Ascension Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we look to the sky,

we are limited to what we see.

We can only imagine what is beyond.

Guide us in your Word,

so we have the faith to believe

and in what we cannot see.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• What lesson has Jesus taught you that you would identify as the most important lesson?
• The disciples are looking intently to the sky, then are asked why they are standing there looking to the sky. What should they be doing instead?  Identify one way you can do this also.

 Ephesians 1:17-23

• Jesus leaves the Holy Spirit, HIS SPIRIT with us when he ascends into heaven. How does this fact affect your faith, your understanding of heaven and/or your understanding of death/dying?
• Where does hope come from? What is your definition of hope?

 Matthew 28:16-20

• Do you see, feel or hear this reading calling to you? What is God calling you to do?  Is it the same or different than what he calls the disciples to?
• How do you identify your call? Is it something you hear in the scripture or something you feel in your heart?  How do you know it is God’s call and not your own desire driving your towards your goal or passion?
• What can you “GO” and do for Christ this week?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever received something back which you thought was lost? What did it feel like?  How would it feel to have it taken away again?  What can you learn from the disciples about this experience?
• How can you bring comfort to someone who has lost a job, has recently experienced the death of a loved one or has lost their sense of hope?
• What makes saying good-bye so difficult? What are some rituals you have or that you know of that could make saying good-bye a little easier?
• What are some ways you can honor the memory of a loved one?
• What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?
• Identify how you feel the Holy Spirit in your life right now.
• Are those you turn to for guidance and understanding filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it important for them to be?  Why or why not?
• Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?  What might be some consequences of avoiding suffering?
• Where do you go to get “full” spiritually? What are some ways you accomplish this?
• Do you believe it possible to live in the “fullness of Christ” all of the time?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus says he is with you always?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call me,

ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Throughout the Easter Season, we have the privilege of seeing Jesus open up to us the mission of every baptized person.  We consistently hear about how the Holy Spirit will remain.  The Holy Spirit is also often referred to as our Advocate, which means the Holy Spirit is on our team, ready to support us with whatever it is we need.  Spend time this week reflecting on the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Knowledge, Understanding, Right Judgment, Reverence, Courage, Wisdom, Wonder and Awe) and identify ways these gifts have shown up for you in your life over the past 6-12 months.  These examples from your life of when the Holy Spirit was present are the stories you are to share with others to give them the hope of the resurrection!

OR

Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then we have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  We have been there when he fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when he escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that he will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to YOU through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, his suffering, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?