Month: October 2022

Sunday, October 30th Readings

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God of hospitality

You bring me what I need

          often before I know I need it.

Within my soul is a place for You to dwell

          so You can be with me always.

When I awake each day

          You know what lies ahead.

This journey can be long, rocky and I can lose my way

          but You are there with open arms.

You see me when I feel lost and alone

          and You welcome me in!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 11:22-12:2

  • Is God dwelling in you? How do you know? How would you explain God dwelling in you to another person?
  • God is described as “all knowing, creator of the universe” but He is also described as “dwelling inside of you”, describe a moment when you felt God in both instances.
  • Draw a picture of this reading. What does it look like to you? What images do you include?  hat colors do you use? What is the overall message you would send with your picture?

2Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

  • Share a time when God used another person to strengthen your faith. Share a time when God used you to help another person keep hold of their faith when it was shaken.
  • How has prayer brought fulfillment to you? How do you know prayer brings forth God’s grace?
  • Saint Paul’s pep talk is for all of us! What needs to be “shaken out of your mind” for you to be a better witness of Christ’s love for you?

Luke 19:1-10

  • Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. What do you do, where do you go to see Jesus?
  • Like Zacchaeus, there are moments in your life when you are willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse. Share a story of this from your own experience.
  • Do you climb the tree to see Jesus more clearly or do you do it to be seen by others?
  • How would you react if Jesus came to your home for dinner? What would you serve? Who might you invite?

General Questions for Journaling

  • If God created the universe and all that is within it, what evidence is there that He loves you?
  • If God loves only what He made, does this mean He doesn’t love things He didn’t make? Explain.
  • How do you show reverence to creation? To your neighbor?
  • When you make a meal, draw a picture, or create something else from scratch, how do you feel? Are you proud of your work or are you critical of the outcome?
  • As a parent, can you look at your child with anything other than love? Why or why not?
  • What are you doing to live in a way worthy of Christ? What does that mean?
  • Are there areas in your life that cause you to grumble? Have you ever let Jesus into those places? What can you do to open that area of conflict or worry up to Jesus and allow Him to change your grumbling into positive change?
  • What gives you your identity? Is it things such as titles or what you do for a living? Is it another person such as what role you play in the lives of others? Where does your identity come from? What can you learn from Zacchaeus about your own identity?
  • What makes you whole or what fills you up spiritually? Physically? Mentally? 
  • How does it feel when someone tells you, they are praying for you? Do you tell those you are praying for that you are praying for them?
  • Is there a word, phrase, or story which “shakes” you into action?
  • It was a great honor for Zacchaeus to have Jesus as a guest for dinner. How have you been honored or recognized in your life? Where was God in that experience?
  • According to God’s standards, what makes you great?
  • If Jesus invited himself to your house for dinner, what would you say? Would you be ready?
  • Jesus accepts Zacchaeus even though according to the “world’s” standards, he was a “sinner”. Is there someone in your life who you have “shut off” because of difference of opinion or belief? How can you learn from Jesus’ example to love people, no matter where they are at or where they are coming from?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in the still of the night and motion of the day!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  as I head out each day; giving me direction!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL: when I am alone and when I am with others!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  even when you stretch me beyond my limits!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  in my peaceful moments and in the chaos!

Leader:  I welcome YOU Lord…

ALL:  into my home with all of my heart!

Challenge for the Week:  Who is someone either you have met or have never met who influenced you in a positive way?  Make a list of the people who have helped form you into the person you are today.  Write down each of their names and how their words and/or actions have had a lasting effect on you. 

In turn, remember you are called by Christ to be Christ to others.  Consider your words and actions this week.  Pay close attention to how they compare or contrast with how you see Jesus in the Gospels.  Choose one or two ways you will work on to help your words or actions mirror what Jesus would do or say.  You might be the only experience of Christ someone ever experiences.  You want to be ready.

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!

Sunday, October 23rd Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Loving God

You can hear a heart break.

You can feel a spirit crushed.

You can see dignity taken.

Through the scriptures, You give comfort!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 35:13-14, 16-18

  • How are the orphan, the widow and the oppressed lowly or humble?
  • What does Pope Francis do to help the orphan, the widow and the oppressed? How can you help?
  • How does this scripture assure you God hears your prayers?

2Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

  • What does it mean to feel like you have been “poured out like a libation”? Have you ever felt like this?
  • St Paul said he was “saved” because he trusted in God. What trials have you experienced where a little trust in God made a big difference?
  • Saint Paul is telling Timothy that he is nearing the end, slowing down. How do you know when you need to start letting go of a project or being on a committee or even a friendship?

