Devotion: Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily devotions. You can do this alone, as a couple, as a family; in the morning, during the day, or at night. Find a routine that works best for you.

Pray: Light a candle and open your devotion time with a prayer.
God of grace, we are blessed because there is nothing in this world that can take you from us. Help us to recognize you in all things and at all times, for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Reflect: Reflect on the key verses from Sunday’s reading.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Study: Study the reading and consider the background.
Paul acknowledges that suffering is real. Accepting Christ does not mean that we never experience suffering again. In the midst of suffering, however, it is God’s Holy Spirit that “intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” No tragedy, no suffering, no matter how great, can separate us from God’s love. This love gives us hope that we can endure any suffering, knowing that we are not alone.

Read: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of Sunday’s text. After the reading, ask the follow-up questions.

Follow the book of Romans, as Paul explains humanity’s relationship with God’s righteousness.

Sunday, Romans 8:18-39, Nothing Can Separate Us.

Monday, Romans 8:1-17, Life in the Spirit

Tuesday, Romans 14:1-12, Do Not Judge Another

Wednesday, Romans 14:13-23, Do Not Make Another Stumble

Thursday, Romans 15:1-13, Gospel for All

Friday, Romans 15:14-21, Paul’s Reason for Writing So Boldly

Saturday, Romans 15:22-33, Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household. Discuss the following questions, or simply check in with “Highs” and “Lows.”

• What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
• In light of God’s promises, how do you make sense of the times in life when God’s presence seems terribly far away? How do you make sense of evil?
• How do others know you are a child of God?

Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.
Write a note to someone who is grieving or otherwise going through a tough time. Let them know you care, and that God is with them.

Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing.
God of the nations, speak to us in words that change our lives. We long for your Spirit in vibrant new expressions. Amen.

Adapted from material which is copyright © 2015 Clergy Stuff. Used and adapted with Permission. Find more at www.ClergyStuff.com. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Blessing written by Pr. Chip Borgstadt.