teaching these materials to the young and the common man without altering a single syllable and by never varying their wording when presenting or quoting them year after year.

So adopt whatever form you wish, and then stick with it at all times. If, however, you happen to be preaching to some sophisticated, learned audience, then you certainly may demonstrate your skill with words by turning phrases as colorfully and masterfully as you can. But with young persons keep to a single, fixed, and permanent form and wording, and teach them first of all the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, etc., according to the text, word for word, so that they can repeat it after you and commit it to memory.

Unless a single version is used within a congregation year after year, and preferably also within a synod at large, it will be very difficult to recite the catechism corporately within the congregation or at home. The text of the catechism is meant to be spoken out loud by members of a congregation and family. Better translations are certainly possible. But if one waits for “the perfect translation” the catechism will never be learned by heart by a congregation and church body, and it will never function as a prayer book and handbook for the Christian faith and life as it was intended. Expanding upon the meaning of words and phrases from the original German text can always be included as a part of the catechist’s catechesis. But the constant “tinkering” with translations of the catechism destroys any possibility of inculcating a common language among our people.

The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis 5 The Catholicity of the Catechism It is important to note again that the primary texts of Luther’s Small Catechism are not “Luther’s.” The primary texts of the Small Catechism belong to the Church of all times and in all places. They are the most important texts for the Church and they are all taken from the Bible. They answer practical questions for every Christian: What is God’s Law? The Ten Commandments. What is the Gospel? The Creed. How do Christians pray? The Lord’s Prayer. How do we become Christians? The Sacrament of Holy Baptism. How is our faith strengthened? The preaching of absolution. What medicine does God give us against the devil, the world, and our sinful nature? The Sacrament of the Altar. These texts are not unique to Lutherans. They are Christian, catholic, and biblical. Luther’s explanations were written to help us understand and use them rightly.

As the Head of the Family Should Teach … Each of the six chief parts, with the exception of Confession, begins with the phrase, “As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.” The catechism is for home use by the head of the family to teach and practice the faith with his children. Parents are the primary catechists of their children. The catechism gives the head of the family everything that he needs to teach his family what they are to believe and do as Christians. It teaches them what and how to pray. It teaches them the calling from God where they are to live their faith in Christ. And it teaches them where to find God’s salvation and help against all sin and temptation in their lives.

God passes on His word of faith through the instrumentality of others. This is God’s way. The primary focus of the pastor’s catechesis is adults. He teaches adults, passing the word of faith on to them, so that they are enabled to catechize their children by word and example. Even when the pastor teaches the baptized children of his adult members, he is teaching those children in the place of their parents. He must do everything in his power to engage the parents in ongoing catechesis, so that the catechesis of the children of his congregation may not be hindered. If parents are enlightened by the Holy Spirit through faithful catechesis, the catechesis of the children of those parents will readily follow, without coercion, and bear much fruit.

A Look at Each of the Parts of the Small Catechism In addition to the explanations to the six chief parts, the Small Catechism also includes “Daily Prayers,” the “Table of Duties,” and “Christian Questions with Their Answers.” Each part is described briefly on the following pages.

6 Lutheran Catechesis Repentance, Faith, and the Holy Life The Ten Commandments, The Creed, and The Lord’s Prayer

The Ten Commandments Preach Repentance The Ten Commandments are God’s Law. God’s Law smashes the self-righteousness of man and exposes his mistrust of God. At the same time, God’s Law exalts the righteousness of Christ who fulfilled the whole will and Law of God for us. The Law must condemn the sinner and convict him of his need for Christ. This is the preaching of repentance.

The first three lessons of Lutheran Catechesis are the foundation for the entire course. The narratives in the “Word of Faith” section of these lessons deal with the “stumbling blocks” mentioned at the beginning of the introduction: “All my righteousness is filth” and “Christ is my only Savior from sin through the gift of faith.” Although morality and ethics can certainly be taught from the Ten Commandments, this is not the main focus of these lessons. These lessons can be returned to in future catechesis for extended discussions on specific commandments and their implications for life in this world. The Law is always taught with Christ in view. We are the sinners. He is the Savior. Apart from His grace we can have no salvation and can do no good thing. The catechumen is taught to use each of the Ten Commandments as a guide for self-examination in preparation for private confession and absolution. The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to the theology of worship, allusions to the First Table of the Law in the liturgy, and the structure of the Divine Service.

The Creed Preaches the Faith That Saves Us from Our Sin The Creed preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves us from our sin. No one can be saved without faith in the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is the loving creator of us all, and the redeemer and sanctifier of sinners. The Creed preaches all that God does for us by His grace alone. This is the unifying theme of the three articles of the Creed and the Bible stories upon which they are based. The center of the Bible and the catechism is Christ, the Savior of sinners. He is the object and content of our faith. The Creed preaches Christ.

