G.I.F.T. 1-15-17

 Growing In Faith Together  

 January 15, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS
 Isaiah 49:1-7 
 Psalm 40:1-11 
 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
 John 1:29-42

 GATHERED BY GRACE
John the Baptist's witness to Jesus initiates a chain of testimony as his disciples begin to share with others what they have found.              - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2011

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What would John’s hearers have understood by “Lamb of God?” 
* What does the phrase “Lamb of God” mean to you?
* Can you think of times when you were invited to 'come and see?'  In your experience, what difference did the 'seeing' make?
* What is your own story of "meeting Jesus"?

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  John 1:29-42
Monday  Psalm 40:16-17
Tuesday  Hebrews 10:1-4
Wednesday  Isaiah 48:17-21
Thursday  Psalm 27:1-3
Friday  Psalm 27: 4-6
Saturday  Luke 5:27-32
Sunday  Matthew 4:12-23

Next Sunday: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK 

For the Week: 
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.  Have mercy on us.

Throughout the Day: 
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me.

A Blessing to Share: 
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord: none can be compared to you!

Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
 We thank you Lord, for this our meal, 
For grace and love and gifts that heal.
Give us willing hearts to share
With others when they need our care.  Amen
      
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Try the “Jesus prayer” this week. Over several centuries, Christians have used this method of prayer to relax into God’s presence in prayer. Sit in a relaxed but alert manner, shut your eyes and take a deep breath then exhale. Repeat that, but this time say to yourself “Jesus, Lamb of God” as you breathe in and “have mercy on me” when you breathe out. Do that a few times. Ponder what images and words you would use to describe who you believe Jesus Christ to be.  Can you imagine how these could influence how you act in the ordinary circumstances of life?

Ritual for the Epiphany Season: 
During this season, we focus on growing in our discipleship as we “make Christ manifest” to the world. Imagine the ways you show love to those at home, work or school. Draw pictures on small pieces of papers which illustrate ways you show God’s love. Attach the squares to a length of decorative ribbon and hang it near the door you use to come and go. When you see it, pray:  May I shine with God’s love for all I meet. Amen

SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist pointed two of his disciples to Jesus.  They followed Jesus and spent the day with him (John 1:37-39).  Andrew, in turn, introduced his brother Simon Peter to Jesus.  Is there someone you could invite to spend a Sunday with you – perhaps to come to church and then for a midday meal?

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245