Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

We are reminded of your covenant

as each new day brings us a fresh start.

You shine on us bringing forth the light

which you planted within each of us.

Leading us down the path of righteousness

walking with us through the dark places.

With you Lord, each day of the journey

is filled with peace and joy!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

• How would you respond to God if you were Abram?
• What covenant does God make with Abram? How do the terms of the covenant affect you?
• What is the purpose of sacrificing animals? What is being communicated through these offerings?

 Philippian 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

• What earthly things are keeping you from Jesus?
• How do you imitate God?
• How do you know if something is glorified? Does it look, smell, taste, feel different?

 Luke 9:28b-36

• Why do you think people in the Bible go up to the mountain to pray? What is the significance?  What should we learn from this action?
• Why is it good for the disciples to be there on the mountain? Why is it also good for the disciples to come down?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever promised God something? What was it and did you make good on the promise?
• How does God make himself known to you? Where do you see/feel Him?
• Is the God of the Old Testament different than the God of the New Testament? Why or why not?  What do the scholars say?
• How does your life change when you turn toward Jesus or turn away from Jesus?
• What does God ask each Christian to let go of in order to be a Christian?
• God loves your enemies? What can you do to follow His lead?
• How do you come to know Jesus better? Write down all you know about Jesus.  Do you know anyone who needs to have this information?
• Where have you seen God in everyday situations?
• How do you know God is real?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  As the day comes to a close and darkness fills the sky…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I surrender to the silence of the night…

 ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  In the birds who chirp their welcome to a new day…

 ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  As I say my prayers and pause for a response…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader:  When I go forth to see what my day has in store…

ALL:  I hear your voice, Lord,

        guiding me, leading me up the mountain!

 

 Challenge for the Week:   Jesus said our joy may be complete in HIM.  What does this mean?  How do you find joy?  Is it something you can put on like a shirt?  Can it be fake? NO!  Joy comes from God and doing what is right and pleasing to Him.  Lent is a time of discipline, fasting and remembering the sacrifices Jesus made for us…spend time finding the joy in all of that!