Presentation of the Lord

Opening Prayer

My God

There will be days when I cannot hear your voice

and days when I cannot feel you near

but never will the day come when I cannot see

your thumbprint on everything around me.

Mighty are your works oh Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:1-4

• What steps must be taken to purify silver? water? you?
• How do you show reverence to God?  Share examples of words and actions.

Hebrews 2:14-18

• Do you feel you are being tested?  What specifically is being tested?
• Explain how Jesus overpowered death and what it means to you.

Luke 2:22-40

• What is the purpose of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple?  Isn’t Jesus the son of God?  Explain.
• What had been revealed to Simeon according to the scripture?

General Questions for Reflection

• Are there messengers of God’s word today?  Who are they?
• What are some things a person will sacrifice to follow God?
• What value do you put on your relationship with God?  To what does it compare?
• How have you shown mercy towards someone recently?
• When did you last share your faith with someone new?
• Do you fear death?  Why or why not?
• What makes a person righteous?  What qualities do they posses?
• How do you explain something you’ve never seen?  Is it possible?
• Share a story from your childhood when you attended church.
• Does the Holy Spirit speak through people today?  Share an example.
• Has the Holy Spirit spoken through you?  How do you know?  What did it feel like?
• Can you keep a secret?  What makes it difficult or easy to do so?

Closing Prayer

LEADER:  Faith is not meant to be easy

ALL:  Lord, be my strength when it gets hard.

LEADER:  Mercy is not something to withhold

ALL:  Lord, give me with words to build others up.

LEADER:  Grace is not earned by what I do

ALL:  Lord, thank you for your endless gift

LEADER:  Hope is not lost or dead

ALL:  Lord, teach me to see hope through your eyes.

LEADER:  Love is not just a feeling

ALL:  Lord, show me what love is and who is love!

 

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:  Jesus went to the temple with his parents to be presented to the elders.  This was a ritual of Mary and Joseph’s families and of their faith.  What rituals of your faith OR you family do you value?  What is your favorite family tradition?  Are there rituals or traditions you have lost and would like to bring back?  Are there ones you are not so fond of but go along with because it’s tradition?  Make a point to ask your family members about their favorites and spend time learning more about one another and what each of you value.