Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Letters Ordinary Time, Proper 18 Romans 13:8–14 NRSV Gathering Welcome Ordinary Time is the Christian Calendar period from Pentecost to Advent. This time is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.
Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by Community of Christ Sings 379, “O for a World,” by Miriam Therese Winter. We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice. God of dreamers, thank you for hopes and dreams. It is a challenge to hope and dream; it is scary and requires us to be vulnerable. But as long as we dream of peace and what that means for our world, we can move! We can make those dreams happen! Thank you for those among us with peaceful, prophetic visions. Give them courage to call us into those visions. Give us courage to respond. Each day, each choice is an opportunity to choose joy, hope, love, and peace. May our leaders be discerning in decisions, guiding us closer to shalom. May we, too, be thoughtful as we join in dreaming and restoring a world of peace. In the name of Jesus, the Vision of the visionaries. Amen.
Spiritual Practice Dwelling in the Word
Today we will experience Dwelling in the Word as we focus on the Enduring Principle of Continuing Revelation. I will read a scripture aloud. As you hear it, allow words, images, or phrases to come to your mind. Try not to focus on them. Let them rest in you. After a moment of silence, I will read