Growing In Faith Together
All Saints' Sunday
November 6, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Today we give thanks for all the saints "who from their labors rest," who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. We also petition God that we may really hear what Jesus says in today’s gospel. He invites his disciples to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust, even to enemies and outsiders.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would it mean in your everyday life if you lived according to Luke 6:20-31?
* What do you understand “love your enemies” to mean?
* How do your actions reflect your belief that you are a part of the “communion of saints”?
* If you were writing guidelines for how to live as God’s saints, what would you include from the readings for today?
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: Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for working in the lives of all your saints.
Throughout the Day: Help me remember where true blessing lies.
A Blessing to Share: May you know the hope to which you have been called, recognize the riches you’ve received as a saint, and see the greatness of God’s power in your life.
For mealtime say responsively: Let us be glad in God, our creator: Let all God’s children rejoice.
November Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In the Ephesians reading, Paul gives thanks for those to whom he writes then prays that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened as they grow in their faith. Encourage those around you by completing these statements:
“One way I see you growing as a child of God is …”
“One way I see you showing love for others is …”
Say prayers of thanks to God for one another.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 24 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Visit a saint! Plan a visit to a near-by nursing home or retirement center to see an elderly friend, relative, or church member. Invite them to tell you a story or two of what it was like when they were growing up. Your visit will bless you as well as the one you visit!
November 6, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Today we give thanks for all the saints "who from their labors rest," who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. We also petition God that we may really hear what Jesus says in today’s gospel. He invites his disciples to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust, even to enemies and outsiders.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would it mean in your everyday life if you lived according to Luke 6:20-31?
* What do you understand “love your enemies” to mean?
* How do your actions reflect your belief that you are a part of the “communion of saints”?
* If you were writing guidelines for how to live as God’s saints, what would you include from the readings for today?
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 11:32-44
Monday Revelation 7:9-17
Tuesday Psalm 50:22-23
Wednesday Luke 20:1-8
Thursday Psalm 98
Friday Luke 20:27-38
Saturday 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Sunday Luke 21:5-19
Next Sunday: Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for working in the lives of all your saints.
Throughout the Day: Help me remember where true blessing lies.
A Blessing to Share: May you know the hope to which you have been called, recognize the riches you’ve received as a saint, and see the greatness of God’s power in your life.
For mealtime say responsively: Let us be glad in God, our creator: Let all God’s children rejoice.
November Meal Prayer:
To God who gives us daily bread
A thankful song we raise,
And pray the one who sends us food
Will fill our hearts with praise.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In the Ephesians reading, Paul gives thanks for those to whom he writes then prays that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened as they grow in their faith. Encourage those around you by completing these statements:
“One way I see you growing as a child of God is …”
“One way I see you showing love for others is …”
Say prayers of thanks to God for one another.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 24 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Visit a saint! Plan a visit to a near-by nursing home or retirement center to see an elderly friend, relative, or church member. Invite them to tell you a story or two of what it was like when they were growing up. Your visit will bless you as well as the one you visit!