Opening Prayer – Baptism of the Lord
Holy Spirit,
Move us off well-worn paths,
shatter our human expectations,
heal our pain and hurt,
mend our brokenness.
Cleanse our hearts and renew our faith.
Our hope is restored in your Son, Jesus.
All Glory to the GOD of heaven and earth!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
• Where do you see enlightenment in the world today? How can you help make a difference?
• What can Christians do to bring light into the dark places of the world?
• Where do you see God’s salvation in the world?

Acts 10:34-38
• What do you believe God’s plan is for you? What supports this belief?
• What do you believe is God’s plan for the entire world? Share examples of this plan coming to fruition.

Matthew 3:13-17
• Jesus is presented at baptism as, “God’s beloved Son”. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s beloved child? How might our attitude change if we lived our life KNOWING this to be true?
• Meditate on how the Trinity is present at Jesus’ baptism. How does this compare to your own baptism?

General Questions for Journaling
• You have been filled with the Spirit at your own baptism; God’s favor rests upon you. What can you do to thank God for this gift?
• How does God show you His love for you? Share a time when you felt God’s love in abundance. Where were you, who was with you?
• What are things you can do to remember and celebrate your own baptism every day?
• How can you live your life as if you ARE baptized instead of living as though you WERE baptized? Can you explain the difference?
• When you are in the midst of goodness, can you like John the Baptist embrace it, or does your humanness get in the way? Meditate on a time when you were too wrapped up in your own agenda that you missed out on the goodness that was presented to you. What can you do differently so you can be more open to God?
• John the Baptist pointed to Jesus through his words and actions. What do you do in your daily life to point to Jesus?
• Does your life point others to Jesus or turn people away? Do you have a do as I say and not as I do attitude? Where might you need some work or improvement?

Closing Prayer – Prayer to the Holy Spirit
ALL: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Leader: O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Challenge for the Week: When were you baptized? Where was it? How old were you? Who was there? Are there pictures capturing the event? Did you wear something special? Make a point to find out the exact date of your baptism and celebrate it in a special way this year.