Sunday, August 9th readings

The Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Even when we are weary; YOU give us strength.

YOU are there to care for us and give us what we need to go on.

We are blessed because YOU love us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 19:4-8

Is there a time in your life when you were like Elijah…tired of walking around in the desert seeking rest?
Share a time when you sought refuge and God came to your aid.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Saint Paul says we must remove all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling and malice from our lives; how do these emotions change you?
Does your live have an aroma? What fragrance would you say you project?

John 6:41-51

What caused the crowd to doubt Jesus? What causes us to doubt others?
What does Jesus mean when He says “I will give my flesh for the life of the world”? How is this fulfilled in His life? How do we do the same with our lives since we are called to be imitators of Christ?

General Questions for Journaling

Are there people in your life who are in need of a shade tree? How can you give them strength to continue on?
When have you cried out to God? What were you feeling? What did you want God to do? How were your feelings changed? Did God answer your plea?
Reflect on a time when you simply had “enough”. How did you overcome? Where was God?
How would the world be different if we all acted as imitators of God?
What causes people to doubt who Jesus/God/Holy Spirit is today? Where do they find validation? Where do you find validation for what you believe?
Are there people in your life whom you doubt or have a hard time believing? Politicians? Boss? Co-worker? Family member? How do you deal with it? What do you think Jesus need for you to do?

Closing Prayer

Leader: YOU are there in the quiet of the morning as we prepare for the day ahead…