Ghoulies and Ghosties

Devotional Guide

July 15^th-22^nd

Morning

PRAYER

My Lord of the wakening soul. Bring light to my heavy Spirit, Show me the light of my salvation. Awaken me to your joy.  As the sun rises and brings heat to the day bring the warmth of your presence upon my heart. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Ghoulies and Ghosties     Mark 6: 14-29

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!

This Old Scottish prayer reminds us of the fears and superstitions that can inhabit our imaginations. Evidenced in our scripture is the torture of the mind that the marriage of guilt and superstition can create.

Herod operating in fear of position and respect beheaded John the Baptist. It seems that grace that was blooming within Him to know The God of Love was rejected by fear and superstition. Believing Jesus to be empowered by the Ghost of John he was tormented by his actions.  If only Herod knew that God’s love, Christ’s love, casts out all fear.

We too become worried and anxious at times. Consider the consequences of turning from grace. What can you be freed from when embracing God’s love and Spirit. All the things that go bump in the night.

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

https://salomesevenviels.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/salome-and-the-male-gaze/

Solario, Andrea. Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist, 1506. Oil on wood. 

What is the symbolism of this image?

What do the expressions of the faces reveal?

What questions arise about people, justice, and God through this image?

What is God through the Holy Spirit revealing to you in this image?

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you  love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                  SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

Love of neighbor is an interest in others. It is a call to think and serve the needs and interests of other people before your self. What can you do this week to love your neighbor?

SENDING PRAYER

God of my mind and heart, seal my focus and actions upon your will, your power, and your love for the world. Wash me in your grace to become confident and bold in my love for you and others. Challenge me to grow today in action and wisdom. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Holy Spirit I breath deeply to know within me your presence and God’s grace. Guide me through this day with love and compassion. Search me and know me, lead me and challenge me to live and serve in love. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

As the light fades from the day the energy of my body gives over to the need to rest. Heal me of negative thoughts, encourage me in my repentance and growth. Bring to me the beauty of dreams drenched in the gentle dew of your abiding grace. Amen

Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

Devotional Guide

July 22-29th

Morning

PRAYER

Father of soul, of body, of peace, of compassion. You bring me into this new day as vulnerable and weak as every day begins. It is your grace that brings perspective and strength. It is your son that brings comfort and trust. As I center to hear your voice in prayer, I thank you, I yearn for you, I delight in your word, and ache for your guidance. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

My Favorite Teacher, Mrs. Grady   Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

My third -grade teacher Mrs. Grady resides in my memory as Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s Matilda. She would read to us as the dust motes danced in the warm sunshine flooding in the doorway and windows. She was a gentle, encouraging teacher, young and pretty. I felt safe in her classroom. She cared for us her flock of eager sheep. Jesus proclaims the people were like sheep without a shepherd. We are often told how mindless sheep can be. Being compared to a simple grazing wool factory is off-putting. But perhaps it isn’t that sheep are incapable of learning, that it’s the failure of the Shepherd to train them. In her article posted in Grit Rural American Know-how Sarah Schartz speaks about sheep. “I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s about the attitude of the shepherd, not the sheep”. If we as Christ’s sheep are not capable of learning why did Christ spend so much time and energy teaching? Sarah is right when she speaks about the attitude of shepherds, leadership, teachers and guides. It is about the love, compassion, and interest of the Shepherd. The religious leaders were not watching, teaching, feeding, loving their flock. We are truly blessed to have the best teacher, Christ as our Shepherd.

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

 http://www.saintvictor.org/category/blog/page/13/

What is the symbolism of this image? What emotions does the sheep inspire in you? What questions, understandings arise about God through this image? What is God through the Holy Spirit revealing to you in this image?

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you  love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                  SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

Love of neighbor is an interest in others. It is a call to think and serve the needs and interests of other people before your self. What can you do this week to love your neighbor?

SENDING PRAYER

Lord, your love and mercy lead me. Your Son and Spirit join me in living this day in grace and compassion. Teach me. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I open my heart to your presence Lord. I check myself and discern my attitude. I rest in your knowing of me, my trust in you. Refresh my and lead me forth with energy and love. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

As the day slowly closes the door of light and busyness, I come to rest in the beauty of the night. I take in the stars and the symphony of cricket and frog. The fireflies light the way for rabbits to dance their nightly praise. The creatures of the night awaken to their secret world unknown to those who abide in the day. And you creator of all this fantastical and amazing opera love me. You who know all, create all beauty and love, shepherd me. I lay to rest safe within the fold of your grace. Your love is my sweetest dream. Amen

God's Power

Devotional GuideJuly 8-15^Th

Morning

Prayer

Morning light and dawning day, I reach out my soul to our creator. I open my inner spaces to the love of God and the power of faith to trust in and be consumed by His grace. Lord, bring to me awareness, discernment, and direction as I pray. Heal me, inspire me, challenge me in life. That I may be transformed into love and action. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

God's Power  Mark 6: 1-13 

Tell me I am not alone. You have been there, right? You are being tested. Spelling, math, science, driving test …..

you feel a little queezy, and your heart beats faster, and doubt sweeps over every inch of your body. Judgment. All I am and what others think of me and my abilities are wrapped up in this moment.  That is if we rely solely upon ourselves.

