23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

How can I care for others

like you care for me?

Help me to see more like you,

so I might be more giving.

Give me a heart like you,

so I can love and show mercy.

Open my ears and my arms,

to hear the cry and give comfort.

You ask nothing more than for us

to love you and love others;

Let us pray together and heal the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 33:7-9

• Who has God appointed you watchman over?
• What are your responsibilities as watchman?
• Who watches over you? How do they watch over you?  Share an example.

 Romans 13:8-10

• God asks nothing but to love one another; how well do you show love to others?
• What obstacles hold you back from giving and showing love to your neighbor?
• How do you define neighbor? Is it the same way God defines neighbor?

 Matthew 18:15-20

• What does this scripture tell you about the power of prayer? What does it tell you about the power of community?  Share a personal experience when you saw this power first hand.
• How have you testified to the power of prayer? How can you testify to the power of prayer?
• When have you seen/heard someone testify to the power of prayer?

 

 General Questions for Journaling

• When do you feel safe? Where are you?  Who is with you?
• Share a time when you did not feel safe. What caused you to feel this way?  How did you overcome the feeling?
• Are there places, people or situations you avoid because you fear them?
• How do you think those who are put into the position of “watchman” in the community or world do in their role? Find a good example.
• Who do you see bringing justice to the world? How do they make a difference in the lives of others?
• Is there a situation in your life right now where you can stand up to bring to light an injustice?
• How are you an advocate of your faith? In your family?  In your workplace?
• Is it easy or difficult to take responsibility for your actions?
• Share a time when you refused to listen to the thoughts of another person. What was the circumstance?  Did you ever end up hearing their opinion?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to sing your praises all my days…

 ALL:  let it be done, O Lord!

Leader:  I want to kneel before you in awe…

ALL:  let it be done, my God!

Leader:  I want to give thanks for your sacrifice…

 ALL:  let it be done, my Savior!

Leader:  I want to spread your word to others…

ALL:  let it be done, Breath of Life!

Leader:  I want to give honor and glory to you…

ALL:  let it be done, my Creator!

Leader:  I want to hear your voice and listen…

ALL:   let it be done, God of all!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week, look up the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  He has determined humans show love in five different ways.  Read through these and determine if you relate to one or more of them.  Do you agree with his assessment or do you think there are more or less ways to express love?  Which would you say is your preferred way to express love to others?  Which would you say is your preferred way to receive love from others?  How does God show love to you?  Does it fit into one of these five ways?  When you look at the way God loves and compare it to the way you love others, what can you do to love more like God?

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You gave your life for me…

What do I give to you?

What do I sacrifice?

Let me listen to your Word!

Let me make time for prayer!

May my eyes and ears be opened

for your Spirit to lead me!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:7-9

• Can you imagine being “duped” by God? What would (did) it look like?  What was the purpose?
• Do you believe God wants us to be “duped”?
• Describe what it feels like to feel something in your bones? Have you ever felt something so deep?  Share the experience.

 Romans 12:1-2

• When do you feel most connected with God? Jesus? Holy Spirit?
• How does the study of scripture help you to transform your mind? How does this transformation change your words and actions; be specific.
• What does Saint Paul mean when he says, “don’t conform yourself to this age?” How does this specifically speak to you?

 Matthew 16:21-27

• What cross are you called to pick up today? Are you able to pick it up? Is your cross light or heavy?
• If God does not think the way that humans do, how is it you are able to understand what God wants for you?
• When have you been like Peter in the scripture and not wanted harm to come to someone you love?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are you willing to risk being made fun of in order to stand up for what you believe? Have you ever?  Share the experience.
• How can you give strength to another who is standing up for what they believe in, even if you don’t agree?
• Choose a negative situation in the world today and reflect on where God is working right now within the mess. Is there something you can do too?
• Choose a positive event in the world today and identify where you see God working. Is there something you can do too?
• What was the last exciting news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing?  Was it your news to share?
• What was the last disappointing news you shared and with whom did you share it? What was your purpose for sharing?  Was it your news to share?
• Where do you turn for consult? Do you go to the same person or someone different depending on what you need?
• Describe the feeling of being satisfied. If you drew a picture of that feeling what would it look like?
• What is the recipe for hearing God’s voice clearly?
• Have you ever made a decision where you felt you were the only one who believed it to be the right decision?
• What does it mean to “lose your life” according to God? What does it mean to “lose your life” according to the world?
• What are the things in your life which you are afraid to lose? What are you afraid to leave behind when you die?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord fill me…

