To Encourage Family Devotions, Lutheran Fathers,and Young Men

WHEREAS, The Triune God commands that children be taught His Word by their parents and by the Church (Deut. 4:9– 10; Deut. 6:5–9; Psalm 78; Matt. 19:13–15; 28:16–20; Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 4:10–11); and

WHEREAS, The Treasury of Daily Prayer teaches that “the rhythm of daily prayer is really catechesis in the Word of God” (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2008, 15); and

WHEREAS, The Word of God commands that fathers bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4), that children are to hear their father’s instructions and be attentive (Prov. 1:8; 4:1; 6:20), and that we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and

WHEREAS, Parents and children live daily in the forgiveness and motivation of God’s grace; and

WHEREAS, Luther’s Small Catechism directs the head of the family to teach his household in a simple way, recognizing that some mothers serve as head of the household due to the absence of a father or the abdication of his responsibility;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourages a robust devotional life for the members of its congregations; and be it further

Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged to intentionally provide instruction to boys and young men that they might be raised as godly men and heads of households according to the Word of God; and be it finally

Resolved, That fathers be encouraged in their duty to teach their family the Christian faith through daily devotions with their wives and children