30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Loving God

You can hear a heart break

You can feel a spirit crushed

You can see dignity taken

Then you bring comfort…

through the scriptures!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

• How does this scripture assure you God hears your prayers?
• When you pray, do you pray with urgency? Are you specific in your request?

 2Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

• Have you ever felt like you had poured out yourself so thin that you had nothing left? When?  What were you doing?  How were you able to get filled up again?
• Saint Paul is telling Timothy that he is nearing the end, slowing down. How do you know when you need to start letting go of a project or being on a committee or even a friendship?

 Luke 18:9-14

• How do you identify with each of the people who went to the temple to pray?
• Is it easy or difficult to call yourself a sinner? Say it out loud.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you respond to the requests you get in a day? Are you quick to judge to pass on the requests of others?  Do you let your needs and desires out-weigh those of others?
• When asked to be a part of something or to join a group or add a task to your schedule, do you turn to God for guidance on whether it is a good opportunity for you or not?
• Are there needs of others you see but do not respond to? What keeps you from responding?
• Do you have needs which require assistance from others? What are they and have you asked for help?
• What drains the life from you? Are there daily tasks or just occasional things which cause you to feel empty?
• What are the things that fill you up and cause you to feel like you are overflowing with emotion (joy, excitement, fear, anxiety)?
• Draw the outline of a gingerbread person. Determine how full your tank is right now, how much do you have to give?  In your job?  Your relationship with spouse or significant other?  To your kids/family?
• What are the things you fear?
• When have you experienced God protecting you from your foes? Describe the situation and identify your feelings.  Have you expressed gratitude to God for what he did/has done?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Pour your love down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your understanding down

 ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your patience down

 ALL: and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your grace down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your mercy down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your love down

ALL:  and cover me!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week considering what qualities a person needs in order to hear a cry and respond.  What are some of the cries you hear in your family or community?  What are some things you can do to lend a hand to satisfy the need?  Take these to prayer and consider carefully what God wants you to do to help in some of these situations.  We often think, what difference can I make?  But when we partner with others, we can make an impact we often didn’t think imaginable…especially when God has called you to service!