Growing In Faith Together July 30, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
GATHERED BY GRACE
We seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today's gospel Jesus used familiar images in unfamiliar ways to help disciples understand the unexpected value and shape of God’s kingdom.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Which of these images for the Kingdom of God are most appealing to you? Why?
* What insights do they give you about God’s character and reign?
* Jesus’ use of different word pictures to describe God’s work on and hope for God’s world invites us to do the same. How would you fill in these blanks? The reign of God is like __________.
* What prayer might come from this passage?
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 13:31-33, 44-52
Monday 1 Kings 3:16-28
Tuesday 1 Kings 4:29-34
Wednesday Psalm 119:125-128
Thursday Psalm 145:8-9
Friday Psalm 145:14-16
Saturday Isaiah 55:1-5
Sunday Matthew 14:13-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Seed-planting, fish-netting, bread-baking, pearl-hunting God, shape me into a living parable.
Throughout the Day:
Thanks, God, for all the ways to imagine the kingdom of heaven!
Blessing to Share:
Go forth as God’s yeast. Let hope rise!
For mealtime say responsively:
If God is for us: who can be against us?
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
Devotional Practice:
The Romans text for today begins by assuring us that the Spirit intercedes when we do not know how to pray, and that God “searches the heart”. This week invite the Spirit to search your heart by simply spending some time in silence before God.
Summer Ritual:
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home. 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
Next week, August 6, Gloria Dei sends all the loose change in the offering to ELCA World Hunger. If you won't be in church, find another way to support efforts to end hunger.