The Creed is the only part of the six chief parts of the catechism that is not a direct quotation of a specific portion of Scripture. This is because it is a faithful summary of the entire Scriptures, and every word and phrase of the Creed is from the Bible. Therefore, the Creed actually contains every other part of the catechism. Faithful catechesis on the Creed also includes catechesis on the Law, prayer, Baptism, absolution, the Lord’s Supper, and the Christian’s vocation in the world.

Lutheran Catechesis contains nine lessons on the Creed (two on the First Article, four on the Second Article, and three on the Third Article). These lessons on the Creed attempt to draw connections with the other five chief parts so that catechumens learn to understand the faith as an integrated whole. This means that the entire Christian faith is actually covered in the first half of Lutheran Catechesis (lessons 1-12). The second half of Lutheran Catechesis (lessons 13-24) is actually a review of that which has already been covered in the first twelve lessons. The Lord’s

The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis 7 Prayer teaches the baptized children of God how to call upon the promises of God in Christ, and the sacraments teach the faithful how to receive Christ with all His saving benefits. The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to the Divine Service under the First and Second Articles of the Creed, and the Public Ministry of the Gospel and sacraments under the Third Article.

The Lord’s Prayer Preaches the Holy Life Christians pray because they believe the Gospel (the Creed). The Gospel makes our lives holy. The Holy Spirit calls us to faith in Christ by the Gospel and cleanses us of all sin. The Holy Spirit makes us holy through the Word and faith. Each petition of the Lord’s Prayer is a promise of God. The promises of God are anchored in Christ and God’s love for us. We have no strength in ourselves. The Lord’s Prayer directs us sinners where to find our help. We cry out to Him because we believe in what He has promised us. This is the holy life of faith in Christ. Faith in Christ is busy and active to “call upon [God] in every trouble … pray, praise, and give thanks” in every time, place, and circumstance of life.

Lutheran Catechesis contains three lessons on the Lord’s Prayer. Each of these lessons links the holy life of prayer to the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins from the previous lessons on the Ten Commandments and the Creed. The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to how the Lord’s Prayer is used throughout the liturgy and the life of the Christian, the Church’s corporate prayer, and the offices of Matins, Vespers, and Compline. (See also “Praying the Catechism,” p. 11.)

The Sacraments Create, Nurture, and Sustain the Christian Life of Faith and Love The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism The Sacrament of Holy Baptism regenerates sinners and makes us Christians. All that Christ has done for us is pledged to us by the Father in our baptism. In Holy Baptism, God the Father unites us with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son, for the forgiveness of sins, and bestows upon us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, seals us in the trinitarian faith of the Creed. It makes us the children of God. By this baptismal faith, we are bold to “ask Him as dear children ask their dear father” (the Lord’s Prayer), to return to Him “in daily contrition and repentance” (the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and Confession), and to eat and drink the body and blood of Christ for the “forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation” (the Sacrament of the Altar).

Lutheran Catechesis contains three lessons on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. The Word of Faith sections from these lessons include “The Baptism of Our Lord” (one of the most ancient readings at the administration of Baptism), “Naaman Is Washed in the Jordan River” (from

8 Lutheran Catechesis the Old Testament), and “Jesus Blesses the Little Children” (the traditional gospel reading for Baptism). The stories from the Old Testament in the sacramental lessons of Lutheran Catechesis show that God has always dealt sacramentally with His people. The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to the sign of the cross that is first made upon the catechumen in Baptism, the 1526 order for Holy Baptism by Luther, and baptismal sponsors.

Confession Confession and absolution return us to the promises of our baptism daily. Absolution strengthens our faith in Christ and gives us comfort and help against sin and temptation. The preaching of the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake is the reason for the institution of the Office of the Holy Ministry—the Office of the Keys. Everything the minister of Christ does as preacher and catechist, he does for the sake of proclaiming the forgiveness of sins. Even when he preaches the Law, or judges doctrine, or admonishes the erring, or withholds forgiveness from an impenitent sinner, he does so to bring the sinner to repentance for the sake of preaching the forgiveness of sins. The preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments are the “gifts” of the Holy Spirit through which He enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps us in the one true faith (the Third Article of the Creed). This section of the catechism speaks about the Office of the Ministry in general and about private confession and absolution in particular. Lutherans retain private confession for the sake of proclaiming the absolution to sinners. The sinner’s need for Christ and His forgiveness is the reason for the office and the motivation for all that the minister does.

