Grace
To experience the gift of mercy.
Readings
Devotion 1
Wait: Take time to sit in silence together, allowing space for God’s voice to be heard.
Read: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Ask:
- Where do you hear God’s voice in this story?
- What encouragement or challenge does this story bring to us?
Share:
- Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 2
Take time to sit in silence, aware of the presence of God’s Spirit
Read: Psalm 148 as a Lectio Devina
1) Have one person read the verses through twice.
2) Speak out any words or phrases that stand out to you.
3) Read through the verses again.
4) What thoughts, feelings, and impressions do you sense? Share them.
5) Read the verses a final time.
6) What challenges or encouragements emerge? Share them with the group.
Share:
- Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- End with the Lord’s prayer
Devotion 3
Wait: Take time to sit in the silence of thanksgiving together, aware of God’s loving kindness toward us.
Read: Colossians 3:2-17
Ask:
- Where do you hear God’s voice in this passage?
- What encouragement or challenge does this passage bring to us?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- End with the Lord’s prayer
Devotion 4
Wait: Take time to sit in the silence of repentance together, aware of our inadequacy and God’s grace.
Read: Luke 2:41-52
Ask:
- What feelings and thoughts does this story stir in you?
“The scene of the boy Jesus in the temple anticipates Jesus’ public ministry by presenting to the reader a twelve year old with precocious understanding of religious questions and with a developing sense of his own special destiny.”1
Ask:
- What do you think this story tells us about Jesus?
- What challenges does it bring to us?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- End with the Lord’s prayer
1. Robert C. Tannehill, The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts, A Literary Interpretation: Volume 1, The Gospel According to Luke. Philipelphia: Fortress, 1986, 54.