Growing In Faith Together
February 7, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Exodus 34:29:-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-43
Gathered by Grace
The Season of Epiphany that began with a hint of the Trinity ends with yet another glimpse. Jesus takes three of his disciples with him to the mountain to pray. The "Voice" again…this time not a dove descending, but a cloud. And even Jesus' clothes become dazzling white. What must have been going on in the minds of the three disciples, as they kept silent about all that they had seen?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why do you think Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to pray? How is praying with a group different than praying alone?
* What language would you use to describe the effect of a close encounter with God?
* Prayer is clearly a part of Jesus’ relationship with God. How is prayer a part of your relationship with God? What is one question you have about prayer?
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: Exodus 6:1-13; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
Try to memorize:This is my Son, my Chosen one, listen to him.
For the Week:
God of glory and majesty may the bright fire of your transforming love shine through all I do.
Throughout the Day:
O God, help me listen to your voice.
A Blessing to Share:
Go - shine with the love of God.
For mealtime say responsively: We are mirrors, reflecting the glory of the Lord: Thanks be to God!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
For further reflection
Devotional Practice
Jesus withdrew in order to pray, as when he went up the mountain in our Gospel. He invites three of his friends to go with him. Time in prayer can yield more than we bargain for. For Peter, John, and James this time of prayer is frightening, awe-inspiring, humbling. Reflect on your own life of faith. What prayers have been answered in unexpected ways? When have you seen Christ in a place you did not want to find Christ? When has Christ led you to a place you did not want to be?
Ritual for the Epiphany Season
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
Scattered to serve
Say “Thank you”… a lot – Everyone works hard. Thanks are especially important to the postal worker, the government employee, the waitress, the bus driver, the grocery store cashiers (especially when you bring up all that produce and they have to look-up every single code) and baggers.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org
Today’s Texts:
Exodus 34:29:-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-43
Gathered by Grace
The Season of Epiphany that began with a hint of the Trinity ends with yet another glimpse. Jesus takes three of his disciples with him to the mountain to pray. The "Voice" again…this time not a dove descending, but a cloud. And even Jesus' clothes become dazzling white. What must have been going on in the minds of the three disciples, as they kept silent about all that they had seen?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why do you think Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to pray? How is praying with a group different than praying alone?
* What language would you use to describe the effect of a close encounter with God?
* Prayer is clearly a part of Jesus’ relationship with God. How is prayer a part of your relationship with God? What is one question you have about prayer?
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 9:28-43
Monday - Psalm 99:5-9
Tuesday - Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Ash Wednesday - Psalm 51: 1-17
Thursday - 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10
Friday - Psalm 91:1-2,9-16
Saturday - Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sunday - Luke 4:1-13
NEXT SUNDAY: Exodus 6:1-13; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
Try to memorize:This is my Son, my Chosen one, listen to him.
- Luke 9:35
Prayers for this WeekFor the Week:
God of glory and majesty may the bright fire of your transforming love shine through all I do.
Throughout the Day:
O God, help me listen to your voice.
A Blessing to Share:
Go - shine with the love of God.
For mealtime say responsively: We are mirrors, reflecting the glory of the Lord: Thanks be to God!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
For further reflection
Devotional Practice
Jesus withdrew in order to pray, as when he went up the mountain in our Gospel. He invites three of his friends to go with him. Time in prayer can yield more than we bargain for. For Peter, John, and James this time of prayer is frightening, awe-inspiring, humbling. Reflect on your own life of faith. What prayers have been answered in unexpected ways? When have you seen Christ in a place you did not want to find Christ? When has Christ led you to a place you did not want to be?
Ritual for the Epiphany Season
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
Scattered to serve
Say “Thank you”… a lot – Everyone works hard. Thanks are especially important to the postal worker, the government employee, the waitress, the bus driver, the grocery store cashiers (especially when you bring up all that produce and they have to look-up every single code) and baggers.
Weekly Reflection on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org