Baptism of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit,

Move us off well-worn paths.

Shatter our human expectations.

Heal our pain and hurt.

Mend our brokenness.

Cleanse our hearts.

Renew our faith.

Amen!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

• Where do you see enlightenment in the world today? How can you make a difference?
• What can Christians do to bring light into the dark places of the world?
• Where do you see God’s salvation in the world?

Acts 10:34-38

• What do you believe God’s plan for you? What supports your belief?
• What do you believe is God’s plan for the entire world? Share examples of this plan coming to fruition.

 Matthew 3:13-17

• Jesus is presented at baptism as, “God’s beloved Son”. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s beloved child?  How might your attitude change if you lived your life knowing this to be true?
• Meditate on how the Trinity is presented at Jesus’ baptism. How does this compare to your own baptism?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• You have been filled with the Spirit at your baptism; God’s favor rests upon you. What can you do to thank God for this gift?
• How does God show you His love for you?
• Share a time when you felt God’s love in abundance. Where were you, who what with you?
• What are things you can do to remember and celebrate your own baptism every day?
• How can you live your life as if you ARE baptized instead of living as though you WERE baptized? Can you explain the difference?
• When you are in the midst of goodness, can you like John the Baptist embrace it or does your humanness get in the way?
• Meditate on a time when you were too wrapped up in your own agenda that you missed out on the goodness that was presented to you. What can you do differently so you can be more open to God’s presence?
• John the Baptist pointed to Jesus through his works and actions. What do you do in your daily life to point to Jesus?
• Does your life point others to Jesus or turn people away?
• Do you have a do as I say and not as I do attitude?
• What steps can you take to look at things in a more positive light (glass half full, instead of glass half empty).

 

Closing Prayer – Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Leader:  Send forth Your Spirit,

 ALL:  and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader:  O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,

 ALL:  did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

Leader:  grant by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.

ALL:  Through Christ Our Lord.  Amen

 

Challenge for the Week:  When were you baptized?  Where was it?  How old were you?  Who was there?  Are there pictures capturing the event?  Did you wear something special?  Make a point to find out the exact date of your baptism and celebrate it in a special way this year.