Sunday, August 2nd Readings

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator God

You give us a hunger and a thirst

only YOU can satisfy.

May we come to understand

how YOUR Word is what we need.

Fill us with YOUR mercy and grace;

complete us and make us whole.

Our searching is over!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:1-3

What picture does this scripture paint? What images show abundance?
When have you felt satisfied? Describe the feeling.

Romans 8:35,37-39

What keeps you away from God? How do you support the relationship? How do you hurt the relationship?
How do you remain close to those you love? Those on earth? Those in heaven?

Matthew 14:13-21

Where is God in this scripture? In what ways?
How are you called to be like the crowd? What do you have to share with others?

General Questions for Journaling

What do you thirst for? What do you hunger for?
What does your soul ache for? Have you ever felt so strongly about something or needed something so much you ached?
God satisfies. How many ways can you list?
What is your definition of riches? How does God provide you with riches in your life?
Describe the most satisfying meal you’ve ever eaten. What made it satisfying?
How do you communicate with God? How does God communicate back?
How does working on your relationship with God differ from your other relationships? How is it similar?
Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to God.
Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show love to others.
Can you have too much of a good thing? Why or why not?
What is your definition of the promises of Christ?
Identify moments in your life when you felt full, not from food. Is there a common thread in these experiences?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Let all who thirst…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who hunger…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who have nothing…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who seek…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who are weary…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who need rest…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: Let all who are burdened…

ALL: come to the Lord!

Leader: For the Lord is near…

ALL: all who call upon him!

Challenge for the Week: In the summer, many of us are guests or host a potluck or picnic where everyone brings something to contribute to the meal. Part of the fun of a potluck is to see what others bring, make a favorite dish or to have the chance to try out a new recipe. Even if there are several types of salads or duplicate dishes, there is always plenty of food and no one is left hungry. There is also always plenty leftover. Imagine how this is similar to the feeding of the 5,000. They weren’t invited to a potluck but they attended one. We hear the story of the boy with some fish and bread who was generous enough to step forward with the little he had to share with the crowd but I believe it was because of his example others contributed what they had too. We must realize that even though we think what we have to give is not enough, when we allow God into our lives and have the courage to step out in faith, He satisfies and completes us. Show generosity in some way this week by sharing with someone what you have to give. Bring more than simply a food dish with you to the next potluck, bring a generous heart full of the love of Jesus and see what miracles happen!

Sunday, July 26th Readings

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You give me more than I deserve.

You see me as a treasure

while I see my mistakes and flaws.

Your Word tells me I am precious,

with a heart of gold and infinite wealth.

Thank you, for teaching me to see as you see!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 3:5,7-12

King Solomon is noted as being a very wise person, how does his wisdom show through in this scripture?
How does this scripture passage model prayer for you? Does Solomon do all of the talking? How does God respond? How is this similar or different to how you pray?

Romans 8:28-30

Have you seen evidence of the phrase “all things work together for good” and did you also see God’s presence in the experience? Share specifics.
Does this scripture mean God is not there when bad things happen? Explain what you think the scripture is saying to those who have experienced darkness, abandonment or loss.

Matthew 13:24-43

Imagine yourself as the person who finds treasure, the merchant who seeks pearls and the fisherman casting the net. How do you relate to each scenario? What lesson is to be learned from each example?
What treasures do you possess? Do you use these treasures to point to God? Do you think you have treasures which are still buried?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you allow God to show you right and wrong?
What do your prayers say about your relationship with God?
The word understanding in Hebrew means obedient. How do you define the words understanding and obedient? How are the definitions similar and how are they different?
Have you ever felt called by God? How old were you when you first recall hearing God call you and what did he call you to do?
How do you hear God speaking to you? Is it a whisper? A shout? How do you respond?
What have you given up or what do you need to sacrifice in order to conform to the will of God in your life? It is a one-time sacrifice or do you need to continue to give things up in order to follow God?
Have you experienced a time when your instincts have conflicted with what you believe God wanted? Share.
Do you think wisdom is something you learn or something you have? What does age have to do with wisdom, anything?
Is youth an age group or a frame of mind? Explain.
Identify some obstacles which help you be your true self.
What do you treasure? Be specific.
What does God treasure? Where can you find evidence of your answer?
Do you sometimes feel like you are playing hide and seek with
God? Who is hiding? Where do you hide?
What confirmation do you have that you are living the life calls you to live?

Closing Prayer

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to seek your heart!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to know your precepts!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to observe your commandments!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to walk with justice!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to listen to and live out your Word!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to spread kindness and mercy!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to treasure your promise!

Challenge for the Week: Discern what it means to have an understanding heart. Do you know anyone who has one? What qualities do they have which cause you to believe this? What would change in the world if more people had an understanding heart? Spend time this week to work to have a more understanding heart and determine ways you can help others do the same.

Solomon’s Prayer: Therefore give to your servant and understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil.

Sunday, July 19th Readings

16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of great patience!

May we learn from Your Word

how to be more tolerant of our failings

and the faults of others!

Your Word tells us that when we seek You,

the Holy Spirit fills us with what we lack

so we can be better examples of You!

Lord, make us whole in YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn others? Are you unjust? Do you seek power? Do you “lord” over others? Do you hold others prisoner with rules and regulations?
Is there someone you know who is need of justice or mercy? How does this scripture encourage you to act out to help them find it?

Romans 8:26-27

What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?
Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit came to your aid? What was the situation? How did you know it was the Holy Spirit who helped you?

Matthew 13:24-43

How does this scripture challenge or affirm your understanding of love?
Share an example of how removing weeds from a person’s life, it could cause more harm to them than good?

General Questions for Journaling

Share an example of God’s humility.
What do you have hope for right now?
Do you believe the world is basically good or basically bad? Why?
Do you identify yourself by your actions or by your emotions? What words would you use to identify yourself (not by your role or job but as a person)?
Where can you see kindness right now? Is it difficult or easy to find?
What does it mean to repent? How can you repent? Is there a limit?
Is there someone whom you need to seek forgiveness because you have been unkind or unjust to them?
When did you first learn how to pray?
How has your prayer life developed over time? What has changed over the years? Create a timeline to show the progress of your prayer life.
When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves? What was the situation and what inspired you to step in?
Are there people in your life or in the community whom need you to stand up for / with them? What is a specific action step you can take to do so?
How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?
A mustard seed and yeast are described as a metaphor for heaven. What other relatable image(s) would you use to describe heaven?

Closing Prayer