Opening Prayer – 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Father,
Before us are many paths to choose;
Some are worn, some hard to navigate.
Many leave us feeling pain, sorrow or regret.
Others fill us with great joy and satisfaction.
Sharpen our senses to seek YOU on the path ahead of us.
Then even when the waves crash against us,
YOU are there when we reach out.
May we seek YOU in each new dawn,
in each raindrop and in every shining star.

Journal/Reflection Questions
1Kings 19:9, 11-13
Reflect on a time in your life when you experienced an “earthquake”, a “great wind” or a “fire”. When did you see God in the situation? Was it before, during or after the event?
Do you hear God in the “whispers” of life? Where does God whisper to you? What does He use to share His message with you in a whisper?

Romans 9:1-5
Are there some in your family whom cause you “great sorrow” or “constant anguish” because of their belief or unbelief? What can you learn from St Paul in this scripture that might help?
Are there some people whom you need to separate or be “cut off” from in order to be a better follower of Christ? How can you relate to St Paul in this scripture?

Matthew 14:22-33
Is your faith on a solid rock or on sinking sand? What can you learn from Peter to help you stay steady? How does this look in your everyday life?
What causes you to sink in your faith? Name some of the weights that drag you down.

General Questions for Journaling
Can God calm your fears or worries like He calm’s the sea? When have you experienced God’s calming power?
Would you describe your faith as strong? Would you be able to stand back up like Peter?
Jesus went up the mountain to pray. Do you have a sacred place where you like to go to pray? What makes it sacred?
How does God invite you to step out of the boat?
Are you able to distinguish when God is in the wind, the fire and the earthquake and when He is not? How close do you think you need to be in order to know the difference?
What forces work against you in building your faith? What do you struggle with in order to keep the faith?
Would you say you trust Jesus? Share an example in your life which shows how you trust Jesus.

Closing Prayer
Leader: When I am feeling lost and alone…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!
Leader: When I don’t know which way to turn…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!
Leader: When I stumble and fall and sink…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!
Leader: When I am so full of joy I overflow…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!
Leader: When I feel fulfilled and satisfied…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!
Leader: When I stand up for what I believe…
ALL: Fix my eyes on Jesus!

Challenge for the Week: Many people live in the “in between” of faith where they believe but don’t practice their beliefs with intention OR they practice so hard they are frustrated with the results. We need to seek to find a healthy balance of living out and practicing the beliefs. When scripture says we must love our neighbor and pray for our enemies, it sounds beautiful and practical. However, how many believers actually put the words into practice? Do we love everyone, even those who hurt us or persecute others? When a tragedy happens do we immediately begin to pray for the victims and not the perpetrators? Consider where your faith and your belief intersect.