G.I.F.T. 2-14-16

 Growing In Faith Together   
 February 14, 2016


 Today’s Texts 
 Deuteronomy 26:1-11
 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
 Romans 10: 8b-13
 Luke 4:1-13

Gathered by Grace
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is an opportune time to return to the God who rescues; to receive the gifts of God's grace; to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God's love in Jesus; and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares.

* What, in your view, is the #1 temptation facing North American Christians today?
* How might you live your life as a reflection of trusting God’s word alone?
* If you feel that you and God are drifting apart or that God has forgotten your name, how do you regain your confidence in God’s loving relationship with you?

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  Luke 4:1-13
Monday  Psalm 17:6-8
Tuesday  Zechariah 3:6-10
Wednesday  Job 1:1-22
Thursday  Psalm 27
Friday  Philippians 3:17-20
Saturday  Psalm 118:26-29
Sunday  Luke 13:31-35

NEXT SUNDAY: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35

Try to memorize: 
Say to the Lord,
“My refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 

Prayers for this Week 

For the Week: Guide my Lenten journey with your Spirit.

Throughout the Day: O God, help me trust your Word alone.

A Blessing to Share: We are gathered by grace and scattered for service.

For mealtime say responsively: Worship the Lord your God: Serve the Lord with gladness.

Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind 
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.

For further reflection  

Devotional Practice
The Gospel tells a story about how evil works on the basis of distortions and lies. Where do we hear lies today that sound truthful, and what do they seek of or offer to us? What most puts your trust of God to the test? Create a prayer for the Spirit’s leading. Use it daily this week.

Ritual for the Epiphany Season 
One faith practice in Lent is prayer which allows you to keep concerns and people in your heart and before God. Find some kind of box to be used as a prayer box.  Make a list of prayer topics and write each one onto a separate index card. Place the cards into the box. At the start of each week, pull out one or two cards and place these on your fridge or notice board as your prayer topic for the week.

Scattered to serve 
Another faith practice in Lent is “almsgiving”. To what do you plan to give over the next several weeks? 

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245