G.I.F.T.
Growing In Faith Together
August 2nd 2015
Today’s Texts:
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
Psalm 78:23-29
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Gathered by Grace:
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus' feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power. Is it daily manna they want? As always in John's gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. Jesus, the Bread of Life, reminds us that God provides what and who is of real value for the nourishing of our lives and communities. There is bread and love enough to share.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you understand Jesus to be saying?
* For what do you find yourself hungering in terms of your life and relationships? How do those hungers play out in your spiritual journey?
* Where do you experience God’s “Bread of Life” broken open for you and others?
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 John 6:24-35 Thursday Psalm 34:4-8
Monday Psalm 107:33-38 Friday Galatians 6:1-5
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Saturday Matthew 7:7-11
Wednesday Mark 8:1-6 Sunday John 6:35, 41-51
Try to memorize
Prayers for this Week:
For the Week: Giver of Manna, feed my deepest hungers.
For Throughout the Day: Give us this day our daily bread.
A Blessing to Share: Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
For Mealtime:
Say responsively: The people ate and were well fed: God gave them what they craved.
August Meal Prayer:
For further reflection:
Devotional Practice:
The Ephesians reading emphasizes Christ’s gifts to us for the sake of the community – “to equip the saints…to build up the body of Christ”…for the unity and maturity of the faith. During your prayer time, take a deep breath and release it; feel yourself relax. Reflect on these words from Ephesians “each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift” (v.7). What gifts has God given you to help build the Body of Christ? At the end of your reflection, say a brief prayer of thanks.
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:
How can you share your bread with those who are in need?
Growing In Faith Together
August 2nd 2015 Today’s Texts:
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
Psalm 78:23-29
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Gathered by Grace:
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus' feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power. Is it daily manna they want? As always in John's gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. Jesus, the Bread of Life, reminds us that God provides what and who is of real value for the nourishing of our lives and communities. There is bread and love enough to share.
- From SundaysandSeasons.com, ©2014 Augsburg Fortress.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you understand Jesus to be saying?
* For what do you find yourself hungering in terms of your life and relationships? How do those hungers play out in your spiritual journey?
* Where do you experience God’s “Bread of Life” broken open for you and others?
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 John 6:24-35 Thursday Psalm 34:4-8
Monday Psalm 107:33-38 Friday Galatians 6:1-5
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Saturday Matthew 7:7-11
Wednesday Mark 8:1-6 Sunday John 6:35, 41-51
Try to memorize
this verse: There is one body and one Spirit…
one Lord, one faith, one baptism… Ephesians 4:4
Prayers for this Week:
For the Week: Giver of Manna, feed my deepest hungers.
For Throughout the Day: Give us this day our daily bread.
A Blessing to Share: Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
For Mealtime:
Say responsively: The people ate and were well fed: God gave them what they craved.
August Meal Prayer:
ABCDEFG thank you,
God for feeding me!
Amen
For further reflection:
Devotional Practice:
The Ephesians reading emphasizes Christ’s gifts to us for the sake of the community – “to equip the saints…to build up the body of Christ”…for the unity and maturity of the faith. During your prayer time, take a deep breath and release it; feel yourself relax. Reflect on these words from Ephesians “each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift” (v.7). What gifts has God given you to help build the Body of Christ? At the end of your reflection, say a brief prayer of thanks.
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:
How can you share your bread with those who are in need?