Weekly Lectionary Texts
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
Monday, September 7. Labor Day. Think about work today. Think about the work of those who never get ahead. Think of those without work today. Think about your work. How does it bring meaning to your life? Give thanks for work to do and energy to do it?
Tuesday, September 8. In Proverbs 1:20-33 Wisdom is portrayed as a woman crying out on the city streets. What do you think of this image? Why do you think Wisdom is seen as a woman? What words does Wisdom have to speak through you on the city streets of your life today?
Wednesday, September 9. As you read the familiar words from Psalm 19:14, consider your own words and meditations. What makes them pleasing and acceptable to the Lord? Make a list of words and expressions you can say to others today that will be a vehicle of God’s love to them.
Thursday, September 10. Read “Confession” and remember times when you came prepared with what you thought were “just the right words” and God filled you ears with hearing instead. What happened? What changed in you? In the other person?
Friday, September 11. Read through James’ description of the human tongue. Think about your own tongue and its ability to speak blessings and curses. What words are most apt to tumble off your tongue in times of fear, anxiety, disappointment and anger?
Saturday, September 12. The author of “A Necessary Prayer” found out the sometimes God uses unknown people to guide us to right places and ministries. When have you said “Here I am” to God and found a call in ways you would never have expected. Write or call the person who God used to guide you or give thanks for their words.
Sunday, September 13. Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Within a few verses in Mark, Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah and then challenges him. In response, Jesus tells him to be quiet. When is it most loving to be quiet and when is it most loving to speak out? Which is most difficult for you?
Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord. Amen.
Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.
You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org
When I try to print this, I get 3 sheets of material, but I really only need the 2nd one.
Any suggestions??