Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

YOU save us even we don’t think we deserve it

Lord, come wrap us up in your love!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

• What does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit poured upon you? How is it different or the same as having the Holy Spirit within you?
• Have you ever been in the presence of someone whom you thought deserved honor and respect? How did you act? How did you show honor?
• How does it make you feel that God’s love and the Holy Spirit is there for everyone?

1John 4:7-10

• What did the world know about God before Jesus came? How is it the same and/or different from what you knew after Jesus lived on earth? How is it the same and/or different from what you experience now living with the Holy Spirit?
• Does knowing God already died for your sin cause you to try to avoid sin or make you feel it is okay to sin?
• When you think of God’s love, how does it feel? Describe it.

John 15:9-17

• What challenges are presented when you try to love your neighbor as God commands?
• Loving God with all your heart, mind and soul is poetic but challenging. How would you rate yourself in loving God in each of these areas?
• What is the greatest thing you have learned from God???

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does the Holy Spirit reside in your faith life?
• How do you acknowledge or communicate with the Holy Spirit?
• When considering your relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how do you divide your time with each person of the trinity? Is there one whom you rely more? Is there one whom you confide in or call out to more? Is there one you listen or follow the advice of more?
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are Christian? What makes this so?
• Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are NOT Christian? What makes this so?
• Where do you find grace? Is it something you seek or something that comes to you?
• When you love someone, do you always like them or the choices they make?  Does your love for them still exist in these situations?
• What do you learn about God through Jesus?
• What do you learn about God through the Holy Spirit?
• How do you reveal God’s love for others? Is it on purpose?
• Do you believe the gifts you have been given by God help you fulfill the purpose God has called you to? Why or why not?
• How do the commandments affect your relationship with God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Creator God, you have given me all I need…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through nature

Leader:  Savior Jesus, your life shows me there will be times of trouble…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you I am complete…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through relationship

Leader:  Mighty Trinity, you are in all things, at all times…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen throughout my life

Challenge for the Week:   When you chose someone to spend time with someone, what qualities do you look for in that person?  Are there people in the world which you admire and believe you would be great friends?  Are there people whom you’d prefer not to spend time?  In the Gospel, Jesus says he is your friend and that he chose you.  There must be some great things about you if Jesus is willing to die so He can continue to have a relationship with you!  Even further, those people whom you avoid spending time with have also been chosen by Jesus.  What can you do to be more welcoming and open to others?