Lutheran Catechesis includes three lessons on Confession. Following the structure of Luther’s Small Catechism, the Office of the Keys is included under “Confession” in the third lesson. The catechumen is first introduced to private confession and absolution in the lessons on the Ten Commandments under the headings “How Christians Should Be Taught to Confess.” Confession of sin is central to the life of faith in Christ. Those who are brought to repentance (the Ten Commandments) confess their sins and receive forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake (the Second and Third Articles of the Creed). Catechesis on the Office of the Keys is a review of the catechesis from the Third Article. The forgiveness of sins is the Spirit’s message. The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to general confession in the liturgy, the rite of private confession, and excommunication.

The Sacrament of the Altar The Sacrament of the Altar gives us the body and blood of Christ for salvation. It is medicine against our sinful flesh, the sin and trouble of this world, and the temptations of the devil. Through the reception of His body and blood in the Sacrament we learn to believe that Christ, out of great love, died for our sin, and also learn from Him to love God and our neighbor (Christian Questions with Their Answers). The Lord’s Supper confesses the faith of the Creed and strengthens us to live the baptismal faith in love to our neighbor (Table of Duties).

Lutheran Catechesis includes three lessons on the Sacrament of the Altar. Lesson 23 includes the “bread of life” discourse of Jesus from John 6, because this Bible story teaches the faith of the catechism more explicitly than any other: “These words, ‘Given and shed for you for

The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis 9 the forgiveness of sins,’ show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” Children think concretely. They understand what they see in the liturgy, what they hear from the reading of the Holy Gospel, and what they learn from the catechism. When they are brought up in the Lutheran faith in congregations that celebrate the Sacrament every Sunday, it is obvious to them that this passage is talking about the Lord’s Supper, before they are even told. To say otherwise confuses them and teaches them to look for Christ “in the faith of their hearts,” rather than in the Sacrament. John 6 teaches both the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament and its saving benefits as the catechism teaches. This passage also creates in children a desire to receive the Supper. Such a desire should not be stifled by exegetical contortions that deny the plain words of Jesus: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed” (John 6:54-55). The sections on the liturgy from these lessons give special attention to the Communion liturgy, pastoral care, Communion of the sick and homebound, the examination of penitents before Communion, and closed Communion.

Lutheran Piety—Daily Prayer and Vocation Daily Prayers, Table of Duties, and Christian Questions with Their Answers

Daily Prayers The catechism includes prayers for morning and evening, and asking a blessing and returning thanks after meals. These prayers draw upon the language and examples of prayer from Bible stories. They are based upon the Word of God which opens our lips to call upon the Lord aright. Learning these prayers by heart, using them each day, and developing the habit of praying according to these patterns teaches us how to pray. When these prayers are known well and used often, the Christian finds prayer at other times and in other circumstances easier.

Table of Duties The Table of Duties teaches the baptized “how to live where God has called them in the freedom of the forgiveness of sins, with faith in Christ and love to the neighbor” (catechism term for “catechesis.”) The Table of Duties answers the questions: “Where do I live out my faith in Christ? How do I live my faith in Christ as a Christian in this world?” The life of faith in Christ is lived in love toward others in our vocation: “Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker?” (Confession). The Table of Duties addresses itself to these questions and the subject of “office” or “vocation.” An “office” is authority extended to a person from God to function in this world in a particular way and for a particular purpose. Through this office he reflects Christ—the image of God—and His love to his neighbor. A Christian’s “vocation” is the place or office to which God has called him to live out his faith in Christ. A Christian lives in his vocation or office by grace alone, and not by his own strength. His vocation is the calling to joyfully serve his neighbor in love, even as Christ laid down his life for him upon the cross. The strength to live faithfully in our vocations comes from the Gospel and sacraments of Christ,

10 Lutheran Catechesis through which our faith in the forgiveness of sins is strengthened and the fruit of loving service toward others is born.

Christian Questions with Their Answers “Christian Questions with Their Answers” is the last section of the Small Catechism. It is to be used by the pastor or Christian, after catechesis, for those wishing to receive the Lord’s Supper. For an extended discussion on “Christian Questions with Their Answers,” see lesson 24, p. 301, “A Look at the Divine Liturgy—Examination of Communicants and Closed Communion.” “Christian Questions with Their Answers” may be used as a responsive reading, after lesson 12 until the end of the course, for catechetical classes in which catechumens are preparing to be received into membership and receive Holy Communion for the first time.

