We are in our sixth year of covering the Small Catechism for Lent, and so we have come to the Sacrament of the Altar for Lenten catechesis. The following service plan is suggested for use with either a prayer office (Vespers recommended), or because of the topic, a Divine Service (DS 3 is recommended).
Ash Wednesday
Normal Propers
Lent Midweek 2 – “What is the Lord’s Supper” (Real Presence emphasis)
Vespers
Opening 619
Psalm 23
Office Hymn 627
Lessons
1 Cor 10:1-22
Matthew 26:26-29
Closing Hymn 585
Lent Midweek 3 – “Where is this Written” (Emphasis on the Words of Institution)
Vespers
Opening 433
Psalm 111
Office Hymn 634
Lessons
Exodus 12:43-51
Mark 14:22-25
Closing Hymn 559
Lent Midweek 4 – “What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?”
Vespers
Opening 618
Psalm 116
Office Hymn 620
Lessons
Acts 2:42-47
Luke 22:19-20
Closing Hymn 617
Lent Midweek 5 – “How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?” (emphasis on the efficacy of the Word along with eating and drinking)
Vespers
Opening 623
Psalm 34
Office Hymn 622
Lessons
Exodus 16:1-35
1 Cor 11:23-26
Closing Hymn 865
Lent Midweek 6 – “Who receives this sacrament worthily?” (emphasis on faith in the Words)
Vespers
Opening 636
Psalm 50
Office Hymn 625
Lessons
John 6:47-58
1 Cor 11:27-34
Closing Hymn 627
Holy Week
Normal Propers