2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

          that each day is a blessing

And within each day

          there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

          and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

          for all of the blessings you give me.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

• Would you respond in the same way as Abraham to God’s request?
• How are you a “blessing” to others? How can you be more of a “blessing” to others?
• How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
• Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

2Timothy 1:8b-10

• Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks you to do which you find difficult?

• What does Paul say about the hardships expected for those who follow Christ? What does he say of joy?
• Are there burdens you carry because of you are a Christian?

Matthew 17:1-9

• “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” was spoken to Jesus at His baptism too, what are the similarities in these two passages? Why would God say the same thing again? What significance does it hold?
• How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain? Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

General Questions for Journaling

• How is God calling you out of your comfort zone?
• Are there limits to what you will do for God? On where you will go? How does this affect your relationship with Him?
• How can you be Christ to another person? Plan to be intentional with your words and actions when interacting with others for an entire day.
• If it is God’s grace that has saving power, how do you experience it in your life?
• Have you heard God speak to you? When was it? Where were you? What did you do when you heard it? Who did you share the experience with?
• What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children? Your parents? Your friends? How are your wishes for them the same? How are they different?
• What good does wishing do?
• How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual? A special prayer?
• Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
• Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
• Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
• How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
• When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person? Explain.
• Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason? Did you receive it?
• How has Jesus touched your life today? 
• Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?
• When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever? Share.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!                    

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If you are given what you want at the exact time you want it, you are not prepared (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) to receive it nor are you mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives the time necessary to prepare for the blessings He has planned.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships you must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and you might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice you are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

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