Quiet Table Guide: August 25-31

Scripture for the week: Romans 12:1-18

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

1. Ready Your Heart

Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.

2. Read

Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)

3. Reflect

As you read the passage again, pay attention to a word, phrase, or image stands out to you. Write it down without commentary.

4. Respond

Slowly read the passage again. Consider how can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today.

God’s invitation to me today is:

5. Receive

Read the passage one final time. Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.

6. Spiritual Practice: Service

Try on the shared spiritual practice for the week.

This week’s spiritual practice is service. We have been commissioned by Jesus to carry on the work he began in his time on earth. Listen to what he says about his mission in the Gospel of Mark: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬).

This week find and commit to an opportunity to serve someone else.

There are many opportunities to serve others both inside and outside the walls of the church. Email Pastor Cory to find a way to serve the church family: cory@summerstreetchurch.org.

Outside the church, the opportunities are all around you. Find an organization to serve with or simply look around and ask God to help you serve a neighbor, co-worker, or stranger this week.