Growing In Faith Together
June 5, 2016
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 17:17-24
Psalm 30
Galatians1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
Both Elijah and Jesus show compassion as they minister to those considered by many to be on the fringes of society. As we encounter such faithful witnesses, we continue to learn what it means to listen for God’s voice and to seek to follow faithfully in God’s ways.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How many parallels can you find between the Gospel and the First Lesson?
* Where is the intersection between God’s care and human ministry most visible in your life?
* Why do you think the Bible makes such a fuss about caring for “widows, orphans, and aliens (strangers)”? To what degree do you think that is an imperative for Christians today?
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: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Let me show your compassion to the entire world.
Throughout the Day: Help me extend your compassion to others.
A Blessing to Share: Live in love.
For mealtime say responsively Have mercy on me, O Lord: Be my helper.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In your devotion time this week, pray for the people who work with those who are sick. Include in your prayers the doctors, nurses, hospitals and other care institutions which touch your life. As a reminder to pray, affix a couple of Band-Aids near your meal table or place of prayer. Do you know anyone at Gloria Dei who works in the field of health care? Be sure to include them in your prayers.
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
Think of someone you know in need of healing or comfort. Make a plan to touch their life positively in the next seven days. Consider daily prayer, making a phone call, writing a letter, sending flowers, going out to lunch, or whatever else might be a blessing for the person.
June 5, 2016
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 17:17-24
Psalm 30
Galatians1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
Both Elijah and Jesus show compassion as they minister to those considered by many to be on the fringes of society. As we encounter such faithful witnesses, we continue to learn what it means to listen for God’s voice and to seek to follow faithfully in God’s ways.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How many parallels can you find between the Gospel and the First Lesson?
* Where is the intersection between God’s care and human ministry most visible in your life?
* Why do you think the Bible makes such a fuss about caring for “widows, orphans, and aliens (strangers)”? To what degree do you think that is an imperative for Christians today?
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 7:11-17
Monday Psalm 68:4-6
Tuesday Revelation 22:1-2
Wednesday Jeremiah 8:21-22
Thursday Psalm 32:1-5
Friday James 4:1-17
Saturday Luke 5:21-25
Sunday Luke 7:36-8:3
NEXT SUNDAY: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Let me show your compassion to the entire world.
Throughout the Day: Help me extend your compassion to others.
A Blessing to Share: Live in love.
For mealtime say responsively Have mercy on me, O Lord: Be my helper.
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 your devotion time this week, pray for the people who work with those who are sick. Include in your prayers the doctors, nurses, hospitals and other care institutions which touch your life. As a reminder to pray, affix a couple of Band-Aids near your meal table or place of prayer. Do you know anyone at Gloria Dei who works in the field of health care? Be sure to include them in your prayers.
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
