G.I.F.T. 7-21-19

Growing In Faith Together
July 21, 2019


TODAY’S TEXTS 
Genesis 18:1-10a
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42 

GATHERED BY GRACE 
God urges the faithful, again and again, to "listen up!" Without first being nourished by the word, you will become worried and distracted by many things. Your needs, your neighbor's needs, & the needs of creation will become overwhelming without an understanding of how God is already working to create, redeem & sustain. 
Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What distracts you? 
* Are you naturally more active or contemplative? How do you achieve balance? 
* Abraham is running all over in the Genesis passage (ran, hastened, make ready). Do you see any difference between his actions and Martha’s?
* How would you describe the “one thing” that Mary chose? How does that “one thing” appear in the First and Second Lessons?
* What do you want to take from these lessons?

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 10:38-42
Monday Psalm 119:97-104
Tuesday 1 John 2:1-6
Wednesday John 6:41-51
Thursday Psalm 138:4-8
Friday Psalm 73:23-28
Saturday Colossians 1:27-2:7
Sunday Luke 11:1-13

NEXT SUNDAY: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Living God, help me make time and space in my life to be with you.

Throughout the Day: Tune my ears to your voice, O God.

A Blessing to Share: May you live in the fullness of life.

For mealtime say responsively: Make us attentive to your presence: May we treasure your word.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Lord, bless this food which we now take.  
We give you thanks for all you make.  

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
In our Gospel, Mary appears to have the gift of ignoring distractions. This week during your devotions, try to sit quietly and stay as free of distractions as possible. It is helpful to focus on a simple word or image to free yourself of distractions - words like Jesus, Abba, or Spirit, for example. When a distraction comes, just watch it float on by and return to the silence. At the conclusion of the time of silence, simply say, "Amen”. 

Summer Ritual: 
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors.  Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.

SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday. You can help anytime between 10:30 and 1:15 at 1105 S. Gilbert Court. IC.

If you are not in this area, see if you can find an opportunity to serve a meal for those who are poor. 

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