“Praying the Catechism”—An Explanation of Luther’s “Four-Strand Wreath” In addition to praying psalms and other prayers of the Church, Luther taught his barber, “Master Peter,” to pray the primary texts of the catechism according to a “four-strand wreath” or outline. Each commandment, article of the Creed, or petition of the Lord’s Prayer could be used in meditation and prayer according to this method. The specific text of the catechism should be prayed: first, as a teaching from the Lord that calls us to new faith and understanding; second, as an occasion for thanksgiving for what He gives and teaches in that text; third, as an occasion to confess one’s sin, misbelief, or failure on the basis of that text; and fourth, as a prayer for the grace, mercy, and forgiveness that are needed for one’s sin and to help him keep this word in true faith and love. An example from Luther’s own prayer book, utilizing the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor,” is printed below. The actual prayers of Luther appear in italics.

A teaching—Speak back to God what He teaches you in this text: Dear Father, here you teach us to be true to each other, to avoid all lying and backbiting, and gladly to hear and tell the best about others. And so you have established a wall to protect our reputation and innocence against wicked mouths and false tongues. These you will not permit to go unpunished. Amen.

A thanksgiving—Give thanks to God for what He teaches you in this text: I thank you for both the rules and the protection which you so graciously give us in this commandment. Amen.

A confession—Confess your sins to God on the basis of this teaching: I confess and ask for grace, for I have spent my life so sinfully and ungratefully with lies and evil talk against my neighbors. All this, when I ought to protect all their honor and innocence even as I would like to have it myself. Amen.

A prayer—Ask God for His grace and help to keep this teaching: We ask you for help to keep this commandment in the days ahead; and we pray for wholesome speech. Amen.

The Small Catechism in Lutheran Catechesis 11 How to Use Lutheran Catechesis

Lutheran Catechesis is a text to be used by the pastor for the initial catechesis of converts to the Christian faith, for ongoing catechesis in the Bible, the catechism, and the hymnal, and as a reference manual for “heads of households” and Christians to use in their homes. Thus, Lutheran Catechesis has a variety of uses. The type of class will determine how much material and which sections are covered under each lesson. Each “lesson” easily contains six hours worth of material. A single class session is never intended to cover all the material in a given lesson. Do not try to do so.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Entry-level catechesis should focus primarily on the Bible story from each lesson’s first section, “The Word of Faith.” These Bible stories lead the catechumen into the faith confessed in the section of the catechism assigned for that lesson. When the catechist is discussing the Bible story with his catechumens, he is at the same time catechizing them in that section of the catechism, since the faith of the catechism flows from the Bible story. It is recommended that entry-level catechesis classes for adults be held no more than once a week, covering mainly “The Word of Faith” from one lesson at each session. After a class session on a single lesson, catechumens should recite the catechism assigned for that lesson every day at home until the next class session. Reciting the catechism each day and learning it by heart between class sessions, along with exposition of the Bible story during class sessions, should be the main focus for entry-level catechesis. Catechism terms may be consulted from the second section, “The Catechism in Detail” to help the catechumen’s understanding between class sessions as he is reciting the catechism at home. Readings from “A Look at the Divine Liturgy” may be assigned to entry-level catechumens between class sessions as additional readings. It is best to handle questions on the liturgy as questions arise and according to the background and readiness of the catechumens. Again, the main focus for entry-level catechesis is study of the Bible story during class and recitation and meditation on the text of the catechism between sessions.

Sponsors for New Catechumens Sponsors are important for adult converts attending entry-level catechesis. Sponsors are faithful members of the congregation who have been well catechized. They support new adult catechumens and their families by attending catechesis with them, praying for them, assisting them with the liturgy, and helping them become familiar with congregational life. They may teach their catechumens, by example, how to pray and confess the faith in their homes with their own children. They may also offer temporal support to their catechumens by way of child care, transportation, etc. It is recommended that the pastor develop a list of faithful members who are willing and able to serve as sponsors, so that they can be assigned to new catechumens when the need arises. (For a detailed discussion of sponsors, see lesson 18, p. 231).

12 Lutheran Catechesis First Communion When should a Christian receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time?

Only baptized Christians are admitted to the Lord’s Table. In addition to this, Martin Luther gives pastoral advice in the preface to the Small Catechism that no one should be admitted to the Sacrament who does not know, at the very least, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, and how they serve the Christian in his life. The Ten Commandments show us our sin. The Creed shows us our Savior from sin. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to trust in our Savior for everything we need. A communicant should be able to confess this simple faith, know the words (primary texts) of each of these parts by heart, and believe that the Sacrament is the true body and blood of Christ given and shed for the forgiveness of all his sins. A catechumen should also have the desire to receive the Sacrament before he is admitted to the Lord’s Table.

