Growing In Faith Together
February 21, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
Gathered by Grace
We enter this Gospel story as that brood of chicks who are scattered, distracted, unable, somehow, to comprehend the very real danger which is threatening. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem is also over this world which all too often still refuses the gifts Jesus would so freely give. All it would take for us to survive the attack of the fox would be for us to stand still and stand nearby.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does Jesus’ metaphor about the hen teach us about God?
* How are we, like Jerusalem, “not willing”?
* What are the “foxes” which threaten still today? What difference would it make for us to stand near to Jesus as they approach?
* What is your response to knowing that God’s desire is to gather and embrace you? How can you work to “draw, embrace, include, and welcome God’s children” into God’s intentions for the world?
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.
NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
Try to memorize In the day of trouble,
God will give me shelter.
Prayers for this Week
For the Week:
Sheltering God, gather my doubts and fears. Transform them into confidence in you.
Throughout the Day:
May my life reflect your love and presence.
A Blessing to Share:
We are gathered by grace and scattered for service.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord is my light and salvation: the Lord is my stronghold.
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:
Bless a different room of your home each day this week. Gather in a room to look at the physical possessions that are there, but more importantly, share the stories of love and care that live in these rooms. Ask God to bless and shelter all people.
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
Support Shelter House’s work of helping people move beyond homelessness by participating in the annual Book Sale fundraiser. You can donate books at Gloria Dei and/or you can buy books March 5 and 6 at 1925 Boyrum Street, Iowa City.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org
February 21, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
Gathered by Grace
We enter this Gospel story as that brood of chicks who are scattered, distracted, unable, somehow, to comprehend the very real danger which is threatening. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem is also over this world which all too often still refuses the gifts Jesus would so freely give. All it would take for us to survive the attack of the fox would be for us to stand still and stand nearby.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does Jesus’ metaphor about the hen teach us about God?
* How are we, like Jerusalem, “not willing”?
* What are the “foxes” which threaten still today? What difference would it make for us to stand near to Jesus as they approach?
* What is your response to knowing that God’s desire is to gather and embrace you? How can you work to “draw, embrace, include, and welcome God’s children” into God’s intentions for the world?
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 13:31-35
Monday Psalm 105:1-4
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 10:1-5
Wednesday 2 Chronicles 10:5-9
Thursday Psalm 63:1-4
Friday Revelation 3:1-5
Saturday Isaiah 5:1-4
Sunday Luke13:1-9
NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
Try to memorize In the day of trouble,
God will give me shelter.
Psalm 27:5
Prayers for this Week
For the Week:
Sheltering God, gather my doubts and fears. Transform them into confidence in you.
Throughout the Day:
May my life reflect your love and presence.
A Blessing to Share:
We are gathered by grace and scattered for service.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord is my light and salvation: the Lord is my stronghold.
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:
Bless a different room of your home each day this week. Gather in a room to look at the physical possessions that are there, but more importantly, share the stories of love and care that live in these rooms. Ask God to bless and shelter all people.
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
Support Shelter House’s work of helping people move beyond homelessness by participating in the annual Book Sale fundraiser. You can donate books at Gloria Dei and/or you can buy books March 5 and 6 at 1925 Boyrum Street, Iowa City.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org