Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

Let us listen for your call…

And follow!

May we hear YOUR    voice…

Clearly!

Seek us when we are lost.

Comfort us when we are weary.

Come to us, Good Shepherd

Lead us on!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 13:14, 43-52

• Where do you go to “preach” the Word of God? How are you welcomed?
• How do you bring “light” to others? Is it always welcome?  Has it ever been rejected?  Share the experience.

 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

• Describe how God satisfies hunger. Has God satisfied a hunger in your life?  Reflect on how this experience can help others.
• Has God ever wiped away your tears? What was the circumstance?  How do you know it was God?

 John 10:27-30

• What does God’s voice sound like? How is it different than other voices?
• Is it easy to listen and follow God’s voice?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you act when you are faced with opposition? What do you think?  How do you feel?
• When faced with conflict, what is a good way to handle it and what is a not so good way? Think of actual situations when you were dealing with conflict and identify your actions as good and not so good.
• Are there some whom you reject because they have different views than you? Are you able to find common ground?  What keeps you from finding a compromise?
• Is there someone you know who needs comforting? What can you do to give them what they need?
• Where do you see justice in the world? What do you to support it?
• What do you hunger for? For what do you thirst?  How do you search for satisfaction?
• How is God leading you today? Have you stopped to listen for HIS voice?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Comforter  

ALL:  YOU pick me up when I am down.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my safety

 ALL:  YOU protect me from harm.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my strength

 ALL:  YOU fill me with what I need.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my healer

ALL:  YOU mend me when I am broken.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my companion

ALL:  YOU are with me when I am alone.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Shepherd

ALL:  YOU lead me to my eternal home.

 

 Challenge for the Week:   What are the qualities of a good leader?  What do you value in a leader, teacher, guide?  Are these qualities universally good or are they only what you value?  Make a list of the qualities you value in a leader and consider if there is anything missing?  Do you have any of these qualities?  Why does having these qualities make someone a good leader?  What can we do to nurture some of the good qualities in our lives?  Are there people who look to you as a leader?  What do they see in you as good qualities to follow?