 ALL:  with reckless desire for you!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

ALL:  with unending compassion for others!

Leader:  Lord fill me…

 ALL:  with raging fire for justice!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with determination to do your will!

Leader:  Lord fill me

ALL:  with the ability to surrender,

Leader:  so I can be

ALL:   more like you each day!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In your life, you have positive and negative influences.  How do you determine which are the good ones and which are the bad ones?  They are not always clear.  There are times when there is a positive influence that you ignore because you are not in a good place yourself and other times when you are too close to a situation to see you are being influenced in a negative way.  How can you know?  When you turn to God for help and clarity, He can bring to light what is good and what is evil but are you willing to listen?  Spend time this week looking at the things which influence your life and prayerfully consider how the people and things you allow into our daily life affect you in a positive or negative way.  Summer is about to end and with the change of the season; you too should take time to change.

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

Vast is your love for us,

let me see it each day!

Endless are the gifts you give,

let me show gratitude!

Abundant is the mercy you grant,

let me share it with others!

You surround me with what I need

and guide me through,

my ups and downs.

Forever you are with me;

You are my all in all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 22:19-23

• Imagine yourself as Eliakim. How does it feel to be called God’s servant?  Can you see yourself being given a place of honor in God’ house?
• Where do God’s blessings come from? Are they given on purpose or by accident?  How do you know?

 Romans 11:33-36

• Describe what “riches” Saint Paul is referring to in this scripture.
• What are the things you don’t understand about God? What are the things that you DO understand about God?  How does the knowledge of these things affect your faith?

 Matthew 16:13-20

• Explain why the disciples and others would compare Jesus to Jeremiah, Elijah and John the Baptist?
• Who do you say Jesus is? Do you tell him?  Do you tell others?
• When you build, you need a solid foundation; how have you built your foundation?
• Do you only get one shot to build up your foundation?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you allow God to have authority in your life and rule your decisions? If not, who has the authority?
• When you are placed in a position of honor, how do you feel? How would you describe your actions?
• Are there paths in your life, you think about, but you never took? Are they doors you closed or God closed?
• Do you have a childhood dream that you never pursued? What has kept you from going after the dream?
• How does God inhabit your life? Be specific.
• Does God hold a prominent place in your life or do you keep God hidden?
• What experience(s) have taught you about the meaning of the words, eternal, everlasting, forever? What have you learned?
• How would you teach another about God’s endless mercy and everlasting love?
• Is there something in your past which you hold onto which keeps you from moving forward?
• How can faith help you to let go of past hurts, worries or tragedy?
• How does Jesus reveal himself to you? Where are you?  What is the situation?  How do you carry the experience with you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

 ALL:  when I allow the silence to take over.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as I pause to give thanks before a meal.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I look into the eyes of an innocent child.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  as hear the rumble of thunder and crack of lightening.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:  when I see a couple holding hands.

Leader:  I am humbly in your presence…

ALL:   as I open my heart and mind to the wisdom of your Spirit!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Growing up in the church, I’ve heard the phrase, “clothed in Christ”.  As a child I would imagine literally wearing a white robe like the one we see Jesus wearing in many of the pictures of him.  Now as an adult, this phrase takes on much more meaning since it is really a figurative phrase.  What are specific ways a person can be “clothed in Christ”?  Spend time this week reflecting on these ways and then focus on yourself, discerning how you too are “clothed in Christ.  In your prayer time, ask God to help you move your thinking so you can take ownership of this phrase and believe it when you say, “I am clothed in Christ!”

