Growing In Faith Together
April 4, 2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Mark 16:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
God surprised everyone with this mighty act. The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think the women did after they fled the tomb? How would you complete the story?
* Why do you think Mark ended the story in this way?
* What still surprises you about Easter?
* With what do you wrestle about the meaning and significance of the resurrection: in the texts; in your life?
* In what ways does the mystery of Easter influence the way you live?
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: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me seek Jesus in the Galilees of my life.
Throughout the Day: This is the day that the Lord has made; let me rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessing to Share: Live in the risen Christ as Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day and say this week’s prayer:
We thank you Surprising God for the glorious message that you bring hope out of despair, resurrection out of defeat, and new life out of death. Amen.
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has served as a witness of Easter to you? Share memories of these individuals and offer a prayer of thanks for them. Make a donation to world hunger or other organization in thanks for each individual who has been a witness of Easter’s power.
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Mark 16:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
God surprised everyone with this mighty act. The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think the women did after they fled the tomb? How would you complete the story?
* Why do you think Mark ended the story in this way?
* What still surprises you about Easter?
* With what do you wrestle about the meaning and significance of the resurrection: in the texts; in your life?
* In what ways does the mystery of Easter influence the way you live?
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 16:1-8
Monday John 20:1-18
Tuesday Matthew 28:1-10
Wednesday Luke 24:1-12
Thursday Psalm 133:1-3
Friday Acts 4:32-35
Saturday 1 John 1:1-2:2
Sunday John 20:19-31
Next Sunday: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me seek Jesus in the Galilees of my life.
Throughout the Day: This is the day that the Lord has made; let me rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessing to Share: Live in the risen Christ as Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day and say this week’s prayer:
We thank you Surprising God for the glorious message that you bring hope out of despair, resurrection out of defeat, and new life out of death. Amen.
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has served as a witness of Easter to you? Share memories of these individuals and offer a prayer of thanks for them. Make a donation to world hunger or other organization in thanks for each individual who has been a witness of Easter’s power.