Today’s Reflection
JESUS CREATES a community of disciples, and they journey together with Jesus for years while learning about God. Jesus uses this model to teach us. When I am disconnected from a community of faith, my own personal faith development slows down. Through my own experience, I have found two overarching characteristics of faith communities that help me grow closer to God. First, the worship of the community must be vibrant, and, for me, music is central to that purpose. In fact, I’m not sure I would know how to worship God without music. Second, the community has to feel warm and inviting. My worship community needs to be a place where I feel welcomed and encouraged to meet and form relationships with others.
—Christopher Maricle
Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God
From page 41 of Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God by Christopher Maricle. Copyright © 2016 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Where do you find community? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
—Matthew 18:20, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me deepen the roots of my faith. Amen. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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8 Comments
I find community in this group of pray-ers who are faithful and supportive. I find it in my moms prayer group that has met for the past 7 years since my first child went off to college. I find it in the Sunday school class that I’ve attended for the past three years. And I find it individually with friends who have been with me through all of my trials. Someone recently said to me that their best friend is God- and I know that He is really all I ever need, but I am blessed to have strong faith communities that surround me.
Prayers for all who come here today- I was happy to hear from Robert and pray that he finds good volunteer work and support and community in his new church home, I pray for Connie and the delicious burgers she will please her husband with for the holiday, I pray for Julie and her pain relief, for Jill and her summer relaxation and the good time she is able to spend with her father, for Betsy as she readies for a move, for Andrea and her continued healing, for Mary and her infectious joyous posts even in her grief, for Marcy and her health struggles and I pray for all who come here today. God is near.
Thanks Lou!
I find community in my church, my neighborhood, UR friends and my cooking buddies.
Thank you God for placing us in communities to grow spiritually!
I am so blessed by my church – the small group I belong to, and others with whom I have formed relationships. There is a sincerity in my church community that is inviting and challenges me, as well. My circle of friends, who stand near and pray ceaselessly – what support God has provided in them. This UR community is a treasure from Him also.
I am grateful for conversations dad and I continue to have. Often, they have unexpected beginnings. But, I believe they are moving us along the healing continuum. They evoke emotions, which, I believe, is a very good, therapeutic thing. I am willing to go there, as is he. Father – thank You for these opportunities – may we draw closer to You and may You be glorified by our words.
I find community here among these strong examples of Christian love and mentoring. The description given in the reflection strengthens my conviction that the church I attend is NOT a good example of a Christian community. It is not vibrant, wecoming, or nurturing. I never felt truly accepted and it feels like the church is dying.
Prayers for Lou and her small groups of Bible study.
Prayers for Mary and her family, may they be blessed with much joy.
Prayers for Jill and Larry as they continue to share and heal.
Prayers for Betsy, may her move be smooth and swift.
Prayers for Connie, may she and husband rejoice in their joy for his health and celebrate with family.
Prayers for Marcy, may she be well.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they each find what they seek in their new home state.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family
Julie, thank you for your prayers, dear one! I’m hanging in there , with God’s strength and the prayers of our UR Reflections siblings and friends. Too much going on; Jesus, I trust on You! I’ve been praying for you, dear friend! Prayers for all who are able to faithfully comment each day, no matter what! Prayers for all who request them here and privately. Sending Love to you all and praising God with you all!
I look for and find community in all my activities, volunteering at the local hospital, my church, my home group bible study, my yoga/stretching class, my Mahjongg group, my Daughters of the King ladies…… I surround myself with positive, happy, faithful people as much as possible. Thank you for this small community of believers in the UR.
Am very hopeful that the church I plan to attend tomorrow is a place where community is found. Progress is made every day getting settled. Went to the condo association meeting this morning. Seems to be headed in the right direction. Saw a restored steam locomotive operate this morning and saw the man who brought it to this railroad many years ago. Thankful for your prayers. Am still using the library for internet. Will have a technician come soon and get us hooked up at home. Have been at my new home for a week!
Glad I am here. Thank You, Lord!
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