Lutherans do not wish to make a law out of the gospel gift of the Sacrament of the Altar, but for the sake of faith in Christ and worthy reception of the Lord’s Supper, the following is recommended before catechumens commune for the first time:

1. All catechumens learn by heart the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. The primary text of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer are to be learned by heart before a catechumen begins to commune. It is also recommended that children learn the six chief parts of the catechism and their explanations by heart before communing for the first time. The reason for this is that the Small Catechism becomes a tutor for them in the faith as they continue to gain maturity. Adults, too, should continue to learn the catechism after they begin receiving the Sacrament, not only the primary texts of the catechism, but also their explanations. The point of such “learning by heart” is not that a certain body of knowledge is required for worthy reception of the Lord’s Supper, but that such learning promotes repentance and faith in Christ. Luther said, “Those who refuse to learn are to be told that they are denying Christ and do not belong to Him. They are not to be admitted to the Sacrament, accepted as sponsors at Baptism, or allowed to exercise Christian liberty in any way” (preface to the Small Catechism).

2. All catechumens are examined. All catechumens are examined by the pastor according to the outline in the “Christian Questions with Their Answers.” All questions in this section need not be asked, but they should include the following: “Do you believe that you are a sinner? How do you know this? Are you sorry for your sins? What have you deserved from God because of your sins? Do you hope to be saved? In whom then do you trust? Who is Christ? What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him? How do you know this? Do you believe … that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament? What convinces you to believe this? Finally, why do you wish to go to the Sacrament?” The pastor exercises great pastoral care in admitting catechumens to the Lord’s Table. The point is always, “Does this catechumen have faith in Christ that enables him to receive the Sacrament worthily?” If so, then the catechumen should be admitted to the

How to Use Lutheran Catechesis 13 Sacrament. Obviously, a mentally retarded person may not have the same capacity as others to learn the catechism by heart. They should not, for that reason, be excluded from the Sacrament. It is rejection of Christ and a refusal to receive His Word that bars a person from receiving the Sacrament. It is recommended that there be no arbitrary age at which a person may begin communing for the first time. Any baptized Christian who confesses the faith as outlined here should be allowed to commune, regardless of age. The goal of catechesis and preaching is always worthy reception of the Sacrament.

3. All catechumens are absolved. All catechumens are absolved by the pastor according to Christ’s mandate to forgive the sins of penitent sinners. Holy Absolution should be given by the pastor to a catechumen in the context of his examination before he receives the Sacrament. The purpose of the examination is to hear the catechumen’s confession of faith: “I am a sinner. I cannot save myself. Christ is my Savior. He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of all my sins.” Whoever confesses this faith in the context of an examination by the pastor should receive Holy Absolution. “Son, be of good cheer, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The reception of Absolution in the context of a catechumen’s examination strengthens his faith against a bad conscience, teaches him to rely upon the Word of God from outside himself, and gives him an even greater hunger for the Lord’s body and blood. This recommendation squares well with the Lutheran Confessions: “The Sacrament is offered to those who wish for it after they have been examined and absolved” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession XXIV, 249:1).

(See also lesson 24, “A Look at the Divine Liturgy: Examination of Communicants and Closed Communion,” p. 301.)

14 Lutheran Catechesis Lutheran Catechesis in Church, Home, and School

There are many uses for Lutheran Catechesis both in church and at home. Learning the catechism by heart is always the goal at every age, so that it can serve the Christian for a lifetime. It is recommended that a copy of Lutheran Catechesis be in every household in the congregation, so that it can serve as a manual for Lutherans in the ongoing use of their Bibles, catechisms, and hymnals. It is also recommended that the pastor use Lutheran Catechesis for a variety of catechetical classes. The nature of each class will determine what material is used and how the material is covered.

1. Adult Instruction These classes are for nonmembers and lead to Baptism (for those who have not yet been baptized) and communicant membership in the congregation. The emphasis is placed upon the Bible story (see “Central Thoughts of Each Lesson,” p. 29), reciting the catechism in class and throughout the week at home, and learning by heart the primary texts of the catechism.

2. Youth Instruction It is recommended that “youth instruction” be combined with the congregation’s “adult instruction” class, and that at least one of the parents be required to attend classes with their child. Learning by heart the primary and secondary texts of the Small Catechism’s six chief parts is a prerequisite for youth, grades fifth through eighth, before entering such a course. Children who do not know the catechism by heart before entering the course will find the material too difficult. Children who know the catechism by heart before entering the course will lead the adults in discussion and understanding. These classes are for baptized children of the congregation who have not yet been admitted to the Lord’s Table.

3. “Refresher Course” for Members Many pastors encourage communicant members to attend the “adult instruction” class in their congregations as a “refresher course” in the Christian faith and to hear the Gospel of Jesus preached for the strengthening of their faith. This also is recommended for Lutheran Catechesis. This practice is also essential for developing a core of adult sponsors within the congregation who are able to assist and support catechumens in their catechesis and incorporation into congregational life.

