Growing In Faith Together
November 3, 2019
All Saints’ Sunday
TODAY’S TEXTS
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Who are the saints? Rather than being perfect Christians, the saints are people who have been made whole by the grace of God, through baptism into Christ. The communion of saints is a diverse array of witnesses who remind us of God’s continuing faithfulness, past, present, and future. In the gospel reading from Luke, the saints challenge us to embody the surprising, world-reversing ways of the reign of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would it mean in your everyday life if you lived according to Luke 6:20-31?
* What do you understand “love your enemies” to mean?
* How do your actions reflect your belief that you are a part of the “communion of saints”?
* If you were writing guidelines for how to live as God’s saints, what would you include from the readings for today?
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: Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for working in the lives of all your saints.
Throughout the Day: Help me remember where true blessing is found.
A Blessing to Share: May you know the hope to which you have been called, recognize the riches you’ve received as a saint, and see the greatness of God’s power in your life.
For mealtime, say responsively: Let us be glad in God, our creator: Let all God’s children rejoice.
November Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In the Ephesians reading, Paul gives thanks for those to whom he writes then prays that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened as they grow in their faith. Encourage those around you by completing these statements:
“One way I see you growing as a child of God is …”
“One way I see you showing love for others is …”
Say prayers of thanks to God for one another.
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
Visit a saint! Plan a visit to a near-by nursing home or retirement center to see an elderly friend, relative, or church member. Invite them to tell you a story or two of what it was like when they were growing up. Your visit will bless you as well as the one you visit!
November 3, 2019
All Saints’ Sunday
TODAY’S TEXTS
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Who are the saints? Rather than being perfect Christians, the saints are people who have been made whole by the grace of God, through baptism into Christ. The communion of saints is a diverse array of witnesses who remind us of God’s continuing faithfulness, past, present, and future. In the gospel reading from Luke, the saints challenge us to embody the surprising, world-reversing ways of the reign of God.
- Sundays and Seasons, AugsburgFortress ©2019
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would it mean in your everyday life if you lived according to Luke 6:20-31?
* What do you understand “love your enemies” to mean?
* How do your actions reflect your belief that you are a part of the “communion of saints”?
* If you were writing guidelines for how to live as God’s saints, what would you include from the readings for today?
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 6:20-31
Monday Revelation 7:9-17
Tuesday Psalm 50:22-23
Wednesday Luke 20:1-8
Thursday Psalm 17:6-9
Friday Acts 24:10-15
Saturday Exodus 3:13-20
Sunday Luke 20:27-38
NEXT SUNDAY: Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you for working in the lives of all your saints.
Throughout the Day: Help me remember where true blessing is found.
A Blessing to Share: May you know the hope to which you have been called, recognize the riches you’ve received as a saint, and see the greatness of God’s power in your life.
For mealtime, say responsively: Let us be glad in God, our creator: Let all God’s children rejoice.
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 Practice:
In the Ephesians reading, Paul gives thanks for those to whom he writes then prays that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened as they grow in their faith. Encourage those around you by completing these statements:
“One way I see you growing as a child of God is …”
“One way I see you showing love for others is …”
Say prayers of thanks to God for one another.
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
Visit a saint! Plan a visit to a near-by nursing home or retirement center to see an elderly friend, relative, or church member. Invite them to tell you a story or two of what it was like when they were growing up. Your visit will bless you as well as the one you visit!