Sunday, August 4th Readings

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Your measure of time is different than ours.

We over schedule and try to fit too much into a day,

while you have eternity to accomplish your tasks.

We spend our time, fill our time and waste our time

and forget it is not OUR time to begin with!

Often we think there isn’t enough time

but you created the world and all that is in it in only 7 days.

Help us to slow down and accept the time you give,

living each experience of sorrow and joy, knowing you are there.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of precious time!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

How does one labor over wisdom and knowledge?
What do you allow to rule your life? Does work have control? The quest for acceptance or acknowledgement? A desire for wealth or status? What worries keep you awake at night?

Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Share an example of how you seek what is above on a regular basis? What does it look like?
How did you learn to seek life in Christ? How do you share what you have learned?

Luke 12:13-21

Are there things which you guard and do not share? What are they and why do you keep them for yourself?
What does this scripture tell you of what God values?

General Questions for Journaling

What causes you anxiety? How do you know it is anxiety? What happens to you physically, emotionally? How do you control it? Can you control it?
Have you ever allowed grief to consume you? What do you risk when you allow grief and sorrow to take over?
When was the last time your mind was at rest? Describe the feeling?
Do the things you invest our time in tell an accurate story about what you value? What is in need of change?
What is your image of Christ? What are the qualities of God which you emulate? Which ones do you need to work on more?
Are there times when you hide your belief in God? Why or why not?
What is your definition of treasure or riches?
Where do you go to seek treasure or riches?
Do you consider yourself to be rich? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer