Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach us, guide us in your WORD,

so we have the faith to believe

and understand what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

• What can you learn from the disciples about letting go of someone you love?
• What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?

 1 Peter 4:13-16 

• Explain how sharing in Jesus’ suffering brings us closer to him.
• When have you felt the Spirit of God rest upon you? Share the details.

 John 17:1-11a

• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ suffering?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ crucifixion?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ resurrection?
• What is revealed to you through Jesus’ ascension?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share a time when you were disappointed. How were you able to overcome?
• When have you had to let go of something you love? How did you deal with the loss?
• What can you do to bring comfort to someone who is suffering from a loss of a job, loss of a friend or family member, or a loss of faith/hope?
• Describe heaven.
• What changes in you, when you hear that Jesus has a place for you in heaven?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your faith?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of heaven?
• How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of death/dying?
• Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?
• Does good or bad come from avoiding difficult situations? Share examples of both.
• Jesus said he gave us everything. What does this mean to you?
• Do you tell people you will pray for them? Do you follow through?
• What assurance do you have that Jesus will follow through with his promise to pray for you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call to me,

 ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

 ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you think about the “Glory of God”, what do you imagine?  When you hear the words, “Glory of God”, how do you feel?  What words do you use to describe the “Glory of God”?  These words invoke emotion; they hold power to those who believe.  Identify the people in your life (and in the world) whom these words “Glory of God” have no significant meaning.  Spend time this week considering what you can do or say to bring God’s Glory into their lives.