Study guide for “The power of connection”
Study Guides

Study guide for “The power of connection”

We are not meant to be Christians alone, whether individuals or congregations, synods or denominations. Interdependence is hardwired into the Christian witness. For example, in teaching disciples the Lord’s Prayer…

Study guide for “What is your favorite hymn?”
Study Guides

Study guide for “What is your favorite hymn?”

Every time Lutherans sing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” we are reminded anew that music is hardwired into our worship and devotion. After all, it was Martin Luther himself…

Shutting the evil eye
Lectionary Blog

Shutting the evil eye

Lectionary for Sept. 20, 2026 17th Sunday after Pentecost Jonah 3:10–4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 We’ve been talking a lot about forgiveness recently. Good! I think that is…

True forgiveness
Lectionary Blog

True forgiveness

Lectionary blog for Sept. 13, 2026 16th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 We love grace! Can’t get enough of it, really. “Amazing Grace” is…

Prayer for Sept. 5
Prayer Ventures

Prayer for Sept. 5

Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource “Prayer ventures.” These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life as together we…

A loving call to return
Lectionary Blog

A loving call to return

Lectionary for Sept. 6, 2026 15th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 I’m just finishing a conference in Philadelphia as I write this. Last night…

Jesus, David and state violence
Lectionary Blog

Jesus, David and state violence

Lectionary for Aug. 30, 2026 14th Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28 I know that I’m out of step with most Lutherans in my belief…

Belief and actions
Lectionary Blog

Belief and actions

Lectionary for Aug. 23, 2026 13th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20 What’s the best thing about your church? No, think for a minute before…

Language and foreigners
Lectionary Blog

Language and foreigners

Lectionary for Aug. 16, 2026 12th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: [10-20] 21-28 Regrettably, astonishingly and shamefully, much of the national dialogue…

A tale of two kisses
Lectionary Blog

A tale of two kisses

Lectionary for Aug. 9, 2026 11th Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 They say that symmetry is tied to perceptions of beauty. Denzel Washington’s…

Don’t steal the bread!
Lectionary Blog

Don’t steal the bread!

Lectionary for Aug. 2, 2026 10th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 One of the proverbs we quote most in my house is: “An…

ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering—Woven Together
Living Faithfully

ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering—Woven Together

Take a look at this collection of photographs from the 2026 ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering, held under the theme “Woven Together.”