Growing In Faith Together
June 18, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 19:2-8a
Psalm 100
Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9:35-10:23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the Gospel for today, Jesus tells the disciples that he is filled with compassion for the hurting people around him; Jesus sends out the disciples to respond in love. Those who are sent have a big job description: Tell and show others the good news of God’s love, bring healing to those who struggle, and do not be afraid.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does the description “sheep without a shepherd” tell you about the people Jesus met?
* What does the image of harvest suggest about the timing of the disciples’ work?
* To what urgent work is Christ calling you today? To what urgent work does Christ call Gloria Dei to?
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 20:7–13; Psalm 69:7–18; Romans 6:1b–11; Matthew 10:24–39
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Speak my name. Fill me with courage, that I might move forward boldly in faith
Throughout the Day: God of compassion, strengthen my resolve to love others as you have loved me.
Blessing to Share: Go and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively: Live in faith: Proclaim the good news of God.
A Blessing to Share: Go and serve in the name and power of Jesus Christ.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: Light a candle near your place of devotions this week as a symbol of God’s everlasting love. Imagine the light shining out through the darkness of terror, death, injury, and loss that so many are facing these days.
Summer Ritual: The color of this season after Pentecost is green. In the natural world, green is a color of infinite variety. When you start paying attention, you’ll see green everywhere. It’s the same with relationships; when you pay attention to ordinary lives and relationships, you’ll see the variety of tones and hues of God’s presence. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home to use and develop across the season, starting with a simple green cloth and a green candle. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus describes the crowds as “harassed and helpless” – sounds about right, doesn’t it? He sends us out to serve others in his name. Do that this week by simply being kind. Be extra nice to all you meet. Share your smile (generously). Smile at your household members, at your co-workers or others you meet during the day. Thank a store clerk. Open the door for someone.
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 19:2-8a
Psalm 100
Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9:35-10:23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the Gospel for today, Jesus tells the disciples that he is filled with compassion for the hurting people around him; Jesus sends out the disciples to respond in love. Those who are sent have a big job description: Tell and show others the good news of God’s love, bring healing to those who struggle, and do not be afraid.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does the description “sheep without a shepherd” tell you about the people Jesus met?
* What does the image of harvest suggest about the timing of the disciples’ work?
* To what urgent work is Christ calling you today? To what urgent work does Christ call Gloria Dei to?
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 Matthew 9:35-10:23
Monday Matthew 10:9-23
Tuesday Psalm 105:43-45
Wednesday Proverbs 4:10-13
Thursday Psalm 69:16-18
Friday Acts 5:17-26
Saturday Romans 6:1-11
Sunday Matthew 10:24-39
Next Sunday: Jeremiah 20:7–13; Psalm 69:7–18; Romans 6:1b–11; Matthew 10:24–39
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Speak my name. Fill me with courage, that I might move forward boldly in faith
Throughout the Day: God of compassion, strengthen my resolve to love others as you have loved me.
Blessing to Share: Go and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively: Live in faith: Proclaim the good news of God.
A Blessing to Share: Go and serve in the name and power of Jesus Christ.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for everything. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: Light a candle near your place of devotions this week as a symbol of God’s everlasting love. Imagine the light shining out through the darkness of terror, death, injury, and loss that so many are facing these days.
Summer Ritual: The color of this season after Pentecost is green. In the natural world, green is a color of infinite variety. When you start paying attention, you’ll see green everywhere. It’s the same with relationships; when you pay attention to ordinary lives and relationships, you’ll see the variety of tones and hues of God’s presence. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home to use and develop across the season, starting with a simple green cloth and a green candle. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus describes the crowds as “harassed and helpless” – sounds about right, doesn’t it? He sends us out to serve others in his name. Do that this week by simply being kind. Be extra nice to all you meet. Share your smile (generously). Smile at your household members, at your co-workers or others you meet during the day. Thank a store clerk. Open the door for someone.