4. Classes in the Liturgy Pastors are encouraged to hold classes in the theology of Lutheran worship and the liturgy. “A Look at the Divine Liturgy” in each lesson can be used as a separate course for adults and youth who have already become communicant members of the congregation. This section can be used as an outline for studying the Divine Service and assist the pastor in teaching his congregation how to use the hymnal at home.

How to Use Lutheran Catechesis 15 5. Topical Studies on the Six Chief Parts Pastors are encouraged to review the six chief parts of Christian doctrine regularly with their congregations. “The Catechism in Detail” in each lesson affords the opportunity to study each of the six chief parts in greater detail than can be achieved in a typical adult instruction course. Lutheran Catechesis affords the opportunity to hold a series on just one of the six chief parts over a period of six to eight weeks. Several class sessions could be spent on each “lesson,” covering “in detail” the catechism terms, giving additional commentary on the text of the catechism, reading Luther’s Large Catechism, and exploring the Bible verses for meditation under each section. WARNING: Many pastors make the mistake of trying to cover all of this material in an adult instruction class. This is not intended. Much of the material can be returned to at a later time, such as a separate class on Baptism, Confession, or the Lord’s Supper. Lutheran Catechesis provides resources for a lifetime of catechesis.

6. A Reference Manual for the Congregation It is recommended that every family in the congregation have a copy of Lutheran Catechesis. Lutheran Catechesis is intended to be used as a reference manual for the congregation and her pastor when questions arise in their faith and practice. Examples include: “Why do we practice closed Communion?” “Why do we make the sign of the cross?” “How should we treat the remaining elements after Communion?” “What happens when a pastor is ordained?” “What is a sponsor?” “When should a Christian be admitted to the Lord’s Table?” “How does the Lutheran practice of private confession differ from the Roman Catholic practice?” Lutheran Catechesis may be referred to when these or similar questions are raised within the congregation. Each of these questions and the material provided in Lutheran Catechesis can serve as a study within the congregation. Lutheran Catechesis is not intended to be exhaustive, but comprehensive of the things that need to be addressed by ongoing catechesis within the congregation.

7. The Lutheran Day School and Homeschool Christian parents are the primary catechists of their children. Their office as parents and their responsibility to teach their children the Christian faith by telling them Bible stories and praying with them cannot be bypassed or usurped either by the day school teacher or the pastor (see “As the Head of the Family Should Teach …,” p. 6). This material assumes that there is essentially no difference in the approach of catechesis in the Lutheran day school or Lutheran homeschool. Parents are essential in both settings to reinforce and “practice” at home what is prayed, confessed, and meditated upon at church and school.

The catechist edition of Lutheran Catechesis provides “Learn by Heart” schedules for the Small Catechism, Bible verses, and hymns for a Lutheran day school or homeschool. These schedules are an annual thirty-six-week cycle of praying the Small Catechism (the Ten Commandments through the Table of Duties), a three-year, thirty-six-week cycle of Bible verses that tie into the themes highlighted each week in the catechism schedule, and a three-year, thirty-six-week “Hymn of the Week” cycle that follows the themes of the church year and Small Catechism. In

16 Lutheran Catechesis addition to these three schedules, the catechist edition of Lutheran Catechesis provides a three- year “Bible Story Lectionary for Children” that also includes readings for the summer months.

This material, along with the Sunday propers, gives the Lutheran pastor the necessary resources to provide the families of his congregation with a weekly guide to meditation and prayer at home. This weekly guide, “The Congregation at Prayer” (see the explanation and example on the following pages), serves the catechesis and devotional life of the entire congregation as well as the Lutheran day school. Very simply put, everyone in the congregation, from the single Christian in his home to the eighth grade class in the day school to the elderly couple in the retirement community, is praying and meditating upon the same Bible stories, Bible verses, sections from the catechism, hymns, and prayers each week. This common language binds the congregation together around the same word of God. The entire congregation and Lutheran day school are to be listening to the same stories from the Bible, praying the same verses from the Bible and sections of the catechism, and singing the same hymns each day, much as a family would do around the dinner table.

Foremost in the catechization of children is the involvement of parents in catechesis. Lutheran day school teachers are representatives of father and mother in the classroom. Teachers carry on at school what parents do with their children at home: read Bible stories, recite and pray the catechism and Bible verses, sing hymns, discuss the faith, pray for one another, and confess sins and forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven them.

