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This teaching emphasizes the centrality of prayer in the Christian life, mentioning the benefits of praying aloud. Various forms of prayer are given in some detail. Sincere, repentant, and faithful prayers are contrasted with wordy and eloquent prayers. Praying to God the Father, through the Son, is compared to praying directly to either the Son or to the Holy Spirit. Persevering in prayer, despite our limitations and weaknesses, is a significant takeaway.

This teaching by Pastor Rhode focuses on two topics: confession and absolution within the context of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as well as prayer. Here's an outline of the confession and absolution section:
1. Critique of Auricular/Spoken Confession in Roman Catholicism: Described as a legalistic. A requirement that tortures consciences and is out of harmony with the Word of God. Individuals are pressured to confess all mortal sins to a priest for forgiveness, which can lead to anxiety and fear.
2. Threefold Distinction of Confession as described in Holy Scriptures:
Confession to God, Confession for Reconciliation with Neighbor, and Confession Prior to Baptism. 3. Retention of Confession in the LCMS: This discussion is particular to and concerning admission to the Lord's Supper. The importance of confessing repentance and faith to the pastor before participating in communion is highlighted.
4. Purpose of Confession and Doctrinal Examination: Includes exploring whether individuals seeking admission to the Lord's Supper are moved by true repentance. More precisely what is their understanding about sin, repentance, and faith. When discussed with a pastor, this serves as an opportunity for pastors to inquire about individuals' beliefs and provide further instruction.
In the second half of this teaching. Pastor Rhode underscores the significance of prayer as a duty mandated by God for Christians. He draws upon Martin Luther's teachings that stress prayer to be consistent prayer. It is crucial and failing to do so is a violation of God's commandment. Moreover, Luther highlights God's promise to hear prayers. The Lord's Prayer as a blueprint for believers. Forms of prayer can include petition, confession, thanksgiving, and praise. Both spontaneous and written prayers are discussed. The richness of written prayers, particularly the Psalms, can provide heartfelt communication with God. Even silence before God can serve as a form of prayer, especially in moments when words fail or when one seeks closeness to God. In essence, Pastor Rhode encourages believers to embrace prayer as a multifaceted and essential aspect of their relationship with God.

Individual or private absolution is discussed.

The subjects of absolution, forgiveness of sin by God to believers, forgiveness between believers, impenitence, excommunication, and the office of the keys are among the subjects covered. The "keys of the kingdom of heaven" in Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:15-20, and John 20:19-23, are the authority given by Christ to the Church, specifically to forgive sins and retain them. In Matthew 16, Peter is given the keys, representing the ministry of the Word through which sins are bound or loosed. Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of reconciliation within the Christian community and the authority to bind or loose sins. John 20 depicts Jesus granting the disciples the power to forgive sins. This was done by Christ breathing on them and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This teaching highlights the responsibility of Church through the Pastoral Office to proclaim forgiveness and administer absolution through confession, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation and peace with God.

The initial 45 minutes of the session provide recommendations for books to explore once the current book concludes. We will "vote" in two weeks. The teaching on the Lord's Supper and the Sacrament of Absolution begins at the 38-minute mark of this session. The following is emphasized. It is crucial to approach the Lord's Supper with inward reverence, understanding that Christ's real presence is in the elements. The "keys of the kingdom of heaven" refer to the ministry of the Word, through which sins are either bound or loosed. This authority is given to the Church, which exercises absolution or lack of absolution based on genuine repentance and faith. This authority within the Church is primarily exercised through the pastoral office, which acts on behalf of Christ. Absolution is granted to the penitent, while withholding forgiveness is administered to the impenitent or unbelieving, following biblical principles and divine guidance.

This session delves deeper into the significance of the Lord's Supper and communion in Christianity, highlighting God's grace in welcoming believers back into His covenant despite their weaknesses and sins. Drawing parallels from the Prodigal Son parable, it emphasizes that communion not only brings forgiveness but also strengthens and rejuvenates faith. The sacrament promotes mutual love and unity among Christians and should be approached with reverence and understanding to avoid negative spiritual consequences. Overall, the Lord's Supper is portrayed as a source of comfort, strength, and joy that connects believers intimately with Christ and fellow believers in the body of Christ.