May 28, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
John17:1-11
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus prays to his Father, asking that those who continue his work in this world will live in unity. In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we wait with the disciples for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* In Acts, we read the story of the Ascension. What do you think the ascension means?
* Paul Tillich spoke of “eternal” as spatial not temporal; vertical depth not horizontal line. How have you understood the concept?
* Jesus’ hope for his disciples (the church) is summarized in verse 11b. What do you think he means?
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 17:1-11
Monday Psalm 99:1-5
Tuesday 1 Peter 4:7-11
Wednesday John 3:31-36
Thursday Psalm 33:18-22
Friday Romans 8:14-17
Saturday Acts 2:1-21
Sunday John 20:19-23
Next Sunday: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-35; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
May I remember that I am always connected to Love.
Throughout the Day:
Unite us with Christ and each other.
Blessing to Share:
May the God of grace restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
For mealtime say responsively:
Let the righteous be glad and rejoice: let them be merry and joyful.
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:
Christ prays that his followers may be one in God. The ELCA is committed to strengthening its global, ecumenical and interfaith relationships around the world. Each day this week pray for one of the ELCA’s ecumenical partners: Monday –Moravian Church; Tuesday – Episcopal Church; Wednesday – Presbyterian Church; Thursday - Reformed Church in America; Friday – United Church in Christ; Saturday – United Methodist Church.
Easter Season Ritual:
Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Watch for signs that remind you that Jesus is alive. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in the world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Why are you just standing there? Jesus sends his disciples out to make a difference in the world. Take one action this week – donate old clothes, drop groceries at the Crisis Center, visit a shut-in, pick up litter at a park – to spread God’s love for this world.