Sunday, July 30, 2017

2017 Summer Devotions, week of July 30

July 30: Luther’s Catechism – Ten Commandments 

Share 
Share your highs and lows with each other, or write them here:
Highs
Lows








Read
Read one or more of the following texts:
Exodus 20:1-17
Luke 10:25-28

Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism as a teaching tool for parents to use with their children.   As we draw closer to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (Oct. 31st), we take the opportunity to reflect on his catechism and how we too might learn and grow in faith.

The Ten Commandments are fairly straightforward – you shall and you shall not.  Luther expands on each of them to get at the fuller sense of what was their original intention.  For example, it is not just what we shall not murder but “we are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life’s needs”.

Talk
Questions for conversation or personal reflection:
1)      Jesus words to the lawyer (Luke passage) summarize the Ten Commandments.   How do we love God by living out his commandments?
2)      Create your own list of commandments:
a.      What rules might help people love each other and God more?
3)      How does the reading for today connect with your highs and lows?
Pray
Pray about your highs and lows, and any other needs you might have for today.  If you wish, write your prayers here:
My prayers









Bless
Offer a blessing. Use “God loves you today and always,” or make up your own as a reminder of God’s love in your life.  Make the sign of the cross on each other’s forehead as you do this.  If desired, use water to make the cross.

Bonus Activity:

Get a copy of Luther’s Small catechism and read through his explanation of each of the Commandments.  Pick one of these explanations and plan on specific ways that you might live it out this week.

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