TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941; WS = Worship Supplement 2000; LSB = Lutheran Service Book, 2006
Date Hymns Reading Comments
April 1 WS 723 / LSB 543 Exodus 32 While Moses is on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, the people create a golden calf to worship. The Lord chastises His people.
April 2 TLH 158 / LSB 433 Exodus 33 The Lord commands Moses to lead the people away from Sinai. The Lord speaks to Moses face to face in the tent of meeting. Moses intercedes on behalf of the people. Moses asks the Lord to show him His glory.
April 3 TLH 323 Luke 18 Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Jesus invites the children to Himself. Jesus convicts the rich ruler and warns against prioritizing worldly wealth. Jesus predicts His death and resurrection. Jesus heals a blind beggar near Jericho.
April 4 WS 725 / LSB 444 Luke 19 Jesus stays at the house of Zacchaeus. Jesus tells the parable of the ten minas. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. Jesus cleanses the temple.
April 5 TLH 130 Luke 20 The chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge the authority of Jesus. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants. Jesus answers a trick question about paying taxes to Caesar. In response to another trick question from the Sadducees, Jesus teaches about the resurrection from the dead. Jesus asks His opponents how the Christ can be the son of David. Jesus warns the people to beware of the hypocritical scribes.
April 7 TLH 398 / LSB 704 Exodus 34 The Lord commands Moses to cut two new tablets of stone on which the Lord will write the Ten Commandments. The Lord renews His covenant with His people. Moses wears a veil over his face because the shining of his face frightens the people.
April 8 TLH 9 / LSB 906 Exodus 35 Moses instructs the people concerning Sabbath day regulations. Moses directs the people to take a contribution for the construction of the tabernacle. The Lord calls certain men to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings.
April 9 TLH 354 / LSB 427 Exodus 36 Bezalel and Oholiab and other craftsmen construct the tabernacle and its furnishings.
April 10 TLH 178 / LSB 429 Exodus 37 Bezalel crafts the ark of the covenant, the acacia wood table, the gold lampstand, and the altar of incense.
April 11 TLH 516 Luke 22 The chief priests and the scribes plot to kill Jesus. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for money. Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples. During the celebration, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. Jesus teaches His disciples a lesson in humility. Jesus foretells the denial of Peter. Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives. Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Peter denies Jesus. Jesus is mocked and brought before the council of chief priests and scribes.
April 12 WS 724 / LSB 767 Luke 23 The Jewish leaders bring Jesus before Pilate. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus and sends Him to Herod. Herod returns Jesus to Pilate. Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified. Roman soldiers lead Jesus away and crucify Him between two criminals. Jesus dies. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus.
April 14 TLH 146 / LSB 434 Exodus 38 Bezalel constructs the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the tabernacle court.
April 15 TLH 142 / LSB 438 Exodus 39 Craftsmen weave priestly garments from blue and purple and scarlet yarn for Aaron. They craft the ephod, the breastpiece, the robe of the ephod, the linen coats, and the plate of the holy crown. The tabernacle is finished.
April 16 TLH 376 / LSB 761 John 19 Pilate has Jesus flogged. The Roman soldiers mock Jesus. Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified. Roman soldiers lead Jesus away and crucify Him between two criminals. The soldiers divide Jesus’ garments among them. Jesus dies. When a soldier pierces Jesus’ side with a spear, blood and water flow from the wound. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus.
April 17 TLH 163 / LSB 634 Matthew 26 Jesus predicts His death. The chief priests and the elders plot to kill Jesus. A woman anoints Jesus at Bethany. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. While celebrating the Passover with His disciples, Jesus predicts that one of them will betray Him. During the celebration, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. Jesus foretells the denial of Peter. Jesus prays in Gethsemane. Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Jesus is brought before Caiaphas the high priest and the council of the scribes and the elders. Peter denies Jesus.
April 18 TLH 151 / LSB 420 Matthew 27 The Jewish leaders bring Jesus before Pilate. Judas realizes his guilt and hangs himself in despair. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, but the crowd chooses to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified. Roman soldiers mock Jesus before leading Him away and crucifying Him between two criminals. Jesus dies. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus. Pilate gives the chief priests and the Pharisees a guard of soldiers, and the chief priests and the Pharisees secure the tomb of Jesus.
April 19 TLH 167 / LSB 448 Isaiah 65 The same Lord Who pronounces judgment against all wickedness also accomplishes salvation for His people. The Lord promises new heavens and a new earth for His faithful people.
April 21 TLH 199 / LSB 457 Psalm 15 Only a righteous man may stand in the presence of the Lord. We will stand in the presence of the Lord by the righteousness of Christ, which the Lord has imputed to us.
April 22 TLH 195 / LSB 458 Psalm 16 David prophesies the suffering and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (See also Acts 2:25 and Acts 13:35.)
April 23 TLH 198 / LSB 480 Psalm 17 David may have written this prayer while King Saul was trying to kill him. When any physical or spiritual enemy terrifies us, we may join David in praying this beautiful prayer to the Lord.
April 24 WS 733 / LSB 482 Psalm 18 David thanks and praises the Lord in response to the deliverance that the Lord has provided from all of his enemies. Since the Lord delivers us from all of our enemies, we may pray this psalm along with David.
April 25 TLH 189 / LSB 488 Psalm 19 David prophesies that the message of salvation will spread throughout the world. The Lord fulfills this prophecy whenever we hear and believe His Word!
April 26 LSB 916 Psalm 20 We join David in this beautiful proclamation of trust in the name of the Lord!
April 28 TLH 361 / LSB 554 Psalm 21 We are to offer thanksgiving and intercession on behalf of our worldly governing authorities even as we recognize that our true King is Jesus Christ.
April 29 TLH 170 / LSB 452 Psalm 22 David prophesies the suffering and death of Jesus Christ in striking detail.
April 30 TLH 648 / LSB 740 Psalm 23 We join David in thanking and praising the Lord for feeding us with His Word and sacraments and for protecting us from all harm and danger.