PRAYER FROM LUTHER’S PRAYERS:

Dear Lord God and Father, convert and control. Convertthose who are still to become children and members of your kingdom, that together we may serve you in your kingdom inthe right faith and true love and pass from this kingdom begun here into your eternal kingdom. Control those whowould not withdraw their might and means from disturbingyour kingdom. May they be dethroned and in humiliationstop molesting your kingdom. Amen

From Luther’s Small Catechism:

The Apostle’s Creed

Third Article: Sanctification

I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But theHoly Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened mewith his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifiesthe whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united withJesus Christ in the one true faith.In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives mysins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raiseme and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christeternal life.This is most certainly true.

FIFTH SUNDAYIN LENT

Almighty God, our redeemer, in our weakness we have failed to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope in the world. Renew us by your Holy Spirit, that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with youand the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.