Download Audio THE FIFTH PETITION Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins or because of them deny our prayers; for we are worthy of none of the things for which […]
Download Audio THE FOURTH PETITION Give us today our daily bread. What does this mean? God surely gives daily bread without our asking, even to all the wicked, but we pray in this petition that he would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What, then, is meant by […]
Download Audio THE THIRD PETITION Your will be done on earth as in heaven. What does this mean? God’s good and gracious will certainly is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when he breaks […]
Download Audio THE SECOND PETITION Your kingdom come. What does this mean? God’s kingdom certainly comes by itself even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also come to us. How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives his Holy Spirit, so that by his […]
Download Audio THE ADDRESS Our Father in heaven. What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that we may pray to him as boldly and confidently as dear children ask their dear father. OUR FATHER We […]
Download Audio THE FIRST PETITION Hallowed be your name. What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy by itself, but we pray in this petition that we too may keep it holy. How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when his Word is taught in its truth and purity and […]
Download Audio Divider page for the Exposition Luther’s Small Catechism: Apostles’ Creed, with an image of a stained-glass window depicting praying hands raised over a brass incense burner, with the smoke of the incense rising. In the lower right of the image is the caption: Psalm 141:2 describes prayer as incense that rises to God. […]
Download Audio 238. As Christians we will remain both old Adam and new self for the rest of our earthly lives. How does that reality influence the way we live our lives? First Corinthians 10:12 If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! First Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken […]
Download Audio 230. What will our bodies be like after our resurrection? John 5:28 and 29 Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have […]
Download Audio A CLOSER LOOK There are two basic approaches to religion in the world. One approach claims that humans are able to contribute something toward their salvation, to offer a level of righteousness that God will accept. The other approach, the Bible’s, recognizes that there is nothing we can offer to God by our […]