17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do you love me?

What causes you to stay with me?

You love me and never leave

even though I neglect you

and persecute you.

May I acknowledge your persistence in love

and come to know you enough

to love others as you love me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:20-32

• What do you take from the conversation between God and Abraham? What does it say of God’s character?
• How might you be more like Abraham? What characteristic do you want to emulate? How will you do this?

Colossians 2:12-14   

• What are the things that keep you from having the relationship you want with Jesus?
• Are there people you can’t forgive? What stands in the way? Is there something God is calling you to do about it?

Luke 11:1-13

• Who taught you to pray? How so?
• Do you ask God for what you need? How does He respond?
• Where do you find the answer to your prayers?

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there something which you feel guilty about right now? What is it? Why?
• Who do you turn to as a moral compass? Is it a person? What do those conversations sound like?
• Do you believe in hell? Why or why not?
• In light of the hatred and violence in the world right now, where do you see God at work?
• Do you ever think God gets mad at us? Why or why not?
• If God gets mad at us, what do you think he is mad about? Our actions?  Lack of action? Words or lack of words?
• Are there things you are afraid to talk to God about? Is it because you are afraid to ask? 
• What is the definition of oppression? Where do you see oppression happening today? In the world, your community, your church, your family?
• Do you answer the door when God knocks?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Sarah and Abraham to surrender.

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Job and Jonah to surrender.

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Elijah and David to surrender.

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed James and John to surrender.

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Mary YOUR mother to surrender.

Leader:  Let me surrender to YOU

ALL:  in my daily prayers in word and action!

Challenge for the Week:  In the parable Jesus continues to talk about how to treat your neighbor.  The scriptures over the past few weeks give examples of hospitality, what you should do to take care of others.  Jesus is reminding you to think of the needs of others first before your own, to share what you have without holding back.  This message is countercultural, even at the time of Jesus.  Spend time meditating on how you might be hording your “goods” (materials, time, talent) and identify what do you hold back. 

***Just a few suggestions***

Is there a specific relationship which you don’t give enough time or effort to, but you know God is calling you to give more, be more? 

Do you serve on a committee or participate in a group which you simply show up physically but aren’t giving of yourself to help move a project forward? 

When asked to lend a hand, do your thoughts move to your “to do list” or do you jump at the opportunity to help and help with a positive attitude? 

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

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!