20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Holy Father,

May I walk in the house of Lord,

all of my days!

May I find a comfortable place

to lay my head!

May I hear your voice clearly,

despite the noise!

May I show gratitude to you,

for the gifts you give!

Praise your name forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

• Share examples of ways people honor God.
• How do you give honor to God?
• Is it possible to not give God enough praise or thanks? Can you give God too much?

 Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

• What makes you feel accepted by God? What do you think makes you unworthy of God’s blessing?
• In what ways do you disobey God? How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation help you feel accepted?

 Matthew 15:21-28

• How does Jesus’ example in this passage motivate you to reach out to others?
• When has Jesus shown you the same mercy as he shows the Canaanite woman?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When have you felt “left out” from receiving God’s praise? What was happening in your life?
• Identify a moment in your life when you felt closest to God. Where were you?  Who were you with?  How did it feel?  Are there ways to replicate that feeling now?
• When do you reach out to God? Are there moments or situations which cause you to reach out more persistently?
• Do you think the line of communication between you and God is clear? Do you believe your messages get sent through?
• How do you receive your messages from God? Do you have voicemail or do God’s messages get right through?
• Where do you see joy in your life right now? How can you cultivate it to grow more abundantly?
• How do you live justly? What does this look like?
• Have you ever re-gifted a gift you received?
• How do you feel when you give a gift? What does it mean to you?
• Does your love have limits?
• How can the scriptures help you overcome the things that limit your love? Be specific.
• Where does mercy come from? What are some examples of mercy?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it show on my face!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be heard in my words!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

 ALL:  Let it be seen by my actions!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be felt through my compassion!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:  Let it be acknowledged in my prayers!

Leader:  Lord, I am blessed

ALL:   Let it be shared with others!   

 

Challenge for the Week:  God gives the most precious gifts to us but how do we repay Him for these gifts?  We have the opportunity each day to show God our gratitude through our words and actions.  This week be intentional about giving God a specific gift each day.  Perhaps it is the gift of time with Him or with a friend in need.  Maybe the gift you give to God is picking up trash from the side of the road or paying for a tank of gas for a stranger.  We are faced with opportunities each day to repay God for the gifts He has given.  Now, God doesn’t bless us with the expectation for a response so we cannot either; when we give, we give without expectation.  Look back each day on the specific gift you gave and share with God how this gift expresses your gratitude.  These are moments to cherish!

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When you call to me…

Do I look up?

How do I respond?

Can I recognize you immediately?

Am I cautious and question?

Bring me into a relationship

where I know YOU!

Allow me to surrender to your voice

and listen to your Word!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

• Identify a “great wind” or an “earthquake” in your life. How was God present in this moment?
• When have you stood at the opening of a cave in your life? What kept you from going in?  What motivated you to run into the darkness?
• What causes you to want to hide your face from God?

 Romans 9:1-5

• How do you feel when you are cut off from someone? Do you try to re-connect?  Do you let it go?
• What keeps you connected to God? Is it a good connection?  Have you ever been cut-off?

 Matthew 14:22-23

• How does Jesus’ example motivate you to reach out to others?
• What obstacles do you have that hinder you from reaching out to God fully?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do your conversations with God change depending on where you are, inside or outside?
• How do your conversations with God go? Do you do most of the talking?  How does God respond to you?
• Are there times in your life when you find it easier to listen to God?
• Are there times in your life when it is difficult to listen to what God has to say?
• Do you always believe what is told to you? How do you reject a thought or idea of another person?
• How do you feel when a person rejects one of your ideas? What do you do?
• What happens to God’s promises when you walk away from worship? How can you carry the feeling of security with you?
• How do lies hurt others? When were you hurt by a lie?  Who have you hurt by telling a lie?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with the Spirit of your love!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with an abundance of faith!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with an understanding of others!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with the wisdom to see truth!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:  with a fire that allows me to move on!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:   with a calm that helps others feel you!

