Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Oh Good Shepherd,

How we long to hear you call our name!

When you are near, we are comforted.

You pick us up when we are weary

and bound our wounds.

Lord, you will never leave us for the wolves!

You are the Good Shepherd!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

• Describe what is means by “the stone the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone”?
• How would you explain to a non-believer what it means to be saved?

 

1John 3:1-2

• Where do you see God’ gifts today?
• Identify what it feels like when you feel God’s presence. Is it in you?  Around you?  Through you?  How do you know it is God?

 

John 10:11-18

• What does this reading tell you about the characteristics of a Shepherd?
• Jesus lays down His life for you…What can you do for Him to show gratitude today?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• People try to tell believers Jesus didn’t exist. How do you know He did?
• Where do you see the “hope” Jesus gives in your life, family, community, and world?
• How has your faith healed you?
• Share a time when someone helped you and you were inspired to help another because of the kindness showed.
• Where do you see God’s healing presence in the world right now?
• Consider how it feels to be rejected. How does Jesus relate to these emotions?  What can you do to gain strength during these times of trial?
• Why does or doesn’t God swoop in and “save us” from the trouble we get into?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Born of the Father…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Baptized in the Spirit…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Redeemed by the blood of the lamb…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Servant of the one true King…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Leader:  Beloved and chosen…

ALL:  I AM a child of God!

Challenge for the Week:   The practice of “pay it forward” pops up in the news occasionally where someone pays for the next person’s coffee in a coffee shop or there is an anonymous donor who drops a large check into a bucket or collection for a worthy cause.  Our hearts are filled with warmth by the generosity of others so why doesn’t it happen more often?  Why does it happen so rarely it becomes newsworthy?  One good deed has the potential to grow and multiply; be the vehicle in which it is carried on.