G.I.F.T. 2-11-18

Growing In Faith Together  
February 11, 2018

TODAY’S TEXTS 
2 Kings 2:1-12 
Psalm 50:1-6 
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 
Mark 9:2-9


GATHERED BY GRACE 
In Mark’s description of Jesus’ baptism at the beginning of Epiphany, only Jesus hears God call him Beloved Son. In the Transfiguration at the end of Epiphany, the three disciples hear the same words with the command to “listen to him”. With the disciples, we sense the sacred moment. We catch Elisha’s vision of the sacred as Elijah is caught up to heaven. With Paul and the psalmist, we give thanks that God’s light shines forth through us.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Why do you think God commands the disciples to listen to Jesus?  What did they need to hear and understand?
* Jesus is trying to prepare the three men to get through what is ahead. How does this sacred encounter prepare us to follow Jesus more deeply into Lent?
* Peter, James and John saw Jesus on the mountain top. Where do you see Jesus?

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 Mark 9:2-9
Monday Psalm 110:1-4
Tuesday Job 19:23-27
Wednesday Psalm 51:1-17
Thursday Psalm 25:1-5
Friday Psalm 32
Saturday Matthew 9:2-13
Sunday Mark 1:9-15

Next Sunday: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: 
Open my ears to listen to Your Beloved Son, O God.

Throughout the Day:  You are holy. You are mystery. 

Blessing to Share: You are God’s beloved child.

For mealtime say responsively: 
It is good to be here: we shall see the glory of God.

Mealtime Prayer: 
Christ our light, shine upon us.  
Refresh us by this meal 
      to reflect your love to others. Amen
      
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
At the beginning of the Epiphany season, God calls Jesus “Beloved Son”. At the end of the season, the Transfiguration, the three disciples hear the same words with the command to “listen to him”. Take one of the texts from today and listen. Re-read the story slowly. Listen for a word or phrase that catches your interest. Meditate on that word or phrase. Seek challenge and/or blessing from it. Where does it touch your life? What does the Word invite you to do or be this week?

Ritual: 
Tuesday ends the season of Epiphany so it is time to replace your Epiphany bowl of water. Place a rock near where you enter/exit your home. It symbolizes those things in your life that keep you from living and acting the way Jesus wants you to (e.g. being rude or nasty, lying about something we did or did not do, taking something that doesn't belong to us, not helping others). Each day, you can hold the rock and think about something for which you would like to say sorry to God.  Close your reflection with “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”


SCATTERED TO SERVE 
On Valentine’s Day show God’s love by offering a word of healing to someone who is sick or sad.  Create paper heart-shaped cards out of construction paper. Write a simple thought inside the card such as “May God’s love be with you.” Decorate the outside of the card and then give or send the card to someone who needs God’s healing love.

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