Growing In Faith Together
November 18, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 92
Philippians 4:4-9
Luke 17:11-19
GATHERED BY GRACE
Sometimes it is really difficult to say thanks. We just don’t feel like it. Worries or pressures distract us. We get distracted in busyness and rush. Or maybe in joy and celebration. We forget. Our Gospel story would suggest that 9 times out of 10 we just don’t say thanks. Check out who it is that returns to give thanks.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What has God done for which you are thankful?
* Why did the Samaritan return?
* Do you think the original hearers of this narrative got the point that “only this foreigner” returned? How does that phrase make you feel?
* Why is it so hard for us to simply say thank you?
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: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me a heart that is always thankful.
Throughout the Day: Thanks, God!
Blessing to Share: May the love of God surround you. May the grace of God astound you. May the hope of God ground you.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord has done great things for us: and we are glad indeed.
Thanksgiving Meal Prayer:
Devotional Practice:
Take time in the midst of your Thanksgiving week to stop each day and name those things for which you are grateful. Here’s a prayer from the hymnal: Almighty God, we humbly thank you for your goodness to us and for all that you have made. Give us such an awareness of your mercies that with thankful hearts we praise you with our lips and with our lives. Amen
Thanksgiving Ritual: Thanksgiving is this week. Be sure to pull out your gratitude journal and give thanks for the many good gifts you receive from God! On Thanksgiving Day, use the alphabet to go around the dinner table sharing things for which you’re thankful using the next letter (the first person uses A, the next B, and so on). Go around the table until the alphabet's been filled—yes, even X and Z.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this week on Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). What a great opportunity to give thanks to the One who gives all things! You can help. Serving starts at noon. 1105 Gilbert Court, IC
If you are not in Iowa City, look around for the nearest soup kitchen or free meal site. Volunteers are always welcome!
November 18, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 92
Philippians 4:4-9
Luke 17:11-19
GATHERED BY GRACE
Sometimes it is really difficult to say thanks. We just don’t feel like it. Worries or pressures distract us. We get distracted in busyness and rush. Or maybe in joy and celebration. We forget. Our Gospel story would suggest that 9 times out of 10 we just don’t say thanks. Check out who it is that returns to give thanks.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What has God done for which you are thankful?
* Why did the Samaritan return?
* Do you think the original hearers of this narrative got the point that “only this foreigner” returned? How does that phrase make you feel?
* Why is it so hard for us to simply say thank you?
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 17:11-19
Monday Psalm 126:1-3
Tuesday Matthew 6:25-33
Wednesday Psalm 105:1-4
Thursday Psalm 93
Friday 1 Cor. 15:24-28
Saturday John 3:31-36
Sunday John 18:33-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me a heart that is always thankful.
Throughout the Day: Thanks, God!
Blessing to Share: May the love of God surround you. May the grace of God astound you. May the hope of God ground you.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord has done great things for us: and we are glad indeed.
Thanksgiving Meal Prayer:
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
we give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION Devotional Practice:
Take time in the midst of your Thanksgiving week to stop each day and name those things for which you are grateful. Here’s a prayer from the hymnal: Almighty God, we humbly thank you for your goodness to us and for all that you have made. Give us such an awareness of your mercies that with thankful hearts we praise you with our lips and with our lives. Amen
Thanksgiving Ritual: Thanksgiving is this week. Be sure to pull out your gratitude journal and give thanks for the many good gifts you receive from God! On Thanksgiving Day, use the alphabet to go around the dinner table sharing things for which you’re thankful using the next letter (the first person uses A, the next B, and so on). Go around the table until the alphabet's been filled—yes, even X and Z.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this week on Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). What a great opportunity to give thanks to the One who gives all things! You can help. Serving starts at noon. 1105 Gilbert Court, IC
If you are not in Iowa City, look around for the nearest soup kitchen or free meal site. Volunteers are always welcome!