Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, February 1, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JeXrY0QeJ7rJFOlY1jVe7YvpJs4K1dUisaullwBVPRg/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8 With what shall I come before the Lord?

Psalm 15 “O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?”

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
 

Theme

Today’s Old Testament Reading is the basis for the reproaches, traditionally spoken on Good Friday: “Thus says the Lord: What have I done to you, O My people . . .” We know that, like God’s ancient people, we fail to live in ways pleasing to Him. In terms of the Epistle, we reflect the world around us in its false wisdom, rather than rejoicing in God’s great folly in sacrificing His Son for us. And so, we pay more attention to the beginning of each Beatitude rather than finding solace in the reason for the blessing coming with that circumstance or action. But the Law-filled “do” in that list is covered by the “done” in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord. He is the only One who fulfilled all our heavenly Father’s will. And the Good News is that He did it in our place! He took all the Father’s reproaches, all our worldliness, and all our failures to the cross. The great epiphany there was our Lord’s showing the world God’s boundless love for us. How shall we respond?

                                       

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Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.