19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When you call to me…

Do I look up?

How do I respond?

Can I recognize you immediately?

Am I cautious and question?

Bring me into a relationship

where I know YOU!

Allow me to surrender to your voice

and listen to your Word!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

• Identify a “great wind” or an “earthquake” in your life. How was God present in this moment?
• When have you stood at the opening of a cave in your life? What kept you from going in?  What motivated you to run into the darkness?
• What causes you to want to hide your face from God?

 Romans 9:1-5

• How do you feel when you are cut off from someone? Do you try to re-connect?  Do you let it go?
• What keeps you connected to God? Is it a good connection?  Have you ever been cut-off?

 Matthew 14:22-23

• How does Jesus’ example motivate you to reach out to others?
• What obstacles do you have that hinder you from reaching out to God fully?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do your conversations with God change depending on where you are, inside or outside?
• How do your conversations with God go? Do you do most of the talking?  How does God respond to you?
• Are there times in your life when you find it easier to listen to God?
• Are there times in your life when it is difficult to listen to what God has to say?
• Do you always believe what is told to you? How do you reject a thought or idea of another person?
• How do you feel when a person rejects one of your ideas? What do you do?
• What happens to God’s promises when you walk away from worship? How can you carry the feeling of security with you?
• How do lies hurt others? When were you hurt by a lie?  Who have you hurt by telling a lie?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with the Spirit of your love!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with an abundance of faith!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with an understanding of others!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with the wisdom to see truth!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with a fire that allows me to move on!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:   with a calm that helps others feel you!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:   with a trust to go out on the water!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a specific place where you prefer to spend time with God?  What makes it the perfect place?  What do you see, feel and hear that makes it the best place to spend time in prayer?  Is this place in your home or do you go somewhere to find solace with God?  If you don’t have a prayer space that is special, why?  If you do have a special prayer space, what is it that draws you into the space?  What makes it special?