Luke 18:9-14

  • Consider the Pharisees prayer. Is he praying to God or to himself? What is he truly saying?
  • How do you identify with each of the people who went to the temple to pray?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When you pray, do you pray with urgency? Are you specific in your request?
  • How do you think prayer reaches God? Take a moment to consider. If you can’t put it into words, is it possible to draw a picture of the path your prayer takes?
  • What are some of the evils that threaten the world, the community, the church/faith? What can you do to change these threats into blessings?
  • How do you respond to the requests you get in a day? Are you quick to judge to pass on the requests of others? Do you let your needs and desires out-weigh those of others?
  • When asked to be a part of something or to join a group or add a task to your schedule, do you turn to God for guidance on whether it is a good opportunity for you or not?
  • Scripture proclaims that God never deserts His people but even the most faithful experience dry patches in their prayer life or relationship with God. What does scripture say to do to overcome these times when you feel abandoned?
  • Pride is the counterpart to humility. Of what are you prideful? Does your pride get in the way of your humility? 
  • Is all pride bad?
  • How is true humility shown? Are there characteristics of humility? What are they?
  • Do you know people who are humble? What makes them so?
  • St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church, says in her writing on prayer, that the key to a relationship with God is true humility. What does she mean by this?
  • Is it easy or difficult to call yourself a sinner?  Say it out loud.
  • Jesus says to have ‘faith like a child’…how does this coincide with being humble?
  • If you were God, how would you answer prayer? Would it be first come first serve? Would you have a system which prioritizes or categorizes prayers?
  • Do you compare yourself to others? What do you compare? Physical things? Monetary things? Spiritual things?
  • What drains the life from you? Are there daily tasks or just occasional things which cause you to feel empty?
  • What are the things that fill you up and cause you to feel like you are overflowing with emotion (joy, excitement, fear, anxiety)?
  • Draw the outline of a gingerbread person. Determine how full your tank is right now, how much do you have to give? In your job? Your relationship with spouse or significant other? To your kids/family?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Pour your love down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your understanding down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your patience down

ALL: and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your grace down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your mercy down

ALL:  and cover me!

Leader:  Pour your love down

ALL:  and cover me!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week considering what qualities a person needs to hear a cry and respond.  What are some of the cries you hear in your family or community?  What are some things you can do to lend a hand to satisfy the need?  Take these to prayer and consider carefully what God wants you to do to help in some of these situations.  It is easy to think, what difference can I make?  But when you partner with others, you can make an impact you might not think imaginable; especially when God has called you to service!

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!

Sunday, October 16th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous God

You give me food from heaven    

          so I have the nourishment I need.

You give me a source of water

          so I can be refreshed and clean.

You also give me friends

          so I can be supported when

          my load just seems to get to heavy.

Thank you Lord,

          for providing all of my needs.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:8-13

  • Moses needed the help of others to pray without ceasing. Who are the people in your life who help you stay faithful? 
  • What does the scripture tell you about the importance of prayer?

2Timothy 3:14-4:2

  • How are you challenged to use scripture in your life in this reading? What can you do to make this happen more regularly?
  • How is the Gospel/Word of God lived out in the world today? Is it hard or easy to find? Is it easily recognizable or is it disguised?
  • When has your faith been convenient? When has it been inconvenient? What does Saint Paul say you should do about it?

Luke 18:1-8

  • How does this reading make you feel about prayer?
  • What does this reading say about how God answers prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Who or what keeps you persistent in your prayer?
  • Where do you go when you need help? Is help always given?
  • Body language communicates much, so when you see Jesus with his arms stretched out, you can imagine the sacrifice He made on the cross. However, what else do outstretched arms say? What does it mean when you stretch out your arms in prayer?
  • When was the last time you proclaimed the Word of God to others? Your spouse? Your friends? Your kids? Your co-workers? How was this done? What was their reaction?
  • Who last proclaimed with word of God to you? Was it someone close to you? A stranger? Your church? How was it done? What was your response?
  • How can you pray and NOT grow weary? Is it possible?
  • Why is it difficult to pray regularly? What gets in your way? Are you able to keep a pattern of prayer for a long period of time? What keeps you disciplined to do pray regularly?
  • When did you last ask others to pray for you? What was the situation? How did you feel knowing others were praying for you and with you?
  • How can prayer change you?
  • Have you ever felt like your prayers weren’t answered? Why or why not?
  • When you pray are you ready to listen for the answer?
  • Do you pray for those who judge you and for those whom you have judged? 
  • Why should you pray petitions to God? Doesn’t He already know what you need?
  • When did God answer your prayer? Was it in the way you expected?
  • Have you experienced a prayer miracle? When was it? Who was there? What was the circumstance?
  • Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable in your prayer? Do you ask God for what you need or what you want? Is there a difference?
  • How can persistent prayer save you from your enemies?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I am weak

ALL:  may I find strength…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am blinded

ALL:  may I find my sight…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am weary

ALL:  may I find my contentment…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am lame

ALL:  may I find my healing…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am suffering

ALL:  may I find my blessing…everlasting!

Leader:  When I am alone

ALL:  may I find my Savior…everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the following questions: What is the role of prayer in your life?  How do you pray?  When do you pray?  Is there a routine to your prayer?  Do you have a specific place where you pray?  Is there structure to your prayer or is it completely random?  Are there people whom you pray for?  Do you ask others to pray for you?  What value do you put on prayer?  Do you only pray for yourself and your loved ones or do you include people you don’t know?  Do you pray for specific things to happen?  Are your prayers general/generic?  Is your language formal or informal when you pray?  Do you pray by yourself or with others?  How important is prayer to your life?  Do others know how important/unimportant prayer is to you?  Spend time pondering these questions this week and then pray with purpose!

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!

Sunday, October 9th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Spirit of God

As I journey through this life,

          may I not forget the lives of those before me.

Let me spend time reflecting,

          on the sacrifices others make for my sake.

Working, dreaming, praying, surviving,

          for someone they would never meet.

What can I do for those who lived before?

          Remember and show gratitude to those ahead.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Kings 5:14-17

  • The leper was asked to wash in the river, which was a normal everyday task. He doubted God’s healing through the mundane. Where did God last cause a miracle to happen in your life? Was it through something spectacular or through something ordinary?
  • Why does the water heal? What makes it different from any other time he went to the river?
  • Have you experienced a cleansing like Naaman? Explain.

2Timothy 2:8-13

  • How do you suffer for the Gospel today? How does the faith community? How does the U.S.? The world?
  • What does it mean to be linked to the suffering of Christ? How does this look in your life?
  • In what ways do you deny God? Are there areas of your life that you don’t allow God into?
  • What do you deny yourself of? What does it take for you to do so? How does it affect those around you?

Luke 17:11-19

  • Who are the lepers of our time? How do you serve the marginalized and hurting?
  • What do you think causes Jesus to feel pity?
  • Why do you think only one shows gratitude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When was the last time you let something little ruin what should have been a beautiful experience? What do you let get in the way of our happiness?
  • On the flip side, when was the last time you celebrated something little? Life is full of moments of grace which deem to be celebrated! What will you celebrate today?
  • Do you give to others with expectation of something in return? Share an experience. What does God say about this?
  • How does your attitude affect your healing? How does your healing affect your attitude?
  • What can you learn about how to treat others from those who care for others for a living such as nurses and others service jobs such as firemen? What one quality do you possess already? What one quality do you want to nurture in yourself?
  • Who do you consider to be in your “cloud of witnesses”? How is your faith affected by them?
  • When has God recently poured grace into your life? How did you thank God for this gift?
  • Are there things you need to let go of so God can cure you?
  • Where do you go to be cleaned? How do you become clean? Why do you need to be cleaned?
  • What gifts do you have that have the power to heal another person?
  • How open are you to allow another person to heal you?
  • What do you think the 9 lepers felt and thought after being healed? Do you think they heard about the one who went back to say “thank you”? 
  • Why does God continue to heal people if they do not show gratitude? Do you follow God’s example? Do you always show gratitude for all God has given?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by holding a door for a stranger.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by leaving a generous tip.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by calling or visiting a shut-in.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by volunteering some time.

Leader:  Lord, have pity on me and let me do the same…

ALL:  by giving a gift for no reason.

Leader:  Let me have pity on others so

ALL:  Your grace can turn pity into joy!

Challenge for the Week:  Compare and contrast times when you have been weighed down with the chains of suffering and times when you feel rinsed clean.  Identify two or more situations in your life when you have experienced these feelings and spend time reflecting on the differences and the similarities of the experiences.  What did you feel physically, what did you think, what emotions did you feel, what was your behavior like, how did you treat yourself and others during these times?  Additionally, where was God during these times?  Did you experience a change in you afterwards?  Was it for the worse or for the better?  What are your emotions/feelings about these experiences now that you look back on them?  What will you do/can you do with this new knowledge of yourself?  Is there benefit not only for you but for others as well?  Decide on one action you will do (whether for yourself or for another) to live out what you have learned.

And/or:  How do you express your love?  The love language book speaks of 5 languages, service, affection, gifts, time, and adoration.  Consider showing love to others in each of these five ways.

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!