Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

and let you give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

so you can show me more than I image.

Let me live in you

so I will die with you!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

• What does God promise here in this scripture?
• Where do you see God’s promises lived out?

 Romans 8:8-11

• Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
• What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?

 John 11:1-45

• What areas in your life are “asleep”?  Do they need be awaken?
• Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
• How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture?  What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
• What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
• What does it feel like to have God settle I your soul?
• What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
• Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Expand.
• How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
• What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
• If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
• Where you see righteousness today?
• What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
• Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
• Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
• How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unveil my eyes so I can see…

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unbind my hands so I can touch…

 ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unfasten my feet so I can go…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, soften my heart so I can love…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, ignite my soul so I can believe…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There are people in our lives whom give us “life” and those whom, let’s be honest, would rather die than to be around.  Of course, this is not the attitude Christ would want us to have so it is something we must work to improve.  This week take time to consider the difference between the two groups of people, what is it about the people whom energize you and those who drain you?  Are there things you can do to help improve your attitude about the second group?  Are there obstacles you have set in place to avoid being around them that could be adding to the frustration?  Try to focus on the positive aspects of what they offer to a relationship instead of the negative.  After reflection, you might learn that part of the reason it is a struggle to be around them is because they are reacting to your negativity or be trying to work extra hard to get you to be engaged because you try to avoid being around them.  It’s time to unravel the bandages and bring back to life a relationship; you never know what gifts you are sealing out of your life.

Source: Sunday, March 26th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

my life will be muddy at times

and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

so you can wash me clean

and I can live like you live!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

• How do you feel anointed by God this Lent?
• David was working in the field when God called upon him; where were you when you first felt God call you?

 Ephesians 5:8-14

• Share an example of how being rooted in Christ produces “good fruit”.
• Share an example of how being disconnected from Christ causes darkness.

 John 9:1-41

• What does it mean to you that Jesus washes away not only your sins but the sins of others too?
• Are there sins you have not let go of? Your own?  The sins of others?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you celebrate that God has chosen you?
• Compare how it feels to be chosen by a person verses how it feels to be chosen by God.
• Can you decline a call from God?
• What are characteristics of a person who has a good heart?
• What is the difference between the way people see others and the way God sees others?
• What is the difference between the way people see situations and the way God sees situations?
• What are you trying to “die to” this Lent? What “light” comes from you letting go?
• Are you hiding anything in the dark which needs to be brought to light in a relationship?
• Share an example of how God’s light shines on you today.
• Are there sins you carry around that hold you back?
• Are there sins you carry around that are not yours?
• Describe how you feel when you are washed clean from sin.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

 ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel we hear the story of a man born blind.  Take time this week to think about the life of this man.  Prior to meeting Jesus, what do you think a typical day looked like for him?  When he met Jesus, he listened to Jesus and followed what Jesus told him to do.  Then the people in the village saw that the blind man had changed and the blind man told everyone about Jesus.  He even stood strong in his belief when faced with opposition from the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and doubted the blind man, trying to discredit his character publicly.  After being ridiculed and pushed aside, Jesus came to give comfort.  What lessons can you learn from the blind man?  Is there a particular area in which you have trouble… meeting Jesus, listening to Jesus, following Jesus, telling others about Jesus, standing up for Jesus, allowing Jesus to comfort you?  Let the blind man’s story give you strength, guidance and wisdom as you continue your journey through Lent.

Source: Sunday, March 19th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

You pour your love upon us;

Like a river you carry us through our lives;

You wash us, cleanse us, refresh us;

Even when our well is dry…

YOU are there with life giving water!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

• When have you felt like God was in your midst?
• Do you think Moses ever doubted God? Why or why not?
• What about you is different than Moses?

 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

• Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people?
• How does this differ from giving up your life for God? Or giving your life to God?

 John 4:5-42

• In what situations do you ask someone a question which you already know the answer? How is this scripture similar?
• Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever grumbled at God? Have you ever grumbled against God?
• What causes you to grumble to other people?
• Have you ever been a witness to a miracle or something miraculous? When?  What?
• Have you ever felt like everyone was against you? What did you do?
• How do you hold your ground when you are against opposition? What keeps you strong?
• How does it feel to be in opposition of another person?
• It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
• How do you boast about your faith? Give a specific example.
• Describe what it feels like to have faith poured over you? Love poured over you?  Joy poured over you?
• Have you ever been disappointed by love?
• Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
• In what way does your faith “fill” you? Describe the feeling.
• Does faith fill you once and for all or do you lose the fullness you feel? How do you re-fill?
• Describe a time when you were truly thirsty. What was the circumstance?  How was it remedied?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

 ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The woman at the well in the Gospel story sees Jesus but doesn’t know he is the Messiah.  She had heard of him, but had not seen him.  Take time this week to think about the times you have missed seeing Jesus or spending time with him.  What can you do to be more open to seeing Jesus in your everyday activities, not just when you want to see him or when you go to church.

Source: Sunday, March 5th Readings

Source: Sunday, March 12th Readings

Second Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

that each day is a blessing

And within each day

there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

for all of the blessings you give me.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

• How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
• Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

 2Timothy 1:8b-10

• Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks us to do which we find difficult?
• What joy comes from Jesus dying on the cross? Put it into words so you are reminded of how the light overcomes the darkness.

 Matthew 17:1-9

• When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever?
• How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain?  Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children?  Your parents?  Your friends?  How are your wishes for them the same?  How are they different?
• What good does wishing do?
• How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual?  A special prayer?
• Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
• Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
• Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
• How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
• When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person?
• Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason?  Did you receive it?
• How has Jesus touched your life today?
• Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

 ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If we are given what we want at the exact time we want it, we are not prepared (physically, emotionally or spiritually) to receive it nor are we mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives us the time necessary for us to prepare for the blessings he has in store for us.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships we must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and we might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As we awake to each new day,

may we be aware of the breath we take.

Before we even open our eyes,

may we inhale deeply the life you give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

let us count the blessings and

be fully aware of the love you have for us!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

• What is God telling you this Lenten season that you should not do?
• Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

 Romans 5:12-19

• How have you sacrificed or given to another in order for them to have life?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with God?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with others?

 Matthew 4:1-11

• Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
• What desert places have you encountered?
• Are you in the desert now? How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them?
• Are there people in your life whom you have given you bad advice? Do you still ask them to help you make decisions?
• How do you know a relationship is of God? (meaning, the person has your best interests at heart)
• What faults are you hiding from the world?
• Are there things about you no other human person knows?
• Is there an experience you have had or can relate to that confirms for you that nothing is hidden from God?
• What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad?  By what do you measure?
• Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
• How does sin weigh you down?
• What do you carry more of? The action of Sin? Or the guilt of Sin? Is there a difference?
• How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
• What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why?  (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us remember…

ALL:  we are clay.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we are created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  we are clay!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.