Growing In Faith Together
January 29, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers.
- Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God?
* What captures your attention in the Beatitudes? Do you find yourself feeling blessed? Why or why not?
* What do you think Jesus want us to see through his descriptions in the Beatitudes?
* Who or what have you seen in the past week that corresponds to the values expressed in the Beatitudes?
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 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to be gracious. Teach me to be grateful. Teach me to be generous.
Throughout the Day: Give me an eye for injustice and a tender heart.
A Blessing to Share: May God’s love fill you and flow forth from you.
For mealtime say responsively: What does the Lord require of you? Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Keep a journal this week. Each day, jot down signs of God’s Kingdom, where you see God at work. It may be something you observe directly, or hear about, or discover in the news. Keeping such a journal will develop your skills in keeping alert for signs of the Kingdom. At the end of each day, reflect on your notes and offer thanks to God.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
During this season, we focus on growing in our discipleship as we “make Christ manifest” to the world. Imagine the ways you show love to those at home, work or school. Draw pictures on small pieces of papers which illustrate ways you show God’s love. Attach the squares to a length of decorative ribbon and hang it near the door you use to come and go. When you see it, pray: May I shine with God’s love for all I meet. Amen
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Pick up some extra groceries this week and drop them by the Crisis Center, 121 Gilbert Court, OR bring them to worship with you next Sunday. The need is great and the shelves are often sparse. Ideas include: Canned meats, vegetables, or stews/soups, toilet paper and disposable diapers.
January 29, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers.
- Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God?
* What captures your attention in the Beatitudes? Do you find yourself feeling blessed? Why or why not?
* What do you think Jesus want us to see through his descriptions in the Beatitudes?
* Who or what have you seen in the past week that corresponds to the values expressed in the Beatitudes?
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 Matthew 5:1-12
Monday Psalm 37:1-11
Tuesday James 5:1-6
Wednesday Luke 6:17-26
Thursday Psalm 112:1-10
Friday James 3:13-18
Saturday Mark 7:1-8
Sunday Matthew 5:13-20
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to be gracious. Teach me to be grateful. Teach me to be generous.
Throughout the Day: Give me an eye for injustice and a tender heart.
A Blessing to Share: May God’s love fill you and flow forth from you.
For mealtime say responsively: What does the Lord require of you? Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
We thank you Lord, for this our meal,
For grace and love and gifts that heal.
Give us willing hearts to share
With others when they need our care. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Keep a journal this week. Each day, jot down signs of God’s Kingdom, where you see God at work. It may be something you observe directly, or hear about, or discover in the news. Keeping such a journal will develop your skills in keeping alert for signs of the Kingdom. At the end of each day, reflect on your notes and offer thanks to God.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
During this season, we focus on growing in our discipleship as we “make Christ manifest” to the world. Imagine the ways you show love to those at home, work or school. Draw pictures on small pieces of papers which illustrate ways you show God’s love. Attach the squares to a length of decorative ribbon and hang it near the door you use to come and go. When you see it, pray: May I shine with God’s love for all I meet. Amen
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Pick up some extra groceries this week and drop them by the Crisis Center, 121 Gilbert Court, OR bring them to worship with you next Sunday. The need is great and the shelves are often sparse. Ideas include: Canned meats, vegetables, or stews/soups, toilet paper and disposable diapers.