Sola Devotions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9–14

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From the Word: Colossians 1:9–14

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Daily Prayers

Returning Thanks

After the meal, they should reverently and with folded hands pray:

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. He gives food to all flesh; He gives food to the beast and to the young ravens that cry. He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.

Then pray the Lord’s Prayer and the following:

We thank Thee, Lord God, our Father, for all Thy benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Pulling It Together: When we return thanks to God, our gratitude should not be merely for the food and drink we have received from him. We should be thankful for all his benefits: for wisdom and a knowledge of God’s good will, for the Spirit’s work within us that brings benefit to our neighbors and contentment to our Father, for enduring faith in difficult times, for the work of Christ Jesus on the cross that has made us fit us for heaven, for the inheritance that awaits us there through faith in God, and for his forgiveness and the salvation that goes hand-in-hand with the absolution of sinners who trust in the merits of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God and Father, for all of your good gifts. Amen.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. 

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