Final 15 Devotions

Small group devotions for each night of the Gathering

 
The Final 15 minutes of each day is set aside for your group to gather wherever you may be to ‘touch base,’ hear the Word of God, reflect on the day, care for each other, and pray together. It is a time to take a deep breath, pause, give thanks, and prepare for the crossing from today to tomorrow -- together and individually.

As you reflect on each day, you’ll dig deeper into what it means to follow Christ, to serve others, and to hear the Word of God that helps us better understand compassionate justice -- from God’s perspective. Some of the conversations may not be easy, they may even be filled with tears and frustration, but trust in God’s presence and your ability to care for each other; trust that there is something to learn in every situation and experience. And, some times of reflection and discussion will be loud with laughter and energy spilling over from the day.

Fifteen minutes may not seem like much after a long, busy day, but don’t be tempted to skip it. Reflecting, ending, and preparing is important work to do with your group each day. 
  • Share responsibility with your youth and adults for leading the Final 15 devotions.
  • Enjoy the conversation and “aha” moments. 
  • Listen carefully to the questions people ask. 
  • Care for each other. 
  • Listen and look for God’s presence and activity, especially in surprising and unexpected places. 
  • Bless each other for what lies ahead.

You'll find links to the Final 15 devotions below, and they will be printed in the front of the Gathering Bible you will receive in New Orleans. There is a common flow or pattern for each evening’s Final 15 devotion, but you’ll also find plenty of moments that call for your own words and insights appropriate to your group. If you are a large group, you may want to split up into smaller groups or turn to one or two other people near you when asked to talk about something. If you are a small group, go for it as you are!

God bless your time together in New Orleans, and may you be a blessing to others throughout your life.

The ELCA Youth Gathering
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Final 15 devotions for:

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission. All rights reserved.

"Blessings" are from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright © 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Prayer for Sunday, July 26, 2009, from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, “The mission of the church,” page 75.