Growing In Faith Together
Easter Sunday
April 21, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 65:17-25
Ps 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Cor 15:19-26
Luke 24:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
God surprised everyone with this mighty act. The Easter news was spread to all who would listen. The disciples told people, who in turn, told people, and to this day, we hear the message. We too are called to bring this message with our lives, and, if necessary, with words, to those who have not yet heard it.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What was the response of those who heard the women's account of what had happened?
* What still surprises you about Easter?
* Luther spoke of the resurrection as God’s victory over the power of sin, death, and the devil. What do you think he meant? What does the resurrection mean to you?
* In what ways does the mystery of Easter influence the way you live?
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: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 150; Revelations 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give thanks to the Lord for the Lord is good.
Throughout the Day: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessing to Share: Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively:
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: We thank you Redeeming God for the glorious message that you bring hope out of despair, resurrection out of defeat, and new life out of death. Amen.
Easter Ritual: Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism so we also will rise with him.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has served as a witness of Easter to you? Share memories of these individuals and offer a prayer of thanks for them. Make an Easter greeting card to send to each individual in thanks for being a witness of Easter’s power. If the individual is deceased, consider sending the card to a relative of the person with a note about why you are doing so.
Easter Sunday
April 21, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 65:17-25
Ps 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Cor 15:19-26
Luke 24:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
God surprised everyone with this mighty act. The Easter news was spread to all who would listen. The disciples told people, who in turn, told people, and to this day, we hear the message. We too are called to bring this message with our lives, and, if necessary, with words, to those who have not yet heard it.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What was the response of those who heard the women's account of what had happened?
* What still surprises you about Easter?
* Luther spoke of the resurrection as God’s victory over the power of sin, death, and the devil. What do you think he meant? What does the resurrection mean to you?
* In what ways does the mystery of Easter influence the way you live?
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 Luke 24:1-12
Monday Luke 24:13-35
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 15:50-52
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 15:53-57
Thursday Psalm 150
Friday Acts 5:27-32
Saturday Revelation 1:4-8
Sunday John 20:19-31
Next Sunday: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 150; Revelations 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give thanks to the Lord for the Lord is good.
Throughout the Day: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessing to Share: Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively:
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: We thank you Redeeming God for the glorious message that you bring hope out of despair, resurrection out of defeat, and new life out of death. Amen.
Easter Ritual: Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism so we also will rise with him.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has served as a witness of Easter to you? Share memories of these individuals and offer a prayer of thanks for them. Make an Easter greeting card to send to each individual in thanks for being a witness of Easter’s power. If the individual is deceased, consider sending the card to a relative of the person with a note about why you are doing so.