10^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord God,

We cry out to you

and you hear us.

Let us listen too,

so we might hear the cries

of our neighbors.

Let us reach out to them,

calm their fears, heal their hurts,

and bring them comfort in your name!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 17:17-24

• When have you felt like your presence has made the situation worse? How can your faith in God help you through this tough time?
• What guilt do you carry which you use as an excuse? What does God say about guilt?

Galatians 1:11-14a, 15a-c, 16a, 17, 19

• How do you know the Word of God is from God? What is the difference between God’s Word and the words of the people?
• God has set each person apart; how was Paul set apart? How was Peter set apart?  How are you set apart?

 Luke 7:11-17

• Describe Jesus’ compassion in this scripture. What can you learn and apply to your life right now?
• What moves you to show pity on another?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How are you a witness of God?
• Who are the witnesses of God in your life?
• Where do you find people who speak the Word of God?
• How does guilt hold you back? What is it keeping you from?
• What can someone do to let go of guilt? Where does guilt come from?
• When was the last time you learned something about God? What was it?
• Who first taught you about God? What was it you were taught?
• Can you identify a conversion moment in your faith? Was there one or more?
• How has someone wiped away your tears to help you through a tough time? How did you repay them for their kindness?
• When did you last tell others about God’s goodness in your life?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

ALL:  compassion for our neighbor

Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

 ALL:  strength to wipe away the tears

Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

 ALL:  the Words to bring healing

Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

ALL:  mercy and forgiveness for ourselves and others

Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

ALL:  love and acceptance

 Leader:  Lord, breathe in us

 ALL:  YOUR PEACE!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week considering how you feel about your faith.  How do you describe it?  Would you say it has saved you?  How does having faith bring you comfort?  How does it dry your tears?  What does your faith give you that nothing else can?  Can you imagine your life without your faith?  Why or why not?  How do you maintain your faith or does it maintain you?  What images or colors do you associate with your faith?  What does your faith smell or taste like?  Where do you go to fill up on faith?  What would happen if you ever run out of faith?  Can a person run out of faith?  Just a few things to ponder this week 🙂