17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

Guide me and teach me

to know what it means to be a treasure

Open my eyes

to the treasures You have given to me each day

Lead me to seek

the treasures You have waiting for me in Your Word;

a heart of gold,

an attitude lined with silver

and infinite wealth.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 3:5,7-12

• The word understanding in Hebrew means obedient. What are your definitions of the words understanding and obedient? How do they differ? How are they similar?
• How does this scripture passage model prayer for us? Does Solomon do all of the talking? How does God respond? How is this similar or different to how you pray? 
• King Solomon is noted as being a very wise person. How does his wisdom show through this scripture?

Romans 8:28-30

• Have there been experiences in your life where able to relate to this adage of “all things work together for good?” Can you see where God was/is in the experience?
• Does this scripture mean that when bad things happen, God is not there? How would you explain what this scripture means to some who has experienced darkness, abandonment, or loss in their life?

Matthew 13:44-52

• What does the phrase “kingdom of God” mean to you?
• How do you hear God speaking to you in your life? Is it a whisper? A shout? How do you respond?

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you listen to your dreams? What do they tell you?
• How do you feel about your enemies? Do you have enemies?
• How do your instincts differ from what God wants?
• What kind of “wisdom” comes from age?
• Do you believe that “youth” is an age or a frame of mind? Explain.
• What obstacles do you believe you have that keep you from being the best you can be?
• What are the blessings you want from God?  Be specific.
• Make a list of good things God has provided for you.
• Make a list of bad things that have happed because your love God.
• Is there a situation in your life right now which you need to let God shed some light on? Do you believe it will make a difference?
• Do you sometimes feel like you are playing hide and seek with God? Who is hiding? Where do you hide?
• How do see heaven? What do you believe it is?
• Where do you find security? Is it real? How do you know?
• What confirmation do you have that you are living the life God calls you to live?

Closing Prayer

Solomon’s Prayer

ALL:  Therefore give to Your servant

an understanding heart to judge Your people,

that I may discern between good and evil. 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week breaking down each request in this prayer.  How can you put this prayer into practice, so it isn’t just a bunch of words you pray?  As you are discerning the actions you should take to bring this prayer to life, pray it each morning, each noontime and before you go to bed.  It is short enough that you might be able to memorize it quickly and add it to your daily prayers from now on.

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