The Lutheran Order of Service for Laetare (Fourth Sunday in Lent: Little Easter) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of St. John in the twelfth chapter the verses 20-26 written by my brother missionary Christoph D. Weber (Umlazi LC, KZN) in seTswana (wt1518150315 Letare) and translated as usual into isiZulu (wz1518150315 Letare) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for Laetare are:

• Old Testament:       Isaiah 54:7-10
• The Epistle:            2 Corinthians 1:3-7
• The Gospel:            St. John 12:20-26
• Psalm:                    84:6-8.12

The liturgical colour is violet.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this week of Laetare:  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (Joh 12:24 KJV)

A collect for Laetare: O God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You I willing obedience;  through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (LSB Altar Book 874)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.