Saturday prior to Proper 20

 

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Exodus 20:1-17- The hymn, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law. A good review of the Ten Commandments. Written by Luther the hymn was intended for instruction especially the youth.  It appears that Luther pioneered the concept of instruction set to music which five centuries later is still a successful technique in teaching the faith.  

The 10 Commandments for personal reflection

1 These are the holy Ten Commands. God gave to us by Moses' hands.

2 "I am alone your God, the Lord;" 

3 "Do not My holy name disgrace," 

4 "You shall observe the worship day." 

5 "You are to honor and obey." 

6 "You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate;" 

7 "Be faithful to your marriage vow;"

8 "You shall not steal or take away."

9. “Bear no false witness not defame." 

10. “You shall not crave your neighbor’s house"

In the final two stanzas Luther eloquently summarizes both the Law and Gospel in four short lines. 

“You have this Law to see therein “Our works cannot salvation gain

That you have not been free from sin They merit only endless pain

But also that you clearly see Forgive us, Lord! To Christ we flee

How put toward God life should be.” Who pleads for us endlessly.”

To which we pray “Have Mercy, LORD!

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A prayer for steadfast faith – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

1. “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. Collects for the Lord’s Guidance and a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis