Growing In Faith Together
March 15, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
Because the thirsty Israelites quarreled with Moses and put the Lord to the test, Moses cried out in desperation to the Lord. The doubt-filled question “Is the Lord among us or not?” received a very positive answer. In today's gospel, the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God's grace.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* For what does your soul thirst?
* What are the jars –past tragedies, present challenges - you would like to leave behind for the living water Jesus offers?
* Like it or not, when we draw lines between ourselves and other people, Jesus is always on the other side of that line. Who are the Samaritans in our community? How are you reaching out to them?
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 4:5-52
Monday Exodus 17:1-7
Tuesday Romans 5:1-11
Wednesday John 7:37-39
Thursday Psalm 23
Friday 1 Samuel 16:10-13
Saturday John 1:1-9
Sunday John 9:1-41
Next Sunday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, O God, for love like water for our souls.
Throughout the Day: Give me your living water, O Lord.
A Blessing to Share: The goodness of God satisfies thirsty souls.
For mealtime say responsively: Let us come before God’s presence with thanks: and raise a loud shout to the Lord.
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Some Native Americans of the Yakima Nation give thanks for water at each meal. Before and after eating, someone pours water into each person’s cup and everyone drinks with thanks. Try this for a couple of meals this week. Give thanks for the gift of water and pray for the needs of those who do not have clean water.
Lenten Ritual:
Try this at least 3 times a week: At the end of your day, take a few moments to review your day in the presence of God. 1) Ask to see your day with God’s eyes. 2) Give thanks for the gift of the day. 3) Review your day. 4) Face any mistakes you may have made and give them to God. 5) Look toward the day to come.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
As people “social distance” themselves, it is more important than ever to stay connected! Social isolation is a danger to mental health, and physical health. While the best way to love our neighbor at this time is to stay away physically, we can certainly reach out in non-physical ways. We do live in a time of texting, emailing, face-to-face video chats, in addition to the old-fashioned phone call and written letter.
Besides your friends and family, others may need our company in these other ways. Think of your elderly neighbor or a co-worker who lives alone. Write them a letter, send an email, give them a call. Our strength as Christians is to know that God is present in all circumstances and lives. And you can share this reality through you caring concern.
March 15, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
Because the thirsty Israelites quarreled with Moses and put the Lord to the test, Moses cried out in desperation to the Lord. The doubt-filled question “Is the Lord among us or not?” received a very positive answer. In today's gospel, the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God's grace.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* For what does your soul thirst?
* What are the jars –past tragedies, present challenges - you would like to leave behind for the living water Jesus offers?
* Like it or not, when we draw lines between ourselves and other people, Jesus is always on the other side of that line. Who are the Samaritans in our community? How are you reaching out to them?
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 4:5-52
Monday Exodus 17:1-7
Tuesday Romans 5:1-11
Wednesday John 7:37-39
Thursday Psalm 23
Friday 1 Samuel 16:10-13
Saturday John 1:1-9
Sunday John 9:1-41
Next Sunday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, O God, for love like water for our souls.
Throughout the Day: Give me your living water, O Lord.
A Blessing to Share: The goodness of God satisfies thirsty souls.
For mealtime say responsively: Let us come before God’s presence with thanks: and raise a loud shout to the Lord.
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Some Native Americans of the Yakima Nation give thanks for water at each meal. Before and after eating, someone pours water into each person’s cup and everyone drinks with thanks. Try this for a couple of meals this week. Give thanks for the gift of water and pray for the needs of those who do not have clean water.
Lenten Ritual:
Try this at least 3 times a week: At the end of your day, take a few moments to review your day in the presence of God. 1) Ask to see your day with God’s eyes. 2) Give thanks for the gift of the day. 3) Review your day. 4) Face any mistakes you may have made and give them to God. 5) Look toward the day to come.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
As people “social distance” themselves, it is more important than ever to stay connected! Social isolation is a danger to mental health, and physical health. While the best way to love our neighbor at this time is to stay away physically, we can certainly reach out in non-physical ways. We do live in a time of texting, emailing, face-to-face video chats, in addition to the old-fashioned phone call and written letter.
Besides your friends and family, others may need our company in these other ways. Think of your elderly neighbor or a co-worker who lives alone. Write them a letter, send an email, give them a call. Our strength as Christians is to know that God is present in all circumstances and lives. And you can share this reality through you caring concern.