Why do we say the words, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost?”
We are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Saying these words as we begin our worship reminds us of the covenant God made with us when He blessed us with Baptism.
What does this have to do with our worship?
We come into the presence of God when we worship. We need to remember that we come into His presence as those who have been washed in the blessings of Baptism; namely the forgiveness of sins, eternal salvation, and the Holy Spirit Who gives us faith and sustains our faith in the ministry of the Word and Sacraments. It is in that covenant and those blessings that we come before God in worship.
What does the Bible say about this?
Luke 3:21-22 The three Persons of the Trinity are present at the baptism of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. The first means of doing this is by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Suggestions
Teach the family ways to remember their baptism. This could be done by making the sign of the cross as they begin their day in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It could be done by speaking these words as the morning shower hits them. Look for ways to remind yourselves of the wonderful covenant of grace God made with us at our baptism. You may want to use the following hymns from Lutheran Service Book: 506, 548, 590, 593, 805
Object Lesson
Tie a string around your finger or write a note to yourself. Teach your children that this is to remind you of something important. Have them say the words of the Invocation. Teach them that these words are to remind us that we are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. God has blessed us with forgiveness of the bad things we do, the gift of eternal life with Him in heaven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in us and strengthens our faith by feeding our faith each day with God’s Word. Then have them speak the Invocation again.
Prayer
Lord, help us to remember all the blessings You have given us by baptizing us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.