Leader:  Fill me

ALL:   with a trust to go out on the water!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a specific place where you prefer to spend time with God?  What makes it the perfect place?  What do you see, feel and hear that makes it the best place to spend time in prayer?  Is this place in your home or do you go somewhere to find solace with God?  If you don’t have a prayer space that is special, why?  If you do have a special prayer space, what is it that draws you into the space?  What makes it special?

Transfiguration of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Open my hears

Let me hear your Word

You do not jumble your message,

Nor do you try to deceive.

Your Word is clear, it is not hidden.

May I listen and understand.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

• How do you minister to God? How do you minster to others?  How do others minister to you?
• What emotions or feelings does this scripture conjure up for you? Fear?  Strength?  Power?  Obedience?

2 Peter 1:16-19

• What message is being sent to you from the heavens? What do you do about it?  Follow?  Ignore?  Suppress?
• How do you eyewitness God’s glory?   Be specific.

Matthew 17:1-9

• What is your vision of Jesus? Share in detail.
• How do you fear Jesus? How does your fear interfere with your faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you show respect to another person?
• Who are the people you respect? How do they know you respect them?
• What do you find is reliable today?
• What do you need to rely on each day for it to be successful? Who determines the success of each day?
• How do you declare you devotion/love of God? Is it obvious or safe?
• How does God make you feel safe?
• Are there dark places in your life? What can you or others do to bring light to the dark places?
• What gift do you possess that brings light to others?
• How attentive are you to listening to God’s message each day on a scale from 1-10?
• What message does your life send out to others? Is it prophetic?
• How does your heart guide what you do? Do you listen to your heart?  Share an example.
• How does your life share your images of Jesus? Be specific.
• Where is Jesus reflected in your actions? Share an example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, let me see you…

ALL:  in the golden sunbeams.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you…

ALL:  in the twinkle of the stars.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you…

ALL:  in the silver moon.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you

ALL:  in the glimmer of the raindrops.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you…

ALL:  in the flicker of the candlelight.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you…

ALL:   in the reflection of the ocean.

Leader:  Lord, let me see you…

ALL:   in the glow which radiates within me!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In your busy week, do you take time out to listen to Jesus?  When you pray, do you allow time for silence?  The conversation needs to go both ways and often we rush through what we need to say and then cut God off.  Spend time this week in silence.  Turn off the TV, unplug from all of the things that could distract you from listening to God.  Imagine Jesus standing in front of you in a brilliant white glow, reaching out…what does He say?  What does He ask you to do?  Take the time to really listen and then allow more time for you to really process what God is saying to you.

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer

Lord

You give me more than I deserve.

I do not always see myself as you do.

The mistakes I make,

 look like mountains to me.

You see my flaws but love me anyways.

Help me to remember that I am precious

 because you are with me!
Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

 What did Solomon’s prayers say about his relationship to God?

What do your prayers say about your relationship with God?

 How do you allow God to show you right from wrong?
Romans 8:28-30

Describe when you have felt called by God to do something. How
did you feel? How old were you? What did you do? How did you
know?

 What do you have to give up or sacrifice to conform to God’s will?
Matthew 13:44-52

 What treasures do you possess which have been buried?

 Imagine yourself as the person who finds treasure, the merchant
who seeks pearls, and the fisherman casting the net. How do you
relate to each scenario? What lesson is to be learned from each
example?
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 happened 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

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to seek your heart!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to know your precepts!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to observe your commandments!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to walk with justice!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to listen to and live your Word!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to spread kindness and mercy!

