19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we doubt your love for us?

Let reach out to you

…and feel your embrace.

May we never lose hope in your presence!

What can we do to trust you more?

Let us call your Name

…and hear your response.

May we always know the sound of your voice!

Keep us close Lord, we cannot live without YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 18:6-9

• Describe having “courage” to let God work in your life.
• Do you trust God will “take care of your adversaries”? Why or why not?  Give an example of what this might look like.

 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

• Have you ever felt lost in your faith?
• Explain how you show trust in God and His plan for you. Give an example of how you trust God.

 Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

• Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for which He has not delivered?
• Why would God want us to be watchful? How do you let down your guard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there a common sacrifice all Christians’ value? What is it and how do you know it is valuable?
• Is it easy or difficult to let others have power over you? Why?  What would Jesus tell you to do?
• Have you ever sworn an oath? What was it for?  Did you keep it?
• Do you love and serve God out of fear or obedience? What is the difference?
• Have you ever felt as though there was no hope? What was the situation?  Was hope really gone or had you lost sight of it?
• Can someone you know be a stranger? Why or why not?
• Have you ever moved forward in faith, knowing God was calling but not knowing what was to come?
• Has God ever delivered a miracle to you? When?  What was it?
• What was the last decision you allowed God to make without your input?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we face adversity…

ALL:  May we have the courage, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we question…

 ALL:  May we have the wisdom, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we see is despair…

 ALL:  May we have the hope, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel empty…

ALL:  May we have the fulfillment, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we have to hold is the promise…

ALL:  May we have the trust, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel you in our soul…

ALL:  May we have the peace, only faith can give!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Trusting God, living a Christian life and following the path laid before us can be extremely difficult at times.  Often we are tempted to stray and fall into sin or to doubt or lose hope in the promise that God will take care of us and all of our needs.  However, over and over in the scripture we are reminded that what God has planned for us is so much better than what we can accomplish on our own.  The scripture tell us that even though it might be difficult and we might want to throw in the towel waiting on what we are looking for God to deliver, that we should NEVER lose hope!  Spend time thinking about how you have remained vigilant in the promises of Christ.  Have you been losing hope?  Are you holding on by a thread to the promise?  What can you do to refocus and get a clearer perspective on what God has been doing in your life…to see He is still there, just maybe not giving you what you expect.  God has a plan for you…are you trusting Him enough for it to come to fruition?