Baptism of our Lord

 

Opening Prayer

On the banks for the river we stand;

Ready to encounter YOU!  Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU!  Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May our own baptism be renewed;

Each time we embrace grace!  Each time we share mercy!

Each time we speak YOUR name!  Each time we study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-11

• How would you explain, “God’s ways are not our ways” to a child or a non-Christian believer?
• What should we learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant?

1John 5:1-9

• How do you explain that following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus?
• Would you say you are born of water and blood? What makes you say yes or no?  Why?

Mark 1:7-11

• Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel?  What do you think you would do next?
• Read the scripture and insert your name in the passage, image you are the one being baptized…what keeps you from believing God says these words to you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is one thing you can do to help you begin to see things more like God sees? Reflect and find one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
• What is your image of heaven? Spend time reflecting and write a poem or draw a picture of what you see, hear, feel, taste and touch.
• Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel?  What were the circumstances?  How did your testimony affect the outcome?  What was your specific purpose?  Where was God in the situation?
• Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
• How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
• How strong would you say your faith is? Is it strong enough to conquer the world?  What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
• How can you allow God to use you like he did for John the Baptist?
• Where have you seen God use you in the past year, month, week?
• What can you do to be more open to allowing God to use you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:   As children we couldn’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, as adults, we tend to only go in when necessary either to help little children or for exercise.  Why are we seen sitting on the side of the pool simply watching instead of getting in and participating?  What happens to us that keep us from capturing the joy we had as children when we were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  Are these same things that keep us out of the pool the same things that keep us from going deeper in our relationship with God?  Spend time reflecting on why you don’t dive in.