Leader: I want to walk in the way of the Lord,

ALL: teach me to treasure your promise!
Challenge for the Week: When you think of a healthy lifestyle, what do you think about? Eating right
and exercising? Getting “enough” sleep? Who decides what a healthy lifestyle is? You? The Media?
Doctors? There are core things you need to do as a human being to stay “healthy”, things like drink
enough water and get enough sleep. However there is more to living a healthy lifestyle than eating your
vegetables and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You should also think about a healthy relationship
with God. This requires discipline, perhaps even more than saying no to the cheesecake. However, if you
are able to get your relationship with God in check, it is bound to help you find the healthy balance with
the rest of your life. This includes helping you be able to discern if you should have the cheesecake
without the feelings of guilt afterwards. 

16th Sunday of Ordinary TimeOpening Prayer

Lord

When you are with me

…my smile shines brighter

…my words have meaning

…my actions are true

May I never spend a moment

 not seeking YOU!
Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

 How does this scripture show God’s humility?

 Where do you see your sin in this scripture? Do you condemn
others? Are you unjust? Do you seek power? Do you “lord” over
others? Do you hold others prisoner with rules or expectations?


 Do you find hope in this scripture? Be specific.  

Romans 8:26-27

 When have you been aware of the Spirit interceding on your
behalf? What was the situation?  

 What does this scripture tell you about the nature of the Spirit?

 
Matthew 13:24-43

 Explain, by using an example, how weeds can grow in a person’s
life and how they would cause more harm to remove the weeds.


 When have you seen sin spread like a weed? How can it be
exterminated? 
General Questions for Journaling

 Where do you see kindness each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of kindness? When or how do you fall short?

 Where do you see mercy each day? Is it easy to find or do you need
to search for it?

 Are you 100% full of mercy? When or how do you fall short?

 What does it mean to you that you can repent? How often do you
repent?  Is it enough?

When did you first learn how to pray? Who taught you?

 How has your prayer life developed over time or as you have become
older or more mature in your spiritual life? Share.  

 When have you stood up for someone who couldn’t stand up for
themselves? What was the situation? What inspired you to step in?  

 How are the mustard seed and yeast similar? How are they different?

 What makes them a good example of heaven? What example would
you use to describe heaven?  
Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for goodness and kindness

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for a sense of longing.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for acceptance and mercy.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for compassion for others.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for love and forgiveness.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: for the strength to endure.

Leader: Father, search my heart

ALL: and find it full of you!
Challenge for the Week: These past few weeks’ scriptures remind us that we are not alone, God is with
us. They also tell us that God will give us what we need when we are connected to him. What they don’t
tell us is that we don’t have to work to stay connected or that the path is an easy one. The parables Jesus
tells are to teach us that we are required to put forth effort, more than we even want to sometimes and  when we have no more to give, the Spirit will make up for the rest. The challenge is different for each  person, depending on where you fall on the pendulum. First, if your relationship with God is one where  you are asking for him to help you out of a situation, but you are not doing anything to move in the  direction to change, then you need to start moving. On the other side of the spectrum are those who are  giving and giving so much that they are not leaving much space for the Spirit to work, they need to step  aside before their ego steps in. No matter where we are on the scale, we can find ourselves out of whack  with one miss-step. Our best bet is to work to form a partnership with God, knowing there are times when you will give more and times when the Spirit will pull the weight to get you through. 

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of Creation!

You make a mark on every living thing,

the trees…

the water…

even the air.

May my life have the remnants of your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 55:10-11

• What makes the ground fertile? What is the purpose of fertile ground?
• Where have you planted seeds and seen growth in relationships?
• What have you done to produce good fruit in a relationship?

 Romans 8:18-23

• How do you live in expectation of God? What can you do to be more open to the present instead of in the past or the future?
• Describe an example of something in nature which groans in labor pains.

