Growing In Faith Together
January 13, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Baptism of Our Lord cannot help but recall our own and all baptismal blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised presence of God when we "pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire." On this day the heavens open again and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Read the Isaiah text again. As people of God, charged with God’s work, how might God be calling us to walk with people through water and fire?
* What does the baptism of Jesus mean to you? What does your baptism mean to you?
* How does the phrase “You are my son, my daughter” affect your discipleship?
* What is your response to the phrase “I am well pleased with 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: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, for your claim on my life.
Throughout the Day: I am a child of God.
Blessing to Share: You are loved and chosen by God.
For mealtime say responsively:
O Lord, give strength to your people: give us the blessings of peace.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
The Baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his public ministry. He went about proclaiming the good news of peace and doing the good works of justice and healing. You too have a ministry that springs from your baptism. Over this week reflect on the ways you have helped bring peace, justice, fairness, and healing to others.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Encourage in your household, even the youngest and the oldest, to use the gifts God has given them through their baptism into Christ in service that reveals the light of Christ in the world.
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Baptism of Our Lord cannot help but recall our own and all baptismal blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised presence of God when we "pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire." On this day the heavens open again and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Read the Isaiah text again. As people of God, charged with God’s work, how might God be calling us to walk with people through water and fire?
* What does the baptism of Jesus mean to you? What does your baptism mean to you?
* How does the phrase “You are my son, my daughter” affect your discipleship?
* What is your response to the phrase “I am well pleased with 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 3:15-17, 21-22
Monday Psalm 106:1-3
Tuesday 1 John 5:18-20
Wednesday Luke 11:33-36
Thursday Psalm 36:5-9
Friday Psalm 27
Saturday Psalm 56:13
Sunday John 2:1-11
Next Sunday: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, for your claim on my life.
Throughout the Day: I am a child of God.
Blessing to Share: You are loved and chosen by God.
For mealtime say responsively:
O Lord, give strength to your people: give us the blessings of peace.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
The Baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his public ministry. He went about proclaiming the good news of peace and doing the good works of justice and healing. You too have a ministry that springs from your baptism. Over this week reflect on the ways you have helped bring peace, justice, fairness, and healing to others.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Encourage in your household, even the youngest and the oldest, to use the gifts God has given them through their baptism into Christ in service that reveals the light of Christ in the world.