Growing In Faith Together
November 5, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
All Saints celebrates all the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. The readings and liturgy call us to especially remember all who have died in Christ. In the beatitudes, Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God's favor.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you picture life after death?
* What difference does it make in your life when you
remember that you are a “child of God”?
* What does “blessed” mean to you?
* How can you be a blessing to others?
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: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God of blessing, help me to be a person of justice, of mercy, and peace.
Throughout the Day: May I hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Blessing to Share: You are blessed to be a blessing.
For mealtime, say responsively: Taste and see that the Lord is good: happy are they who take refuge in God!
November Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This week add to your prayers the people and families you know who mourn the loss of a loved one. You could include the families of those recently killed in the NYC terrorist attack or the shooting in Colorado. If you yourself have lost someone recently, picture yourself resting in the arms of God. Let yourself be comforted, let yourself be loved.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give hanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 25 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 5, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you picture life after death?
* What difference does it make in your life when you
remember that you are a “child of God”?
* What does “blessed” mean to you?
* How can you be a blessing to others?
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 Romans 14:7-9
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Wednesday Philippians 3:20--21
Thursday Psalm 70:4-5
Friday 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Saturday Matthew 24:1-14
Sunday Matthew 25:1-13
Next Sunday: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God of blessing, help me to be a person of justice, of mercy, and peace.
Throughout the Day: May I hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Blessing to Share: You are blessed to be a blessing.
For mealtime, say responsively: Taste and see that the Lord is good: happy are they who take refuge in God!
November Mealtime Prayer:
Without your sunshine and your rain
We could not have the golden grain;
Without your love we'd not be fed;
We thank you for our daily bread.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This week add to your prayers the people and families you know who mourn the loss of a loved one. You could include the families of those recently killed in the NYC terrorist attack or the shooting in Colorado. If you yourself have lost someone recently, picture yourself resting in the arms of God. Let yourself be comforted, let yourself be loved.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give hanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 25 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!