Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

On the bank of the river I stand;

Ready to encounter YOU! 

Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU! 

Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May my own baptism be renewed;

Each time I embrace grace! 

Each time I share mercy! 

Each time I speak YOUR name! 

Each time I study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 OR Isaiah 55 :1-11

• (Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7)

• What can learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant? (Isaiah 55 :1-11)

Acts 10:34-38 OR 1John 5:1-9

• What emotions do you think Peter had when speaking these words to the crowd of people gathered? Imagine you are Peter, how might you feel after denying knowing Jesus and now promoting him as being anointed by God? (Acts 10:34-38)
• This scripture says following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. (1John 5:1-9)

Mark 1:7-11

• Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel? What would do next?
• What is the purpose of John baptizing Jesus?  Shouldn’t Jesus baptize John?  Reflect on why God chose for this to happen.

General Questions for Journaling

• Explain, “God’s ways are not our ways.”
• Reflect on your life and chose one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
• What is your image of heaven? Write a poem or draw a picture of what you hope to see, hear, feel, taste and touch in heaven.
• Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel? What were the circumstances? How did your testimony affect the outcome? What was your specific purpose? Where was God in the situation?
• Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
• How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
• On a scale from 1-10, how strong is your faith?
• Is your faith strong enough to conquer the world?
• What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
• John the Baptist was a Herald for Jesus. Identify one thing you can do this week to also be a Herald for Jesus. Then do it!
• How do feel God has used you in the past year, month, week? Be specific
• How can you be more open to allowing God to use you? Are you afraid of what God will ask of you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:  Children can’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, adults tend to only go in when necessary, either to help little children or for exercise.  It’s a though adults have turned into the Wicked Witch of the West and a little water will make them melt!  Can you relate?  Why do you think adults are seen sitting on the side-line simply watching instead of participating?  What reason(s) can you come up with that adults resist the joy they had as children when they were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  What are your reasons for not jumping in?  Do you think the same things that keep you out of the pool are maybe the same things that keep you from going deeper in your relationship with God?  Spend time this week contemplating the answer and making the commitment to renew your Baptismal Promises not just in word, but in action too!  There is plenty of fun to be had, dive in, splash in the water, let it wash over you…I promise you won’t melt!