Sunday, March 26th Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

and let You give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

so You can show me more than I image.

Let me live in You

so I will die with You!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

God promises the Israelites He will bring them out of darkness, when has God fulfilled this promise to you?
Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Do you see it daily or just occasionally?

Romans 8:8-11

Saint Paul urges in the scripture to be guided by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It is easier said than done. What practices can you use in your life to help you to be directed by the Holy Spirit more often?
Is there a temptation of the flesh of which you struggle? Write a prayer to pray when you are faced with the temptation.
Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?

John 11:1-45

When was the last time you saw the glory of God? Where was it? Who was with you? What did it look like? How do you know it was God’s glory?
What areas in your life are “asleep”? Do they need be awaken?
Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture? What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?

General Questions for Journaling

The phrase, “Jesus wept” occurs only twice in the Bible. Do you think these were the only times Jesus cried? What do you believe brought Jesus to tears? What do you believe brings Jesus to tears today?
Have you experienced a time when death brought new life? Consider the seasons of winter and spring…use the symbolism of how the dead, frozen winter brings new growth to the spring.
This story of Lazarus coming from his tomb is symbolic of how each of us will be called “back to life” after our earthly death. Imagine how you will feel when you are called to come out by Jesus. What do you imagine feeling? What might you say?
Do you relate to Martha and Mary in this story? How do you imagine they were feeling? Have you ever shared similar feelings? What was the situation? How did it turn out? Have you forgiven the person whom you harbored negative thoughts or feelings towards?
Death is a part of life, so why is it so difficult for us to accept? What can we take from the readings this week to help us deal and cope with the death we deal with in our lives?
Spend some time reflecting on how the story of Lazarus can teach us about waiting for God’s timing.
Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
What does it feel like to have God settle I your soul?
What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Expand.
How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
Where you see righteousness today?
What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…