Growing In Faith Together
October 11th 2015
NOTE: If all these suggestions overwhelm you, just pick one to try out for the week. Maybe read the Bible texts; maybe use the meal prayer; maybe begin the seasonal ritual. This is a smorgasbord of possibilities. Taste what looks good today and leave the others for another day! -PLZ
Today’s Texts
Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
Gathered by Grace
Jesus makes it clear that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* If you had to sum up what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in four words or less, what would you say?
* What do you think motivated the Zebedees to ask a favor of Jesus?
* At Jesus’ last moments on earth, who were on his right and left hand? (Clue: See Mark 15:27-32)
* Jesus told the disciples that the way to rank first is by serving others. What does service look like from your vantage point?
* What opportunities to serve do you have?
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Mark 10:35-45 Thursday Psalm 46
Monday Job 40 Friday Jeremiah 31:31-34
Tuesday Psalm 37:25-29 Saturday Romans 3:19-28
Wednesday John 13:1-17 Sunday John 8:31-36
NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
Memory verse: Whoever wishes to be first among you
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: I see your infinite love, O God. Let it change my heart.
Throughout the Day: I ask for the grace to serve.
A Blessing to Share: May the love of God lead you.
For Mealtime say responsively: He has borne our sins: by his bruises we are healed.
Fall Meal Prayer:
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Jesus asks his disciples, “What is it you want me to do for you?” Ponder that wonderful question in your prayer this week. Take a few moments for silence and deep breaths. Imagine Jesus coming to you, calling you by name and asking you, “What is it you want me to do for you?” How do you answer? Now imagine Jesus coming to you and calling you by name. This time, imagine you asking Jesus, “What is it you want me to do for you?” Be still and listen.
Fall Ritual:
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. Each day, review your list and add one more thing. Think of how many things you will have by Thanksgiving! We tend to fixate on what's going wrong ? or might go wrong. A gratitude journal re-directs our thinking to God’s good gifts.
Scattered to serve
Can you help at Free Lunch this week? Gloria Dei serves on Friday October 23. 1105 S. Gilbert Court anytime between 11 am and 1:30 pm.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org
October 11th 2015
NOTE: If all these suggestions overwhelm you, just pick one to try out for the week. Maybe read the Bible texts; maybe use the meal prayer; maybe begin the seasonal ritual. This is a smorgasbord of possibilities. Taste what looks good today and leave the others for another day! -PLZ
Today’s Texts
Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
Gathered by Grace
Jesus makes it clear that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* If you had to sum up what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in four words or less, what would you say?
* What do you think motivated the Zebedees to ask a favor of Jesus?
* At Jesus’ last moments on earth, who were on his right and left hand? (Clue: See Mark 15:27-32)
* Jesus told the disciples that the way to rank first is by serving others. What does service look like from your vantage point?
* What opportunities to serve do you have?
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Mark 10:35-45 Thursday Psalm 46
Monday Job 40 Friday Jeremiah 31:31-34
Tuesday Psalm 37:25-29 Saturday Romans 3:19-28
Wednesday John 13:1-17 Sunday John 8:31-36
NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
Memory verse: Whoever wishes to be first among you
must be slave of all. Mark 10:44
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: I see your infinite love, O God. Let it change my heart.
Throughout the Day: I ask for the grace to serve.
A Blessing to Share: May the love of God lead you.
For Mealtime say responsively: He has borne our sins: by his bruises we are healed.
Fall Meal Prayer:
We thank the Lord for food and drink,
For appetite and power to think,
For loved ones dear, for home and friends,
For everything the good Lord sends. Amen
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Jesus asks his disciples, “What is it you want me to do for you?” Ponder that wonderful question in your prayer this week. Take a few moments for silence and deep breaths. Imagine Jesus coming to you, calling you by name and asking you, “What is it you want me to do for you?” How do you answer? Now imagine Jesus coming to you and calling you by name. This time, imagine you asking Jesus, “What is it you want me to do for you?” Be still and listen.
Fall Ritual:
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. Each day, review your list and add one more thing. Think of how many things you will have by Thanksgiving! We tend to fixate on what's going wrong ? or might go wrong. A gratitude journal re-directs our thinking to God’s good gifts.
Scattered to serve
Can you help at Free Lunch this week? Gloria Dei serves on Friday October 23. 1105 S. Gilbert Court anytime between 11 am and 1:30 pm.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org