Families and day school classes are to speak the catechism out loud. They are to take turns reciting the text. They are to engage the text in “banter” back and forth with parents, teachers, and other members of the family or class. Pastors, teachers, and parents use the words and phrases of the catechism and Bible verses in their prayers in the congregation, classroom, and home. In this way the texts are learned by heart in the manner for which the texts were intended: prayer, meditation, and confession. Memorization of the catechism and Bible verses is not an assignment to be graded. Memorization is the natural result of daily reciting, confessing, and praying these texts out loud. Each person in the family or classroom begins to “learn by heart” the texts of the catechism or Bible at his or her own rate and aptitude for learning. “Out-loud” speaking and corporate recitation of the texts of Scripture and the catechism are the way of life in the Lutheran home, day school, and congregation. This way of memorizing involves hearing, speaking, and seeing the text over and over again. In this way everyone learns, but in a far less coercive manner than in a graded approach with assignments and quizzes. “The Congregation at Prayer” is a guide to this life of prayer and meditation.

The result of such an approach is that most children learn by heart the primary and secondary texts of the six chief parts by the end of the third grade, and the Table of Duties by the end of the fourth grade. It is recommended that “religion” as an academic subject in the Lutheran day school (or homeschool) be replaced with daily morning prayer in the classrooms led by the teacher (or parent), daily Vespers or Evening Prayer for the entire school (or family) at the close of the day, and catechetical instruction by the pastor (or parent) in the upper grades (fourth through eighth). This means that most children enter catechesis classes with their pastor in the

How to Use Lutheran Catechesis 17 fourth grade, having the entire catechism learned by heart and a thorough acquaintance with the Bible stories of the Old and New Testaments. In addition, the Bible verse schedule enables children and families to learn well over 150 Bible passages in the course of three academic years. These passages support the doctrine of the catechism, are suitable for meditation and prayer, and provide the Christian with additional vocabulary for confessing the faith. The following is an outline for such an approach:

1. Daily prayer in classroom for all grades led by the teacher, featuring a Bible story for the day, a section of the catechism and Bible verse for the week, and a hymn of the week. 2. Fourth grade: Old Testament Catechesis with the pastor once per week for forty-five minutes to one hour. Old Testament Catechesis is available as a separate book in both catechumen and catechist editions. 3. Fifth grade: New Testament Catechesis with the pastor once per week for forty-five minutes to one hour. New Testament Catechesis is available in both catechumen and catechist editions. 4. Sixth grade: Lutheran Catechesis with the pastor two to three times per week for forty- five minutes to one hour. At the sixth grade level, all students have mastered the text of the catechism and basic Bible knowledge. This class includes the reading of the Large Catechism and a detailed discussion of all the material in Lutheran Catechesis. Most sixth graders in a day school setting, such as the one described above, are already receiving Communion by the time they study Lutheran Catechesis (see “First Communion—When should a Christian receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time?” p. 13). 5. Seventh and eighth grade: Daily morning prayer with the pastor and their teachers in which an ongoing discussion of the Christian faith and life takes place in the context of the Bible, the Small and Large Catechisms, and the Lutheran Confessions. Lutheran Catechesis continues to be used as a resource for seventh and eighth graders. 6. Personal prayer book: Each student, beginning in the fifth grade and through the eighth grade, writes prayers for all occasions of life and on each part of the Small Catechism. (See the catechist edition for a schedule of the prayers assigned to each grade.) Students graduate eighth grade with a personal prayer book that they can continue to use for the rest of their lives.

18 Lutheran Catechesis The Congregation at Prayer

A Catechetical and Devotional Tool The Congregation at Prayer is a weekly devotional and catechetical guide for use in the home, the congregation, and the Lutheran day school. The Congregation at Prayer unites the congregation around the same sections of the Word of God and catechism, and gives a common language for prayer and meditation upon the Scriptures. It is prepared by the pastor each week and distributed in the Sunday bulletin. It lives from the themes established on each Sunday of the church year and it looks forward to the coming Sunday. It is for use in congregations with or without day schools. It helps families and individual Christians in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and learning the catechism at home. It teaches the congregation to use the Bible, catechism, and hymnal as daily devotional companions for the Christian faith and life. It is a useful tool in the pastor’s ongoing catechesis of the congregation, and is the recommended devotional guide for every board or committee of the congregation.

The Congregation at Prayer is constructed from the daily prayer and Sunday lectionaries in either Lutheran Service Book or The Lutheran Hymnal, and the Bible story lectionary, catechism, Bible verse, and hymn of the week schedules in The Lutheran Catechesis Series. How to use these schedules and the Bible story lectionary in constructing The Congregation at Prayer is explained in Lutheran Catechesis Catechist Edition and Compendium.

