Family Dinner & Devos, Apr 15-21

LIVING THE RESURRECTION

We are in the midst of the 50 days of Easter… and looking for signs of (new) life… so ask one another:

“Where did you see signs of life this week?”

Learn-By-Heart Verse for the Week (NIV Translation):

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed.

Acts 9:40

This Week’s Scripture Passage:  Acts 9:36-43 – and Psalm 23

Quote for the Week:

“The land of the living is obviously not a vacation paradise.  It’s more like a war zone.  And that’s where we Christians are stationed, along with the children, to affirm primacy over death, to give witness to the connectedness and preciousness of all life, to engage in the practice of resurrection.”  - Pastor Eugene Peterson from the book Living the Resurrection

Read the scripture passage and then ponder these questions as a family (simplify for younger children – or rephrase as you need to)…

When Peter is confronted with death, he gets down on his knees and prays.  When we are faced with death and darkness, how does getting down on our own knees to pray make a difference?

2.  Note that Tabitha (Dorcas) was described as a disciple (a follower of Jesus) who was always doing good and helping the poor.  How would you like people to describe you?

3.  The New Testament reading shows the power and strength that comes through prayer, through spending time with God.  What happens in Psalm 23 when one spends time with God?

4.  Reflect on Psalm 23 together and share with one another your favorite word or phrase.

And the “resurrection” question…

Each week during this Season of Easter, ask one another around the table a version of the following question… “Where did you experience joy in life this week?” or “When did you feel fully alive?” or “When did you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised?” or “Where did you experience life in its fullness?”

Book study…

An invitation to adults… do you ever wonder what “resurrection” means in your daily life?  Why does Easter make such a difference?  How do we live fully?  You are invited to read Living the Resurrection by Eugene Peterson; in mid-May, group discussion times based on the book will be offered.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

We give thanks that you walk with us through dark valleys

            And that you long to lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

We bow down to you in prayer, knowing that when we pray,

            you meet us there.

In all those places in our lives that feel dark and without hope,

            we ask that you come and make a way for us.

May we experience the resurrection-power of Easter in our lives.

Amen.