6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Throughout the Bible are stories of hope

Open my eyes to see the hope in the world today

Let me hear the stories where hope is restored

And be a living example that hope never dies

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 17:5-8

• Draw a picture of the two images described in this scripture.
• Share a time when you experienced both images, what was going on in your life, be specific about who was with you and what you felt.

 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

• Does this scripture bring you hope? Explain how.
• How does the promise of the resurrection affect your faith? Be specific.

Luke 6:17, 20-26

• What is the overall message Jesus to sharing with the people who have gathered to hear him speak?
• What is the message Jesus has intended for you to hear in this scripture to help open your eyes to a situation in your life right now?

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you feel about God giving free will? Is it good? Is it bad? How does free will get you into trouble?  How does it free you?
• Are there choices you have made in your life which you wish you could change? Do you can do something about that choice now?
• Is it easy or difficult to change? Do you always get to choose to change?  How can making the choice to change affect your attitude?
• Who do you confide in to help make decisions? What qualities do you look for in a person who helps you?
• What draws you to ask God for help? Are there obstacles which keep you from seeking God’s advice in matters?
• How do you feel about trust? Is trust important to you? Is it something people have immediately or do you believe people need to earn it?
• How much trust do you put in God? How much trust do you believe God has in you?
• Would you describe yourself as someone who is open to new ideas and new ways to do things or do you consider yourself someone who is comfortable with the way things are and have always been? Share an example.
• How would you explain the hope you have in the resurrection to someone who doesn’t know about Jesus?
• Do you believe faith is a choice you make every day or is a choice you made once and it stays with you?
• Share an example of a time when your faith was challenged; be specific about what you did, how you felt and the outcome.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the rising of the sun!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the delicate snowflake!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the blooming flower!

Leader: I will rejoice

ALL:  in the simplicity of a smile!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the warmth of a hand!

Leader:  I will rejoice

ALL:  in the hope you give!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course, you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIS-tory!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com