Growing In Faith TogetherJuly 24, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm 138
Colossians 2:6-19
Luke 11:1-13
GATHERED BY GRACE
Today’s readings assure us of God’s readiness to hear and attend to our prayers. Prayer shapes the heart of a disciple’s relationship with God. As Jesus taught and modeled, prayer keeps us nourished to live and share the good news of God’s love in Christ.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, what petition do you find most challenging?
* When have you felt shaped by your prayers or the prayers of others?
* Pick one person from a news story and imagine what her or his prayers to God might include. How long has s/he been praying for the same things? How might you imagine God at work in that person's life?
* Where is a place in the world right now that could really use your prayers? How might God be calling you to act through your 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 11:1-13
Monday Psalm 55:20-23
Tuesday Romans 9:30-10:4
Wednesday Matthew 5:43-48
Thursday Psalm 49:5-9
Friday Proverbs 23:1-11
Saturday Mark 10:1-12
Sunday Luke 12:13-21
NEXT SUNDAY: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14,2:18-23; Ps 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Lord, teach me to pray.
Throughout the Day: Help. Thanks. Wow.
A Blessing to Share: You are embraced by the steadfast love of God.
For mealtime say responsively:
I will give thanks to you, O Lord: With my whole heart I will sing your praise.
Summer 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:
Author Ann Lamott wrote “…there is something to be said about keeping prayer simple: Help. Thanks. Wow.” These three prayers get us through the day and show us the way forward. Each day this week pray for 1) someone or something about which you ask God’s help; 2) someone or something for which you give thanks; 3) something or someone that takes your breath away, surprises you or delights you. After a few days, reflect on your experiences.
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 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