G.I.F.T. 5-23-2021

Growing In Faith Together 
May 23, 2021

TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

GATHERED BY GRACE
Today we celebrate the Spirit, through whom and in whom the people of God are created and re-created. Romans makes it clear that God is in the process of re-creating the entire cosmos; yet the Spirit is also at work in a personal way, praying in us "with sighs too deep for words" when we do not know how to pray.

Discuss in your household or small group:
* We are a people no longer easily impressed: in an age of technological wonders, we've come to expect regular improvements in the "stuff" of our lives. What would it take to astonish us?

* What are the "languages" that divide people in your everyday life?

* How have you experienced the Spirit in your life?

* When has it been difficult for you to pray? Has the Spirit given sighs too deep for words?


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 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Monday Ezekiel 37:1-14
Tuesday Psalm 104:30-31
Wednesday John 20:19-23
Thursday Psalm 29:1-4
Friday Genesis 1:1-2
Saturday Matthew 28:18-20
Sunday John 3:1-17

Next Sunday: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 26; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Spirit of God, kindle a flame in my heart.

Throughout the Day: Come, Holy Spirit, come.

Blessing to Share: The Holy Spirit is with us always.

For mealtime say responsively:
There came the sound of a mighty wind: All were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Mealtime Prayer:
For bacon, eggs and buttered toast,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: 
Wind, Breath, Fire. How do you experience the God’s Spirit in your life? What images do you have for the Spirit? Here are words to a song about the Spirit. Sit quietly with these words; imagine yourself soaring on God’s breath.
On the wind of the Spirit, we sail across the sky.
A cross of wood holds our paper spirits high.
Kites of the King, on the breath of God we fly,
the hand that holds us is the hand of the Living Word.

Pentecost Ritual: 
Pentecost is a time of red -- a color of fire and zeal and passion and heat. This week, let red lead you. Maybe you’ll work red or flame-orange clothes/accessories into your wardrobe. Or maybe you’ll serve red, zingy foods – Italian dishes with hot sausage & tomato sauce or Mexican food with red peppers, chilies, & tomatoes. If you eat that red supper together with family, light a candle for each person. Let each say something brief about where the Spirit's flame burns in your life. Come Holy Spirit!

SCATTERED TO SERVE
With guidance from the Spirit, pray for the world this week. Listen to the news then let your prayer form in your heart. To get you started: To pray for the world means to be aware of the world. It means to be aware of people, nations, the environment, the planets and skies, the arts, science, medicine, commerce, even sports. It means to stretch across boundaries, to share in mourning, anger, terror, guilt, laughter, and longing to be made whole. It means to listen for the prayers God plants in us.




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