G.I.F.T. 7-10-16

 Growing In Faith  Together
 July 10, 2016

 Today’s Texts:
 Deuteronomy 30:9-14 
 Psalm 25:1-10 
 Colossians 1:1-14 
 Luke 10:25-37


GATHERED BY GRACE
Ordinary actions of everyday life have great potential for good. Our readings today invite us to consider how love and compassion are the essence of living faithfully in God’s reign. They call us to shape our lives according to God’s justice and mercy, striving for relationships that enable caring community.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Jesus tells a story to answer the lawyer’s question “Who is my neighbor?” How would you answer his question?
* Share an experience when someone you least expected would do so did an act of kindness and love. How did you feel?
* Are there people for whom you have a hard time feeling compassion?
* How are our lives structured in a way that keeps us from noticing those in need?

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 10:25-37
Monday  1 John 3:11-17
Tuesday  Proverbs 19:17
Wednesday  Matthew 25:31-46
Thursday  Psalm 15
Friday  Ephesians 3:14-17
Saturday  Ephesians 3:18-21
Sunday Luke 10:38-4

NEXT SUNDAY: Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week:  Turn my heart to love my neighbor, O God.

Throughout the Day: Show me the neighbor in need.

A Blessing to Share: May you love as Jesus loved. 

For mealtime say responsively: 
Show us your ways, O Lord: Teach us your paths.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Lord, bless this food which we now take.  
We give you thanks for all you make.  
    Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
In your devotion times this week, memorize what Jesus called the greatest two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.  (Luke 10:27) Reflect on ways you live this out in daily life.  How completely do you love God? How do you love yourself? What are some things that you can do to love your neighbor? Gather all your reflections into prayer.

Summer Ritual: 
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors.  Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.

SCATTERED FOR SERVICE 
Give out “Good Samaritan” awards this week.  With your friends and family – and maybe even strangers - share ways in which you have seen one another acts as “good neighbors”.  Set aside $1 for each “award” and donate to the Crisis Center or Shelter House.


For more thoughts on the Luke text, see reflection "My Neighbor" on this site.

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245