“Learn by Heart” goals for the week, from the Learn-by-Heart Edition of the Small Catechism, are printed to the right of the text of the catechism and indicate the age at which that portion of the catechism should begin to be memorized. For example, “1st +” indicates that that section of the catechism is intended as a “Learn by Heart” goal for children (and adults) beginning in the first grade and up.

The family that uses The Congregation at Prayer should not feel burdened to use all of the material; rather, they are to pray and confess out loud as much from the order of meditation and prayer as they are able, or as their family size and ages dictate. Special emphasis should be placed on learning by heart the verse, catechism, and hymn of the week.

Note: “Daily Themes for Prayer” are of ancient origin and were originally revised and edited by Dr. Kenneth F. Korby and this author. Lutheran Service Book includes a further revision of these same themes in the Daily Prayer section of the hymnal. An expanded explanation and example of The Congregation at Prayer from Peace Lutheran Church and Academy, Sussex, Wisconsin, is printed on the following four pages.

“The Congregation at Prayer” 19 Explanation of The Congregation at Prayer

The Lutheran Catechesis Series recommends the use of a weekly devotional guide, “The Congregation at Prayer” or something similar to it, that is prepared by the pastor and distributed each week to the entire congregation in the Sunday bulletin. A resource such as this is the single most important tool for establishing the culture of prayer and catechesis in the Lutheran home, congregation, and school (see Foreword to The Lutheran Catechesis Series, p. ix). The Congregation at Prayer is constructed from the Bible Story Lectionary and the Learn-by-Heart Schedules in The Lutheran Catechesis Series, as well as from the Sunday propers from the lectionary of the church year. (See Lutheran Catechesis, Catechist Edition and Compendium for a full listing of schedules.)

The example “Congregation at Prayer” on the next two pages is from Peace Lutheran Church and Academy, Sussex, Wisconsin, for the week of the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, August 25 through September 1, 2002. This example was for the first week of a new academic year in the life of Peace Lutheran Church and Academy. The Bible Story Lectionary and Learn-by-Heart Schedules are from Year II in the series.

❶ The title, The Congregation at Prayer, highlights the purpose of the devotional and catechetical guide: it is to be used throughout the parish (home, congregation, and school) for all daily prayer, devotions, chapel services, classroom catechesis, study, and meetings of the congregation and school. The particular setting will determine how much of the material is used at any one time. The “Order of Meditation and Prayer” may be followed as a “stand alone” order for prayer in the home, classroom, or chapel service, or the particular readings, verse, Catechism, and hymn selections may be used as the “propers” for a daily office such as Matins or Vespers. The Congregation at Prayer lives from Sunday to Sunday around the themes of the church year and the Sunday propers. It is also tied to the local calendar of the entire parish. ❷ Catechesis Notes for the Week provides devotional and catechetical commentary, written by the pastor, to highlight such things as the Catechism and Bible verse for the week, themes in the Bible stories, the season or festival of the church year, or Christian traditions that have become part of the customs and piety of the church. This section provides an opportunity for the shepherd of the flock to explain apostolic doctrine and apply that doctrine to the congregation. ❸ The Theme for the Week usually highlights the Sunday of the church year for the week in which The Congregation at Prayer is used. The example given was the sermon theme for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, drawn from James 5:20 and based on the Gospel of the Good Samaritan. It should be noted that, in order for a theme to serve devotionally, it is best that it be an assertion, such as the example “The Love of God Covers a Multitude of Sins,” rather than a cute catchy phrase such as “Uplifted Losers.” One theme can be prayed; the other cannot. ❹ The Verse for the Week is taken from the “Bible Verse Learn-by-Heart Schedule” in The Lutheran Catechesis Series. The assigned Bible verse for each of the first 25 weeks of every academic year ties in to the theme of the assigned Catechism for the week. The example is from Year II, week 1, and ties in directly to the First and Second Commandments assigned for the week. The verse for the week may serve as an antiphon when praying the Psalter or it may be recited out loud by itself. ❺ The Psalm for the Week is one of the psalms assigned to the Sunday in the church year for the week in which “The Congregation at Prayer” is used, or it may highlight the Catechism theme for the week. (See Lutheran Catechesis Compendium for psalm suggestions on the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism.) A prayer, provided from the hymnal or written by the pastor, highlights themes from the psalm for the week. The table of daily psalms is from a schedule for praying through the Psalter over the course of sixty days (see Lutheran Catechesis Compendium). ❻ The Catechism for the Week is taken from the “Catechism Learn-by-Heart Schedule” in The Lutheran Catechesis Series. This schedule calls for praying through the Six Chief Parts and Table of Duties sequentially over a 36-week academic year (see Lutheran Catechesis Compendium). A schedule of Catechism readings for the summer is also provided in the compendium.

20 Lutheran Catechesis