Growing In Faith Together
January 10, 2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:1-11
GATHERED BY GRACE
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit/wind moved over the waters. Both Mark's gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit's movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John's. God’s love surrounds us and invites us into a new way of living.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you “ascribe” glory to God based on your own experience?
* The words heard at Jesus' baptism were meant for him. What about you and me? Does it make sense to hear them as meant for us as well?
* How often do you think about your baptism? Do you imagine yourself as beloved by God?
* How does baptism connect disciples with God and other disciples?
* What about baptism remains a mystery for 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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: I give thanks for new life through baptism.
January 10, 2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:1-11
GATHERED BY GRACE
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit/wind moved over the waters. Both Mark's gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit's movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John's. God’s love surrounds us and invites us into a new way of living.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you “ascribe” glory to God based on your own experience?
* The words heard at Jesus' baptism were meant for him. What about you and me? Does it make sense to hear them as meant for us as well?
* How often do you think about your baptism? Do you imagine yourself as beloved by God?
* How does baptism connect disciples with God and other disciples?
* What about baptism remains a mystery for 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 Mark 1:4-11
Monday John 1:29-34
Tuesday Acts 22:12-16
Wednesday Isaiah 41:17-18
Thursday Psalm 139:1-4
Friday Psalm 139:13-16
Saturday Acts 13:23-25
Sunday John 1:43-51
Next Sunday: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: I give thanks for new life through baptism.
Throughout the Day: Help me know myself as your beloved child.
Blessing to Share: God calls your name and speaks it in love.
For mealtime say responsively:
The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice: the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor!!
The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice: the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor!!
Epiphany Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Each morning this week, as you wash your face or take a shower or shave, make the sign of the cross on your forehead and remember your baptism.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
God has given gifts to all the baptized including the youngest and the oldest. Think about what gifts you have to offer that will reveal the light of Christ in the world.
Grant us your grace, O Lord,
that, whether we eat or drink,
or whatsoever we do,
we may do it all in your name
and to your glory.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Each morning this week, as you wash your face or take a shower or shave, make the sign of the cross on your forehead and remember your baptism.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
God has given gifts to all the baptized including the youngest and the oldest. Think about what gifts you have to offer that will reveal the light of Christ in the world.