The ABCs of our faith
Dear friends in Christ at Grue and Peace,
Every day. As you may recall, in my message for the annual report I mentioned how Martin Luther encouraged reciting the Commandments, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer every day. And you may have noticed how I’ve added a section of the Small Catechism to our worship each week.
There’s a reason beyond just reviewing the teaching of the Commandments, Creed and Lord’s Prayer. Like the very first words we learn when learning how to talk or how to write, these words are building blocks of all our listening and reading, all our speaking and writing as Christians. They are the ABCs of our faith.
Reciting the Commandments daily beginning with the promise of the First Commandment — I AM the Lord your God — prepares your ears to hear all your true God’s promises. Repeating the Creed every day opens your ears to hear the story of God creating and rescuing and liberating you in Jesus. Reciting the Lord’s Prayer every day opens your lips to life-giving conversation with God.
Practicing these words every day equips us for life with God and with the people God has placed in our lives. When we recite them every day, we’re practiced and ready to listen to God and respond in prayer. When we use these every day, we’re practiced and ready to speak to the people in our lives as neighbors, as sisters and brothers in Christ (not strangers or threats or enemies).
I encourage you to take home each week’s Sunday bulletin and use the featured section of the Small Catechism each day through the week. If you want a copy of the Small Catechism for your phone, an app is available from Augsburg Fortress through the App Store and Google Play. We also have copies of By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther’s Small Catechism for those who want a resource for personal study. This is as important for your spiritual health as a daily walk is for your physical health. Set an alarm to remind yourself. Incorporate it into your daily routine. Take this walk of faith every day.
~Pastor Marcus Kunz