Growing In Faith Together
October 16, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 32:22-31;
Psalm 121;
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5;
Luke 18:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
Wrestle with the word. Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the lessons today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Discuss a time when you or someone you know wrestled with God. What was the issue? What was the outcome? What effect did the wrestling have on your (or your friend’s) faith?
* What do you think changes when you pray?
* To what degree would you agree with the reading that the Gospel closely connects prayer and the pursuit of justice?
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: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84:1-7;2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I never give up on your vision of justice, O God.
Throughout the Day: Help me be persistent in the way of your love.
A Blessing to Share: Be God’s justice until the entire world knows God’s mercy.
For Mealtime say responsively: My help comes from the Lord: the maker of heaven and earth.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Jesus encourages us to be persistent in our prayers and to “not give up” (Luke 18:1). Start a Prayer Journal as a tool to encourage and guide your prayers. Keep a running list of prayer points in the journal, noting the date you started prayer for each item. Cross prayer points off when you feel the need for prayer has passed. The Journal will help to both direct your prayers and draw your attention to God’s
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
Practice persistence. Choose a cause to support with a letter writing campaign to Congress. At www.elca.org/advocacy the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is currently inviting action to help bring the Child Nutrition Re-authorization to the floor (currently stalled) and to voice your support for it. Whatever cause you choose, write a letter and send it. Mark your calendar and follow up. Keep writing and sending letters until you receive a reply. Reflect on how you can be persistent in working for change, slowly but surely.
October 16, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 32:22-31;
Psalm 121;
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5;
Luke 18:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
Wrestle with the word. Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the lessons today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Discuss a time when you or someone you know wrestled with God. What was the issue? What was the outcome? What effect did the wrestling have on your (or your friend’s) faith?
* What do you think changes when you pray?
* To what degree would you agree with the reading that the Gospel closely connects prayer and the pursuit of justice?
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 18:1-8
Monday Psalm 61:1-4
Tuesday Ephesians 6:10-12
Wednesday Matthew 10:5-8
Thursday Psalm 84:1-7
Friday 2 Timothy 3:10-15
Saturday Luke 1:46-55
Sunday Luke 18:9-14
NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84:1-7;2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I never give up on your vision of justice, O God.
Throughout the Day: Help me be persistent in the way of your love.
A Blessing to Share: Be God’s justice until the entire world knows God’s mercy.
For Mealtime say responsively: My help comes from the Lord: the maker of heaven and earth.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
God, we thank you for the night
and for the glorious morning light
for rest and food and loving care
and all that makes the world so fair.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Jesus encourages us to be persistent in our prayers and to “not give up” (Luke 18:1). Start a Prayer Journal as a tool to encourage and guide your prayers. Keep a running list of prayer points in the journal, noting the date you started prayer for each item. Cross prayer points off when you feel the need for prayer has passed. The Journal will help to both direct your prayers and draw your attention to God’s
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
Practice persistence. Choose a cause to support with a letter writing campaign to Congress. At www.elca.org/advocacy the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is currently inviting action to help bring the Child Nutrition Re-authorization to the floor (currently stalled) and to voice your support for it. Whatever cause you choose, write a letter and send it. Mark your calendar and follow up. Keep writing and sending letters until you receive a reply. Reflect on how you can be persistent in working for change, slowly but surely.