Growing In Faith Together
November 17, 2019
Appointed Texts for 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
NOTE: Gloria Dei used different stewardship texts today
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thess. 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
GATHERED BY GRACE
The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But believers can draw strength from their relationship to God and shall be given the words they need to endure without fear.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you prepare for that which is unexpected?
* If someone is undergoing hardship or persecution, how can you assure them of God’s faithfulness?
* Are you concerned about the end of time? What signs would catch your attention?
* What is a hope you have for the future? What is a fear you have?
* What are some ways that God brings healing in troubled times?
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: When times are tough, help me to remember your steadfast promises.
Throughout the Day: May I not weary in doing what is right.
A Blessing to Share: May the Lord make you strong in your faith, and tireless in doing what is right.
For mealtime say responsively: Shout with joy to the Lord: Lift up your voice, rejoice and sing.
November Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
Rarely a week goes by when we do not hear of some cataclysmic event – natural or human-driven. Such stories make us wonder about the presence of God. Jesus assures his followers that these horrors are not authored or approved by God. Ultimately this brings a word of hope that God remains present in the world and in one’s life even when things have gotten so bad that it feels like the world is closing in on us. And we have the opportunity to bring that hope to others. Sit and consider that last event of which you heard. Imagine what could have happened to the people concerned. Then pray to God, asking to see how God is working through you to respond.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 28 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch at 1105 S Gilbert Court. You are always welcome to stop by to help anytime between 10:30 am and 1 pm.
If you are not in the area, look for ways to help the hungry.
November 17, 2019
Appointed Texts for 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
NOTE: Gloria Dei used different stewardship texts today
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thess. 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
GATHERED BY GRACE
The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But believers can draw strength from their relationship to God and shall be given the words they need to endure without fear.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you prepare for that which is unexpected?
* If someone is undergoing hardship or persecution, how can you assure them of God’s faithfulness?
* Are you concerned about the end of time? What signs would catch your attention?
* What is a hope you have for the future? What is a fear you have?
* What are some ways that God brings healing in troubled times?
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 21:5-19
Monday Psalm 141:1-4
Tuesday Psalm 141:8-10
Wednesday Matthew 24:3-7
Thursday Psalm 46
Friday 1 Peter 1:3-7
Saturday Luke 18:15-17
Sunday Luke 23:33-43
NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33–43PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: When times are tough, help me to remember your steadfast promises.
Throughout the Day: May I not weary in doing what is right.
A Blessing to Share: May the Lord make you strong in your faith, and tireless in doing what is right.
For mealtime say responsively: Shout with joy to the Lord: Lift up your voice, rejoice and sing.
November Meal Prayer:
To God who gives us daily bread
A thankful song we raise,
And pray the one who sends us food
Will fill our hearts with praise.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
Rarely a week goes by when we do not hear of some cataclysmic event – natural or human-driven. Such stories make us wonder about the presence of God. Jesus assures his followers that these horrors are not authored or approved by God. Ultimately this brings a word of hope that God remains present in the world and in one’s life even when things have gotten so bad that it feels like the world is closing in on us. And we have the opportunity to bring that hope to others. Sit and consider that last event of which you heard. Imagine what could have happened to the people concerned. Then pray to God, asking to see how God is working through you to respond.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 28 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch at 1105 S Gilbert Court. You are always welcome to stop by to help anytime between 10:30 am and 1 pm.
If you are not in the area, look for ways to help the hungry.