Growing In Faith Together
May 29, 2016
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 8:22-23,
41-43
Psalm 96:1-9
Galatians 1:1-12
Luke 7:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Today’s readings speak of our faith in God, and how we live that out. The Roman centurion recognized Jesus’s authority (even over illness and death?). Jesus is impressed by his faith, and remarks that he has never found such faith before – not even in Israel.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you describe faith?
* Do you think the centurion in Luke's account shows such faith?
* What does this encounter tell you about the centurion? And what does it tell you about Jesus?
* Am I taking my cues from the friends of the Centurion and going to God on someone’s behalf?
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: 1Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30; Galatians1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Let me see you work in other people and myself.
Throughout the Day:
Help me to be ready to pray for others as readily as for myself.
A Blessing to Share:
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively:
Sing to the Lord a new song: Sing to the Lord all the earth.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In the first lesson, Solomon is described as spreading out his hands to heaven. This is called the orans, a posture of raising one's hands in prayer. The gesture signifies the opening of the self in praise or supplication to God. This week say a prayer of praise or request to God using this body posture. Afterwards, reflect on how you felt as you did that.
Summer Ritual:
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors. Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
One way we can serve others best is by bringing their needs before God in prayer. What needs do you see in the lives of others around you? Make a point of praying for 2-3 people in particular this week. Send them a card to let them know that they have been in your thoughts and prayers.
May 29, 2016
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 8:22-23,
41-43
Psalm 96:1-9
Galatians 1:1-12
Luke 7:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Today’s readings speak of our faith in God, and how we live that out. The Roman centurion recognized Jesus’s authority (even over illness and death?). Jesus is impressed by his faith, and remarks that he has never found such faith before – not even in Israel.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you describe faith?
* Do you think the centurion in Luke's account shows such faith?
* What does this encounter tell you about the centurion? And what does it tell you about Jesus?
* Am I taking my cues from the friends of the Centurion and going to God on someone’s behalf?
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 7:1-10
Monday Jonah 4:1-11
Tuesday Acts 3:1-10
Wednesday Isaiah 56:1-8
Thursday Psalm 30
Friday Acts 26:1-18
Saturday Matthew 9:2-8
Sunday Luke 7:11-17
NEXT SUNDAY: 1Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30; Galatians1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Let me see you work in other people and myself.
Throughout the Day:
Help me to be ready to pray for others as readily as for myself.
A Blessing to Share:
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively:
Sing to the Lord a new song: Sing to the Lord all the earth.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, bless this food which we now take.
We give you thanks for all you make.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In the first lesson, Solomon is described as spreading out his hands to heaven. This is called the orans, a posture of raising one's hands in prayer. The gesture signifies the opening of the self in praise or supplication to God. This week say a prayer of praise or request to God using this body posture. Afterwards, reflect on how you felt as you did that.
Summer Ritual:
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors. Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
One way we can serve others best is by bringing their needs before God in prayer. What needs do you see in the lives of others around you? Make a point of praying for 2-3 people in particular this week. Send them a card to let them know that they have been in your thoughts and prayers.