MERCY AND COMPASSION

PSALM 111:4 (CEB)
God is famous for his wondrous works.
The LORD is full of mercy and compassion.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:16 (CEV)
When we drink from the cup we ask God to bless, isn't that sharing in the blood of Christ? When we eat the bread we break, isn't that sharing in the body of Christ?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The Lord graciously includes us in his mission of mercy and compassion.

DAILY FODDER
How does Holy Communion enable us to participate in Jesus' mission of mercy and compassion? What's going on there?

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, how beautiful your works, how wonderful your deeds! Thank you for your mercy, granting us grace to live forever in the shadow of the cross. Hear the praises of your people in the lifting of your cup, in the bread and wine, the body and blood. Send us into all the world to proclaim your good works. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THIRSTY

PSALM 63:1 (CEB)
God! My God! It’s you—
I search for you!
My whole being thirsts for you!

REVELATION 22:17 (CEB)
The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who is thirsty come! Let the one who wishes receive life-giving water as a gift.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Those who thirst for God will have their thirst quenched.

DAILY FODDER
What does thirsting for God look like in practical terms?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for your living water that satisfies the deepest desires of my life. Forgive us for going after sugary substitutes that ultimately harm us. Keep the water flowing and our focus true to your healthy provision. I'm never going to be thirsty again. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

HEALING THE WORLD

GENESIS 8:21 (MSG)
GOD: "I know they have this bent toward evil from an early age, but I’ll never again kill off everything living as I’ve just done."

JOHN 3:17 (MSG)
God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
While we're predisposed to doing evil, God is predisposed to healing the world. 

DAILY FODDER
How does God heal the world? What should my response to his actions be?

PRAYER
Dear Savior, thank you for coming into the world to introduce healing beyond what we imagined possible. Forgive our lack of imagination and ongoing fixation on the problems of the world. Free me to receive your healing and join your mission to restore the world. I'm going to follow you, Jesus. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

SACRIFICE

ISAIAH 50:6 (NLT)
I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting.

JOHN 15:13 (NLT)
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Love and loyalty involve sacrifice. 

DAILY FODDER
How have you experienced sacrificial love or loyalty in your life?

PRAYER
Loving Lord, you did lay down your life for us. We, on the other hand, are inclined to take the easiest and most comfortable routes to relationships. Help us to walk with you and in your footprints as we seek to develop genuine relationships. Show us what sacrifice means in our context. I understand that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. And you are my friend. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.