G.I.F.T. 8-13-17

Growing In Faith Together

August 13, 2017

TODAY’S TEXTS 
1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33


GATHERED BY GRACE 
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Amid the storms of life, we too seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How do you experience the “sound of sheer silence” in your life?
* When people look for the presence of God’s activity in the world or in their lives, what do you think is one place that is most often overlooked?
* Would you be like Peter and jump out to walk on the water? Why or why not?
* How do these stories speak to the world today?  How do they speak to you in your walk of faith?

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 14:22-33
Monday Psalm 18:1-6
Tuesday Psalm 18:16-19
Wednesday Job 36:24-33
Thursday Psalm 67
Friday Acts 11:1-18
Saturday Isaiah 56:1-8
Sunday Matthew 15:10-28

Next Sunday: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  
Help me to trust you, O God, through the storm and through the calm.

Throughout the Day:  
Like Peter, I cry “Lord save me!”

Blessing to Share: Take heart, God is present; do not fear.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Mercy and faithfulness shall meet: righteousness and peace shall kiss each other.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
It is hard to see God in the midst of the present. It is much easier to look back over your life and see where and how God has been at work in the past. Take time this week to look back on some “storms” of your past. Where did God reach out to you? What was your response? Create a prayer based on this experience.

Summer Ritual: 
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. Add things with the color green to your place of prayer these last days of summer. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 

Did you know that less than 1% of all the water on Earth can be used by people? The rest is salt water or is permanently frozen and we can’t drink it, wash with it or use it to water plants. We are using up this valuable resource so we must be wise in our use of it. Look around your house this week for places you conserve water.  Any leaking faucets? Do you shower instead of a bath? And how long do you shower? Do you run your dishwasher or washing machine only when it is full?

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