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January 25, 2026
See TodayThe Conversion of St. Paul
Three-Year Lectionary · Series A
- First Reading
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Acts 9:1–22 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
- Psalm
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Psalm 67 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.
1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
- Epistle
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Gal. 1:11–24 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.
- Gospel
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Matt. 19:27–30 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
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27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
The Conversion of St. Paul
Three-Year Lectionary · Series A
About this service
God’s Enemies Are Conquered by the Revelation of Grace in Christ
Christ brings about a great reversal in St. Paul. “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (Gal. 1:23). The enemy of the Gospel becomes its foremost preacher, and the last of the apostles becomes the first (Matt. 19:30). Paul is God’s “chosen instrument … to carry [His] name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). The conversion of Paul is only a more dramatic example of what God does in revealing Christ to us. The bondage of our sin makes saving faith impossible. “I believe that I cannot … believe” (Small Catechism, Third Article of the Creed). But even this is no obstacle for our Lord’s grace in Christ and the Holy Spirit’s power through the Gospel. Baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and hearing the Word of Christ, our ears are opened and our spiritual blindness is lifted (Acts 9:17–19). It is dangerous to be a traitor to Christ’s enemies — “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16) — but everything that is left behind is “rubbish” compared to “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:8) and the eternal life that we, with St. Paul, will at last inherit (Matt. 19:29).
Source: LCMS Worship, Lectionary Summaries — Three-Year Lectionary Series A (opens in a new tab). Used by permission. These pages may be reproduced for congregational use only. Commercial reproduction, or reproduction for sale of this work or any portion of this work, without the written permission of the copyright holder, is prohibited. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Scripture quoted in the summary is from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Introit, Gradual and Verse
Reviewed Introit, Gradual and Verse citations have not yet been published in the Toolbox for this service.
Prayers of the Church
Prayers of the Church for January 25, 2026 — Responsive Form
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Ever-living God, You brought to faith the prime opponent of Your Church, turning Saul into St. Paul. Bring many of Your enemies through the cleansing flood of Holy Baptism, that washed of their wickedness, they would prove by their lives that Jesus is the Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy God, eternal Light, You made Paul a minister according to the gift of Your grace. Embolden our pastors to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Open our ears to hear and our hearts to believe their message that the King of kings has given His life for us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, our God, be gracious to husbands and wives, parents and children. Bless them and make Your face shine upon them, that they may know Your saving power and make Your truth known on earth to the coming generation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Righteous Lord, guide the nations upon the earth and all who make, administer and judge our laws. Grant that we might walk in the path of justice and responsibly exercise liberty, that peace might rule the nations and all people. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, as we follow the way of Your apostles into Your presence, You join our prayers to the ceaseless petitions of Your dear Son. Hear us for the sake of the troubled, the sick and the dying [especially _____________]. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, as You have given us new life and eternal treasures stored up in heaven until the day of Your Son’s return, grant that all who commune today would receive this feast for the forgiveness of their sins and the strengthening of their faith toward You and in fervent love toward their neighbors. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, grant us and Your whole Church on earth unity and harmony, that our life may be marked by worship, witness, prayer and service to those within and outside of the household of faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Living God, to whom live all who die in Christ, receive our thanks for the saints who loved Your appearing and remained faithful unto death. Give to them the crown of everlasting life. Give us courage, that we may follow where they have led the way. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series A 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Prayers of the Church for January 25, 2026 — Ektene Form
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the enemies of Christ, that God would bring them through the flood of Holy Baptism and wash them of their wickedness in order to confess that Jesus is the Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all pastors, that God would embolden them like His servant Paul to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; and that He would open the ears and hearts of their listeners to believe the message that the King of kings has given His life for all, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For husbands and wives, parents and children, that the Lord would bless them, make His face shine upon them and make known to them His saving power, that they, in turn, may make His truth known on the earth to the coming generation, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the nations and all who make, administer and judge our laws, that we may walk in the path of justice and responsibly exercise liberty; and that peace might rule the nations and all people, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the troubled, the sick and the dying, [especially _____________,] that by the prayers of Christ Himself they would be brought through their trials, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all who commune today, that as recipients of new life and eternal treasures stored up in heaven, we might receive this feast for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith and love, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the unity of the Church and harmony among its members; and for our life together in worship, witness, prayer and service to those within and outside of the household of faith, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
In thanksgiving for the saints who remained faithful unto death and have received the crown of life, that we would be given courage to follow where they have led the way, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
Hear us, heavenly Father, for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series A 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Hymn of the Day
LSB 611 Chief of Sinners Though I Be
The LCMS Hymn of the Day list appoints this hymn as the Hymn of the Day for Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity (One-Year) and The Conversion of St. Paul (Series A).
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn of the Day — Arranged by Church Year, p. 170 (opens in a new tab). Appointment identity only. Lutheran Service Book text and LCMS study content are not reproduced.
LSB 834 O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth
The LCMS Hymn of the Day list appoints this hymn as the Hymn of the Day for The Conversion of St. Paul (Series A), Proper 6 (Series A and B) and Epiphany 7 (Series C).
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn of the Day — Arranged by Church Year, pp. 167, 168, 170 (opens in a new tab). Appointment identity only. Lutheran Service Book text and LCMS study content are not reproduced.
Chief of Sinners Though I Be — Historical TLH Edition
Historical text notice: This is the public-domain text of The Lutheran Hymnal 342, not the Lutheran Service Book 611 text. Wording and stanza form may differ.
1. Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high,
Lived that I might never die,
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His, and He is mine.
2. Oh, the height of Jesus’ love!
Higher than the heavens above,
Deeper than the depths of sea,
Lasting as eternity.
Love that found me–wondrous thought!–
Found me when I sought Him not.
3. Jesus only can impart
Balm to heal the smitten heart;
Peace that flows from sin forgiven,
Joy that lifts the soul to heaven;
Faith and hope to walk with God
In the way that Enoch trod.
4. Chief of sinner though I be,
Christ is All in all to me;
All my wants to Him are known,
All my sorrows are His own.
Safe with Him from earthly strife,
He sustains the hidden life.
5. O my Savior, help afford
By Thy Spirit and Thy Word!
When my wayward heart would stray,
Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply
While I live and when I die.
by William McComb, 1793-c. 1870
Source: Project Wittenberg; The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 342; text as printed in The Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal (1942) (opens in a new tab). Public domain. Project Wittenberg permits distribution, copying and printing.
Suggested hymns
- Entrance LSB 517 By All Your Saints in Warfare
- Distribution LSB 609 Jesus Sinners Doth Receive
- Distribution LSB 566 By Grace I’m Saved
- Closing LSB 832 Jesus Shall Reign
Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn Suggestions — Three-Year Lectionary Series A 2025–26 (opens in a new tab). Hymn numbers and titles only; hymn texts are not reproduced. Reproduction for individual, church or school use does not require permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.