Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/991805
The next two pages give learners a chance to look at much of the Rite of Confirmation. This should help reinforce the purpose of confirmation for your students, which revolves around an ongoing com- mitment to the baptismal life of faith after a period of instruction in the timeless truths of God's Word. You can approach the fol- lowing two pages in several ways. Pick what works best for your individual students, their skills, and your class- room style. • Practice reading through the words of the rite in the left column together; then go through the questions and comments on the right column in small groups or all together. • Talk through the rite one section or question at a time, pausing after each question to talk through the deeper meaning. • Have each confirmand read through the rite and personally respond to the questions and comments in writing (e.g., in a journal). After all the students are done, discuss the questions together out loud in class, providing opportunities for students to share what they wrote and/or to ask questions. 8 Q: What are the gifts God gave at your Baptism? Q: What does the word renounce mean? Look it up! Q: What do you think are the works and ways of the devil? Q: Where have you seen these words before? Why do you think you pledge your belief in them at the Rite of Confirmation? 6 P Do you this day in the presence of God and of this congregation acknowledge the gifts that God gave you in your Baptism? R Yes, I do. P Do you renounce the devil? R Yes, I renounce him. P Do you renounce all his works? R Yes, I renounce them. P Do you renounce all his ways? R Yes, I do renounce them. P Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty? R Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. P Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord? R Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descend- ed into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. P Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? R Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Beginning with the End in Mind—The Rite of Confirmation Digging Deeper At the end of your confirmation instruction, you'll participate in a rite, or ceremony, in front of the congregation, where you will make some pledges to God. These are big, heavy, import- ant things. Below, in the left-hand column, is a portion of that rite (LSB, pp. 272–73). In order to prepare for confirmation instruc- tion, let's take a look at the rite and dig in. The P is the part spoken by the pastor; the R is the part you will respond back. The right-hand column has some questions and notes that will help you better understand these pledges.