G.I.F.T. 3-26-17

 Growing In Faith Together   

 March 26, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS
 1 Samuel 16:1-13 
 Psalm 23 
 Ephesians 5:8-14
 John 9:1-41

GATHERED BY GRACE
The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. I was blind, but now I see, declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God's beloved sons and daughters. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* The Pharisees say, “Surely, we are not blind, are we?” How does that reveal their attitudes about their spirituality? Have you ever had your “blindness” revealed to you?
* In what ways does Jesus give light to your life? 
* What do you think causes people to be blind to Jesus? How can we help them to see?

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 9:1-41
Monday Psalm 146:7c-10
Tuesday Isaiah 42:14-21
Wednesday Matthew 9:27-34
Thursday Psalm 130:1-4
Friday Ezekiel 37:1-14
Saturday Romans 8:6-11
Sunday John 11:1-45

Next Sunday: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: 
Healing God, help me see the world through new eyes.

Throughout the Day: 
Guide me along right pathways, O Lord, my shepherd.

A Blessing to Share: 
May goodness and mercy follow you today.

At mealtime say responsively: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us: we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind 
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Take a slow, reflective walk around the neighborhood where you live, where you work, or near Gloria Dei. What do you notice that you didn’t before? Consider the healing of the man born blind. What might it have been like to have your eyes opened?  If your eyes were newly opened to the neighborhood through which you walked, where would you see love and where would you see pain? Bring your thoughts to God in prayer.

Lenten Ritual:  
Try this at least 3 times a week: At the end of your day, take a few moments to review your day in the presence of God. 1) Ask to see your day with God’s eyes. 2) Give thanks for the gift of the day. 3) Review your day. 4) Face any mistakes you may have made and give them to God.  5) Look toward the day to come.

SCATTERED TO SERVE
You can help bring sight to those who do not see well. Do you know a drop-off place for used glasses? Organizations like the Lions Club International gather used glasses to distribute to those in need. You can drop-off used eyeglasses at LensCrafters or you can package the glasses and mail them to Lions Clubs International, Attention: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523

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