Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.(Matthew 15:28)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE WEEK
- Opening Hymn “In Christ There Is No East or West” (LSB 653)
- Hymn of the Day “When in the Hour of Deepest Need” (LSB 615) Text here.
- Communion Distribution Hymns
- “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me” (LSB 683) Text here.
- “Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You” (LSB 668) Text here.
- “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (LSB 770)
- “Chief of Sinners Though I Be” (LSB 611)
- “Hear Us, Father, When We Pray” (LSB 773)
- Closing Hymn “Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go” (LSB 920)
Second sunday in martyrs’ tide
Sermon Starter
In today’s Gospel we learn about a Canaanite woman who prayed to Jesus for mercy because her daughter was possessed by a demon. She believed Him to be the promised Messiah and Deliverer from sin and the devil’s power. Although she was a Canaanite and not a Jew, she believed the promise that was made to Abraham, “In your Seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 22:18)
By this word, God promised Abraham a Savior for all people – for all sinners. Her faith rested on that promise. She believed this word of the Gospel. It was the only ground of certainty and the only thing that could give her hope. Her prayer claimed that promise.
Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.