Growing In Faith Together
Growing in Faith Together
January 15, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
We are invited to “come and see” who Jesus is. We are reminded that God’s forgiveness and love proclaimed in Jesus Christ is meant to be good news for us and for all people. As we encounter Christ, our lives are changed. Like John and Andrew in today’s gospel, we are called to share with others who we have seen Jesus to be. - Sundays and Seasons, 2019
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would John’s hearers have understood by “Lamb of God?”
* What does the phrase “Lamb of God” mean to you?
* Can you think of times when you were invited to 'come and see?' In your experience, what difference did the 'seeing' make?
* What is your own story of "meeting Jesus"?
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: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
Throughout the Day:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me.
A Blessing to Share:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively:
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord: none can be compared to you!
Epiphany Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try the “Jesus prayer” this week. Over several centuries, Christians have used this method of prayer to relax into God’s presence in prayer. Sit in a relaxed but alert manner, shut your eyes and take a deep breath then exhale. Repeat that, but this time say to yourself “Jesus, Lamb of God” as you breathe in and “have mercy on me” when you breathe out. Do that a few times. Ponder what images and words you would use to describe who you believe Jesus Christ to be. Can you imagine how these could influence how you act in the ordinary circumstances of life?
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist pointed two of his disciples to Jesus. They followed Jesus and spent the day with him (John 1:37-39). Andrew, in turn, introduced his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. Is there someone you could invite to spend a Sunday with you – perhaps to come to church and then for a midday meal?
Growing in Faith Together
January 15, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
We are invited to “come and see” who Jesus is. We are reminded that God’s forgiveness and love proclaimed in Jesus Christ is meant to be good news for us and for all people. As we encounter Christ, our lives are changed. Like John and Andrew in today’s gospel, we are called to share with others who we have seen Jesus to be. - Sundays and Seasons, 2019
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would John’s hearers have understood by “Lamb of God?”
* What does the phrase “Lamb of God” mean to you?
* Can you think of times when you were invited to 'come and see?' In your experience, what difference did the 'seeing' make?
* What is your own story of "meeting Jesus"?
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 John 1:29-42
Monday Psalm 40:16-17
Tuesday Hebrews 10:1-4
Wednesday Isaiah 48:17-21
Thursday Psalm 27:1-3
Friday Psalm 27: 4-6
Saturday Luke 5:27-32
Sunday Matthew 4:12-23
Next Sunday: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
Throughout the Day:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me.
A Blessing to Share:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively:
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord: none can be compared to you!
Epiphany Season Mealtime Prayer:
Christ
our light, shine upon us.
Refresh
us by this meal
to
reflect your love to others. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try the “Jesus prayer” this week. Over several centuries, Christians have used this method of prayer to relax into God’s presence in prayer. Sit in a relaxed but alert manner, shut your eyes and take a deep breath then exhale. Repeat that, but this time say to yourself “Jesus, Lamb of God” as you breathe in and “have mercy on me” when you breathe out. Do that a few times. Ponder what images and words you would use to describe who you believe Jesus Christ to be. Can you imagine how these could influence how you act in the ordinary circumstances of life?
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Decorate an old mason or pickle jar with
star sequins or stickers. Fill the bottom with sand and set a tea light inside
or use a flame-less battery candle. Print a prayer on a card such as “Shine your
light to guide us. Then send us out as reflections of light in the world.
Amen.” Use this prayer as you go out the door each morning and let it guide
your reflections of your day in the evening.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist pointed two of his disciples to Jesus. They followed Jesus and spent the day with him (John 1:37-39). Andrew, in turn, introduced his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. Is there someone you could invite to spend a Sunday with you – perhaps to come to church and then for a midday meal?