Growing In Faith Together
May 19, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Easter begins a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Lord is making all things new. In the mystery of baptism God makes new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What one “rule” did Jesus give us over and over again?
* Read John 13:35. Can people see that you are a disciple of Jesus?
* What is the significance of God now dwelling with humanity?
* What can we learn about God from the Revelation text?
* To what do you look forward when all things are made new?
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 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, that you dwell with us.
Throughout the Day: Open my eyes to see your new thing.
A Blessing to Share: The former things have gone away; God is making all things new.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a candle for your devotional time. Reflect on Revelation 21:6a - “It is done!” Practice relaxing in God’s grace. Breath in slowly, imagining that the Spirit of grace and freedom is filling your body. Exhale slowly, imaging that you are releasing your efforts to win that favor which God has already freely bestowed upon you. Jesus has done it all. It is done. Receive the gift, gently, thankfully, and gracefully.
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
Plan to surprise someone at Gloria Dei with a word of thanks or encouragement, or even a visit or gift. Prepare a bouquet of flowers or a plate of treats to give them, or make a card or write a letter.
May 19, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Easter begins a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Lord is making all things new. In the mystery of baptism God makes new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What one “rule” did Jesus give us over and over again?
* Read John 13:35. Can people see that you are a disciple of Jesus?
* What is the significance of God now dwelling with humanity?
* What can we learn about God from the Revelation text?
* To what do you look forward when all things are made new?
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 13:31-35
Monday Psalm 133
Tuesday Acts 11:27-30
Wednesday Leviticus 19:17-18
Thursday Psalm 67
Friday Proverbs 2:6-8
Saturday Proverbs 2:9-11
Sunday John 14:23-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, that you dwell with us.
Throughout the Day: Open my eyes to see your new thing.
A Blessing to Share: The former things have gone away; God is making all things new.
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 candle for your devotional time. Reflect on Revelation 21:6a - “It is done!” Practice relaxing in God’s grace. Breath in slowly, imagining that the Spirit of grace and freedom is filling your body. Exhale slowly, imaging that you are releasing your efforts to win that favor which God has already freely bestowed upon you. Jesus has done it all. It is done. Receive the gift, gently, thankfully, and gracefully.
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
Plan to surprise someone at Gloria Dei with a word of thanks or encouragement, or even a visit or gift. Prepare a bouquet of flowers or a plate of treats to give them, or make a card or write a letter.