Growing In Faith Together
September 22, 2019
Today’s Texts
Amos 8:4–7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1–7
Luke 16:1–13
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, found in Luke 16:1-13, is one of the most perplexing tales in all of Scripture. It has confounded scholars for centuries. So, if you’re not quite sure what Jesus is trying to say, you’re in good company. Relax and enjoy the vision of God’s kingdom filled with all kinds of people, including scoundrels!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why do you think Jesus praised the shrewd / dishonest manager?
* How would you interpret this parable?
* What can this parable teach us about faithfulness and responsibility?
* What do you think about what Jesus says in verse 13?
* How do you find yourself serving the god of wealth?
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:
Fill me with your vision of all people living together in wholeness.
Throughout the Day: Make me an instrument of your peace.
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: From the rising of the sun to its setting: May God be praised!
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Prayer is part of living faithfully as citizens of God’s realm. God’s people are called to pray for peace and justice for all people. What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name for leaders? How might prayerful living strengthen us to work for justice, even as we pray for God’s shalom? Find a map of your city, or the US, or the world. Once a day, pray for a particular place on the map. Pray that the people in that place find peace and that their leaders make good and fair choices. On your map, mark the places for which you have prayed.
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
Our leaders need our encouragement for their work! Choose a government leader or official to whom to write a note of support. Let them know you are praying for them.
September 22, 2019
Today’s Texts
Amos 8:4–7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1–7
Luke 16:1–13
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, found in Luke 16:1-13, is one of the most perplexing tales in all of Scripture. It has confounded scholars for centuries. So, if you’re not quite sure what Jesus is trying to say, you’re in good company. Relax and enjoy the vision of God’s kingdom filled with all kinds of people, including scoundrels!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why do you think Jesus praised the shrewd / dishonest manager?
* How would you interpret this parable?
* What can this parable teach us about faithfulness and responsibility?
* What do you think about what Jesus says in verse 13?
* How do you find yourself serving the god of wealth?
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 16:1-13
Monday Psalm 12:5-7
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Wednesday Proverbs 21:10-13
Thursday Psalm 146:5-8
Friday Proverbs 28:6-8
Saturday Luke 9:43b-48
Sunday Luke 16:19-31
NEXT SUNDAY: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Fill me with your vision of all people living together in wholeness.
Throughout the Day: Make me an instrument of your peace.
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: From the rising of the sun to its setting: May God be praised!
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:
Prayer is part of living faithfully as citizens of God’s realm. God’s people are called to pray for peace and justice for all people. What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name for leaders? How might prayerful living strengthen us to work for justice, even as we pray for God’s shalom? Find a map of your city, or the US, or the world. Once a day, pray for a particular place on the map. Pray that the people in that place find peace and that their leaders make good and fair choices. On your map, mark the places for which you have prayed.
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.
Our leaders need our encouragement for their work! Choose a government leader or official to whom to write a note of support. Let them know you are praying for them.