 Matthew 13:1-23

• Which part of the sower and seed parable do you relate to the most at this moment?
• Who are you in the parable? The flower? The sun? The rain? The one who tramples? The one who chokes? The one who scorches? The birds? The thorn? The rocks? The one who blocks the roots? The one who plants the seed? The fruit?
• If you are the sower, what are you planting?
• What kind of seed would you say that you are? What do you produce?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you like about gardening? What do you not like?
• Describe what you feel when you see new growth in the springtime?
• Describe how you feel when you see a plant or a tree that is dying?
• What does the rain have to do with growth?
• What does the sun have to do with growth?
• Compare the cycle of rain to the cycle of life. How do they differ?  How are they similar?
• Share a time when you experienced freedom in the beauty of nature.
• What is your most favorite display of God’s artistic side in nature?
• What in nature caused you to be in awe of God?
• Imagine the steps a human would take in order to create a flower.
• How does your live mirror the life of a flower?
• What does nature reveal about you?
• Where are there still growing pains in the world?
• How do you handle unexpected pain?
• What is in/on your path right now? What is the best way to handle it?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  God of heaven…

 ALL:  conquer my fears.

Leader:  God of earth…

ALL:  make straight the path.

Leader:  Jesus, human…

 ALL:  teach me to love.

Leader:  Jesus, divine…

ALL:  wash away my sins.

Leader:  Spirit of life…

ALL:  comfort and strength.

Leader:  Almighty Spirit…

ALL:   tend to my soul.

Leader:  Be mine…

ALL:   forevermore!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There is a country song by Luke Bryan, “Rain is a good thing”.  Make a list of the ways rain brings good things…are there bad things rain brings?  Spend time reflecting on the role rain has in your life, what has rain brought you?  For a Farmer, rain can be an answer to a prayer but it can also be a curse… our perspective about the rain is up to us depending upon our experiences.  No one can predict when the rain will come or how long it will last or how hard it will fall.  However you choose to look at it, consider how God looks at rain.  I think God would agree, like the song says, rain is a good thing!

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Christ within me,

How I struggle!

I move forward,

but leave you behind.

I trip and fall,

then cry out to you.

My heart knows you are with me;

My will says I can do it alone.

It is a constant battle.

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zechariah 9:9-10

• Share a time when God won a victory for you. What was the battle?  What did you struggle with and how did God help you overcome?
• The scripture describes a king riding in on a donkey…how do these two images go together? Where do you see this same image in the New Testament?

 Romans 8:9, 11-13

• Share a recent example of how the spirit worked through you.
• How are you indebted to the flesh? How does knowing Jesus paid the debt already change your perspective?

 Matthew 11:25-30

• What does it mean that God’s yoke is easy?
• When have you experienced God’s gracious will?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you rejoice for God? Be specific.
• Do your actions towards others show your love for God? Share a recent example.
• How can your actions “banish” a person from your life? When might this be necessary?
• Have your recent actions caused division between you and another person or a group of people? How does your relationship with
  God factor into this division?
• Where do you see peace in the world? What can you do to keep it?
• What characteristics of the “flesh” do you need to shed?
• What characteristics of the “spirit” do you want to take on?
• What words do you use to describe the Father?
• What words do you use to describe the Son?
• What words do you use to describe the Spirit?
• How do you explain how the Father, Son and Spirit work together?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know meekness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know humility.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

 ALL:  let me know weakness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know burdens.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hunger and thirst.

Leader: Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hurt.

Leader: Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  so I may find rest!

 

Challenge for the Week:  The “yoke” in the Gospel reading is not the center of an egg, rather it’s a tool used to tether two things together.  The purpose of a yoke is to teach.  Farmers would use the yoke to put a seasoned animal with one who is just learning; this practice allowed the veteran to teach the newbie the ropes.  This process didn’t just take an hour a week but many hours of being tied together, working.  This scripture says that God has already tethered himself to us through Jesus’ death and the spirit within us.  We cannot learn what we need to learn about how to live our lives when we don’t tie ourselves to God on a regular basis.  This week find a string to tie around your wrist to remind you of how you are tied to God every moment of every day.  This knowledge should be used to help you learn to listen to the spirit within and act upon it, allow God to teach you!