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