The last three weeks have been exploring our trust in God. Our faith is a gift that aligns us to believe in all God can do.

Mark introduces us to the disciples' test of faith. The disciples are vulnerable with no extra clothes, and no extra money. Their quest requires complete trust in God’s power to provide, lead, and empower them to speak and teach others in faith.

It is not what we can do. It is what God can do through us. Take a deep breath. God’s got this.

Visio Divina 

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

	https://wallpapercave.com/1680-x-1050-hd 1

 

What does this image say to you about God’s power? 

Do you find this image comforting, or scary?

Thinking about our faith as trust in the power of God do your feelings about this image change?

Consider what God is leading you to understand about faith,

salvation, love, and yourself.

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

 

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you    love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                         LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                         SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS                   GRATITUDE

What does it mean to love God? Think about your healthy relationships. Trust, vulnerability, appreciation, openness, and a desire to work together are a few qualities of a healthy connection. Think of areas you need to improve upon in your relationship with God and love your creator more deeply

Sending Prayer

Lord and father of all that I am, guide me in this day. Uphold me my defeats, love me through my doubts, encourage me in my sorrows. Celebrate with me the victories of this day. Challenge me to compassion, service, and to focus on other’s that I may grow in grace and love. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

Prayer

Prayer God of energy, of peace, of focus, I pause in this moment to embrace your Spirit within me. Align my heart and energy to your purpose, direct me in love, challenge me in grace to grow in understanding of myself and others. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self  today.

Prayer                  Scripture             Service Compassion

Worship              Forgiveness       Commitment    Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Father of the night of sounds, breezes, and summer sweetness, thank you for all the beauty of this day. All the glory of this world. All the experiences of love, and those of growth. I lay down to rest in sleep. Vulnerable to dreams and the night I place myself within your unending grace and love. Amen

Out of The Crowd

Devotional Guide 

July 1^st-July 8^th

^Morning

Prayer

Lord of love and saving grace, you know me, all of me.

You know my loves, my losses, my pain, my joy. Lead me

into your Spirit and brighten the shadows, tend my wounds,

and set my face to seek your light within all my prayer

and understanding your Word. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer

Out of The Crowd     Mark 5:21-43    

Being part of a crowd can be energizing with the joy of others joining in celebration. A dynamic speaker can erupt motivation and cooperation for a crowd to tackle injustices. Music can inspire an audience to share emotionally the meaning and heart of a song. Being part of a crowd can be freeing in its anonymity. Being part of a crowd can also be damaging, restrictive, and negatively pervasive.

Tune into your parent’s voice of following all the kids off the cliff, or their warnings that you are heading for trouble. Our scripture describes a crowd following Jesus unaware of their need to reach out to him, to have faith and be healed. They are unaware of the cliff before them or their need to change. There is a woman desperate to live beyond the crowd’s judgment, its ostracism, and cruelty. Her desire to belong and be healed propels her courage to touch Jesus. She is healed and cleansed. She can choose to belong to the crowd. But will she?

Visio Divina 

is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

 As you look at this image contemplate how the scripture speaks to you. Mark 5:21-43    

What feelings do you encounter viewing this image?  What is God revealing to you?

 Do you need to reach out to Jesus?

https://erieairfair.com/galery/hebrew-shawl.html

        Daily Scripture Reading

           You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

       Audio Lectio

       One Year Bible

       Chronological Bible

         Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use                prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

         Virtues to Guide Your Week 

          Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How can you love your neighbor? How will you deny yourself? How will you be thankful?

             love of God- Sunday

          love of neighbor -Monday

          humility -Tuesday
          self-denial -Wednesday and Friday

         resignation and meekness -  Thursday

         and thanksgiving - Saturday 

            Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People Called Methodist

Sending Prayer

Father of mercy and compassion your Spirit enfolds me and brings me comfort. Send me forth in your guiding light and in joy of my salvation. Bring to my eyes the beauty of your blessings and love.  Set me upon the path of selfless love and growth in faith to your power. Sift the waste from my being that I may behold the jewels of this day. Amen

         Afternoon   Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

Prayer

Father of peace find my heart. I set myself in prayer to your voice and power. Reset my path to walk in love and turn from those frustrations and pressures that lead me from your grace. Bring to my heart the jewels I have already experienced today and hold their wonder and beauty in my soul. Reveal the power of grace and love to overcome the negatives and fears of human life. Amen

Evening Questions for Day that has Past   It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present in our faith and more expressive in sharing what we know of God’s grace with others. These questions are in response to what God begins within us God is the force to which we respond.We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I grow in my disciplines to prayer, scripture, and devotion to God?

Did I in some way put God and others before myself in how I lived today?

Did I live out the virtue of this day?

Did I love better today? What do I regret today?

What will be my goal for tomorrow?

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

God of glory and mercy, your presence surrounds me in love and compassion. Forgive my moments of selfishness and ugliness. I desperately desire to grow in your grace to be a person focused only upon your power and your people. Bring me the sleep of restoration that empowers my soul to live courageously in the new day. Amen