Growing In Faith Together
April 3, 2016
Second Sunday of Easter
Today’s Texts:
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelations 1:4-8
John 20:19-31
Gathered by Grace
Peter’s statement to the Council reveals a prominent theme in the book of Acts and in the life of the Christian church since that time. All that the Christian community does forms our witness to God’s work among us. All that we do is testimony to the One to whom we give highest priority and praise.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What reasons do Peter and the apostles give for disobeying the religious leaders?
* How do you respond to challenges to your faith?
* What makes discipleship attractive to you? What makes it costly?
* We all hope we would obey God’s higher authority when it conflicted with human laws and customs. But in a conflict like that, how can one be confident that one indeed knows God’s will?
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: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
Prayers for this Week
For the Week:
O Lord and God, I do believe. Help my unbelief.
Throughout the Day:
Breathe in and say silently: Jesus, I receive your peace.
A Blessing to Share:
May Christ’s peace be with you.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
#findEaster
Easter lasts for 50 days - so look around to find it each day! Watch for signs of a new day and/or stay alert to things that remind you that Jesus is alive. Give thanks for your experiences. You can also share your discoveries of Easter all around by either taking a digital photo or writing a brief description on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
#findEaster
Scattered to serve
7 “acts of kindness” for this week:
For reflections on the reading from Revelation see Alpha and Omega Reflections 3-30-16 on this website.
April 3, 2016Second Sunday of Easter
Today’s Texts:
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelations 1:4-8
John 20:19-31
Gathered by Grace
Peter’s statement to the Council reveals a prominent theme in the book of Acts and in the life of the Christian church since that time. All that the Christian community does forms our witness to God’s work among us. All that we do is testimony to the One to whom we give highest priority and praise.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What reasons do Peter and the apostles give for disobeying the religious leaders?
* How do you respond to challenges to your faith?
* What makes discipleship attractive to you? What makes it costly?
* We all hope we would obey God’s higher authority when it conflicted with human laws and customs. But in a conflict like that, how can one be confident that one indeed knows God’s will?
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 20:19-31
Monday - Psalm 122
Tuesday - Revelation 1:9-20
Wednesday - Luke 12:8-12
Thursday - Psalm 30:1-3
Friday - Revelation 4:1-11
Saturday - Luke 14:12-14
Sunday - John 21:1-19
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
Prayers for this Week
For the Week:
O Lord and God, I do believe. Help my unbelief.
Throughout the Day:
Breathe in and say silently: Jesus, I receive your peace.
A Blessing to Share:
May Christ’s peace be with you.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving
and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen!
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
#findEaster
Easter lasts for 50 days - so look around to find it each day! Watch for signs of a new day and/or stay alert to things that remind you that Jesus is alive. Give thanks for your experiences. You can also share your discoveries of Easter all around by either taking a digital photo or writing a brief description on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
#findEaster
Scattered to serve
7 “acts of kindness” for this week:
- Let another go first.
- Pick up litter.
- Share a smile.
- Read to a young child.
- Open a door.
- Give a compliment.