G.I.F.T. 5-12-19

Growing In Faith Together
May 12, 2019

Today’s Texts
Acts 9:36-43 
Psalm 23 
Revelation 7:9-17 
John 10:22-30 


GATHERED BY GRACE
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.    - From Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2019

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What is it about Psalm 23 that still speaks to people today?
* When have you experienced "green pastures," and/or "the valley of the shadow of death"?
* In what surprising new path is God leading you today?
* When has God “wiped away a tear from your eye.”?

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 10:22-30
Monday Psalm 100
Tuesday Ezekiel 37:24-28
Wednesday John 10:31-42
Thursday Psalm 148
Friday Daniel 7:13-14
Saturday Revelation 11:15-19
Sunday John 13:31-55

NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35 

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Shepherd me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

Throughout the Day: May I always hear your voice, My Shepherd.  

A Blessing to Share: May Christ’s peace be with you.

For mealtime, say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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:  
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week.  Rest in the love of God. Reflect on v. 27 of the Gospel: My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 
In what ways do you hear God’s voice? How do you follow? What does the Shepherd know about you?  End with a prayer.

Ritual for the Easter Season: 
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 
Both the 23rd Psalm and parts of the lesson from Revelation are often read at funeral services. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in the past year, write them a supportive note this week. Let them know you are thinking about them and praying with them.


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