Growing In Faith Together
July 1, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Lamentations 3:22-33
Psalm 30
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
The reading from Lamentations declares that “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will hope in him”. In the Gospel, both Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, and an unnamed woman come to Jesus in faith, putting their hope in his power to heal and to bring life out of death. We too are invited to turn to God, whose compassion knows no boundaries.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What can help you remember that God’s mercies are new every morning?
* What hurdles might have stood in the way of seeking Jesus’ help for Jairus; for the unnamed woman? What hurdles stand in the way of those seeking God’s help today? What stands in your way?
* What risks did both Jairus and the woman take in approaching 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.
Next Sunday: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Compassionate God, grant comfort to those who need healing.
Throughout the Day: God, thank you for your mercies
Blessing to Share: Go in peace. Be healed!
For mealtime say responsively:
O Lord I cried out to you: and you restored me to health.
Mealtime Prayer:
All here gathered, food from the land,
all is gift from your gracious hand.
feed us today; feed all who hunger;
teach us to feed one another.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: We all have old hurts and pains that need healing. Talk with Jesus about any hurt you carry within you. Ask to be healed. Place a band-aid on your arm and imagine Jesus saying “your faith has made you well”. Keep the band-aid on all day as a reminder of God’s healing presence in your life.
Summer Ritual: Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? This summer start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
“Laughter is the best medicine”. Help those around you feel better. Tell jokes to people who seem weary and worn. Here’s a couple from a 9-year-old to start you out:
Knock, knock. What planet got married?
Who’s there? [Saturn. It has a ring!]
Hutch.
Hutch who?
Did you sneeze?
TODAY’S TEXTS
Lamentations 3:22-33
Psalm 30
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
The reading from Lamentations declares that “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will hope in him”. In the Gospel, both Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, and an unnamed woman come to Jesus in faith, putting their hope in his power to heal and to bring life out of death. We too are invited to turn to God, whose compassion knows no boundaries.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What can help you remember that God’s mercies are new every morning?
* What hurdles might have stood in the way of seeking Jesus’ help for Jairus; for the unnamed woman? What hurdles stand in the way of those seeking God’s help today? What stands in your way?
* What risks did both Jairus and the woman take in approaching 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 Mark 5:21-43
Monday Mark 9:14-29
Tuesday Psalm 88
Wednesday 2 Kings 20:1-11
Thursday Psalm 123 :1-4
Friday John 14:1-7
Saturday Matthew 8:18-22
Sunday Mark 6:1-13
Next Sunday: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Compassionate God, grant comfort to those who need healing.
Throughout the Day: God, thank you for your mercies
Blessing to Share: Go in peace. Be healed!
For mealtime say responsively:
O Lord I cried out to you: and you restored me to health.
Mealtime Prayer:
All here gathered, food from the land,
all is gift from your gracious hand.
feed us today; feed all who hunger;
teach us to feed one another.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: We all have old hurts and pains that need healing. Talk with Jesus about any hurt you carry within you. Ask to be healed. Place a band-aid on your arm and imagine Jesus saying “your faith has made you well”. Keep the band-aid on all day as a reminder of God’s healing presence in your life.
Summer Ritual: Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? This summer start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
“Laughter is the best medicine”. Help those around you feel better. Tell jokes to people who seem weary and worn. Here’s a couple from a 9-year-old to start you out:
Knock, knock. What planet got married?
Who’s there? [Saturn. It has a ring!]
Hutch.
Hutch who?
Did you sneeze?