Growing In Faith Together
September 15, 2019
TODAY'S TEXT
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Pharisees and scribes grumble in today’s gospel. Jesus welcomes and eats with sinners. Instead of grumbling, we give thanks that our God wills to seek and to save the lost. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, "The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Thanks be to God!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Share about a time when you lost something. How did you feel? What did you do?
* How do people get “lost” from God? How does God respond?
* How about you? Has the experience of being lost and then found shaped your life as a disciple (think of Psalm 51)? Who seems lost in our community? When do you feel lost?
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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for grace.
Throughout the Day: Create in me a clean heart.
A Blessing to Share: May the grace of our Lord overflow for you with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively: Create in me a clean heart, O God: renew a right spirit within me.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Jesus told a parable about a woman who, when she lost a silver coin, searched carefully until she found it (Luke 15:8-10). God also searches for the lost. Place jar of coins in your devotional area. In your devotion times this week, take a coin and reflect on your day. Finish by saying this prayer: Thank you, God, for searching for us. Thank you for finding us and forgiving us. Amen. Note: for fun you could play an old-fashioned game of hide-and-seek with the coins around your house!
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Take a large garbage bag and go for a neighborhood walk. Collect as many “lost” or discarded items as you can find.
September 15, 2019
TODAY'S TEXT
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Pharisees and scribes grumble in today’s gospel. Jesus welcomes and eats with sinners. Instead of grumbling, we give thanks that our God wills to seek and to save the lost. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, "The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Thanks be to God!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Share about a time when you lost something. How did you feel? What did you do?
* How do people get “lost” from God? How does God respond?
* How about you? Has the experience of being lost and then found shaped your life as a disciple (think of Psalm 51)? Who seems lost in our community? When do you feel lost?
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 15:1-10
Monday Psalm 73:26-28
Tuesday Jonah 3:6-10
Wednesday 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Thursday Psalm 113
Friday Romans 8:31-34
Saturday Mark 12:41-44
Sunday Luke 16:1-13
NEXT SUNDAY: Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Luke 16:1–13PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for grace.
Throughout the Day: Create in me a clean heart.
A Blessing to Share: May the grace of our Lord overflow for you with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively: Create in me a clean heart, O God: renew a right spirit within me.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
We praise you, O God for autumn days,
for beautiful colors, for our daily bread.
Grant us grace to share your goodness
until all are fed.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Jesus told a parable about a woman who, when she lost a silver coin, searched carefully until she found it (Luke 15:8-10). God also searches for the lost. Place jar of coins in your devotional area. In your devotion times this week, take a coin and reflect on your day. Finish by saying this prayer: Thank you, God, for searching for us. Thank you for finding us and forgiving us. Amen. Note: for fun you could play an old-fashioned game of hide-and-seek with the coins around your house!
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Take a large garbage bag and go for a neighborhood walk. Collect as many “lost” or discarded items as you can find.