G.I.F.T. 7-12-20

Growing In Faith Together
July 12, 2020


TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 55:10-13 
Psalm 65:1-13 
Romans 8:1-11 
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

GATHERED BY GRACE 
God's word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. God sows abundant possibilities in our lives and the lives of all people each day.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What is the soil of your heart like? What about your soil would hinder or encourage growth?
* What are the teachings and principles that have taken root and serve as a guide for your life?
* What has prepared and nurtured the soil of your faith?
* In what ways have you acted on the abundant gift of God’s love and compassion given to you?

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 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Monday Romans 7:15-25a
Tuesday Zechariah 9:6-12
Wednesday Psalm 131
Thursday Psalm 65:1-8
Friday Psalm 65:9-13
Saturday Isaiah 52:1-6
Sunday Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Next Sunday: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Plant your love in my heart, O God.

Throughout the Day:  Lord, let my heart be good soil.

Blessing to Share: May you sow God’s love. May it bear fruit a hundredfold.

For mealtime say responsively: 
May God’s word take root in our lives: and the bear the fruits of God’s love.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
At least once this week, take time for this meditation: Imagine the Divine Gardener bending over the field of your life. What do you need to flourish at this time? Tell God where you are weak and in need. Speak to God about that which is choking your faith out. What good things are growing in your life and faith right now? Give thanks to God for these gifts.

Summer Ritual: 
This summer is likely to be unlike any other. Pay attention to each day. In the midst of it all, we are still called to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. At the end of the day take time to reflect on where you spent your time, what you did with it, and how you felt or experienced it. What things presently occupy your mind and heart? Thank God for the day.

SCATTERED TO SERVE
One popular way to sow some kindness around you is by painting or writing on 1-2 inch rocks and then leaving them around your neighborhood. It can be as easy as writing a word with a Sharpie marker – hope, peace, grace, love – and putting it along a sidewalk or under a tree or near a flower. Or, draw or paint a picture on your rock (acrylic paint can be covered with “Mod Podge” or art spray sealer). Don’t know what to put on a rock? Ask yourself: What would make you feel special? What would lighten your day?

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245