Opening Prayer
Lord
I am confident, yet afraid.
I put my trust in you, my soul rests.
I shall sing your praises all my days.
You have overcome the darkness
and bring us new life! Alleluia!
Journal/Reflection Questions
Genesis 1:1 – 2:2
- We often think of the creation story as one for children but it is even more for adults. What did you hear this year which you have not heard before? Sometimes we know a story so well, we don’t listen as closely. Listen again for the message God wants you to hear today.
- Create your own creation scene, draw and color while you meditate on the gifts each day of creation brings and give thanks to the creator!
Genesis 22:1-18
- On a scale from 1-10, how confident are you to respond, “Here I am, Lord” when God calls you?
- How do you think God celebrates when you listen and obey his commands?
Exodus 14:15 – 15:1
- What does this scripture story mean to you? What does it tell you about God and his relationship with the Israelite’s?
- How does God use Moses? Do you believe he can use you in a similar way? Explain.
Isaiah 54:5-14
- Does this scripture bring you comfort and confidence or does it leave you concerned and in doubt? Explain the difference and be specific. What other words would you use to describe how this scripture makes you feel?
- What is the ultimate message God’s trying to communicate through this scripture?
Isaiah 55:1-11
- Share one way God has provided for you in the past week. Was it something you asked for and received or was it something God did without you even acknowledging it?
- What keeps you from having 100% confidence in God providing your needs? Is it because his timing is different than your own or is it something else?
Barach 3:9-15,32 – 4:4
- Identify where you see God’s splendor. What do these places/things say to you when you are in their presence?
- Describe the feelings you get when you listen to or read the words of this scripture. What do you imagine? Can you put it into words?
Ezekiel 36:16-17a,18-28
- Where does the myth that people who follow God do not suffer come from? Even God’s people in the Old Testament had to suffer loss, devastation and hardships. How does this make you feel?
- What is the purpose of God giving us a ‘new heart’, what does this mean?
Romans 6:3-11
- What images and/or feelings come to mind when you hear the word BAPTISM.
- How do you plan to continue to live out your baptism? Does the renewal of baptismal promises give you a boost of energy and purpose, why or why not?
Matthew 28:1-10
- Are there people in your life whom you cannot celebrate the glory of the resurrection with because of unbelief or difference of beliefs? How can you still bring the glory of the resurrection to those you love without judgment or shame?
- How do you anticipate you will react when you see Jesus face to face? Can you imagine the scenario? Describe in detail what happens.
Closing Prayer
Leader: God’s mercy endures forever…
ALL: Alleluia!
Leader: What wondrous deeds he has done..
ALL: Alleluia!
Leader: Give thanks for he is good…
ALL: Alleluia!
Leader: We shall not die, but live forever…
ALL: Alleluia!
Challenge for the Week: You think you have had a tough week J , what about Jesus, Mary and the Disciples! In the Church, Holy Week is one of the most important times of ritual and tradition…all set up back to back to back to back. Each day, beginning with Holy Thursday has specific elements which need to be present in order to make the celebration meaningful. Planning for these four days and potentially five, six or seven separate services, begins almost immediately after the Christmas Season comes to an end. Those who work in the church basically go directly from planning the celebration of Jesus’ birth to getting things prepared for his death. They do it for many reasons, but mostly because it is a part of their deep belief in God that they want to bring to life for all the faithful (and those who only come for the Easter Sunday service) how powerful and beautiful God’s love for each of us is and can be. It is sometimes jokingly said that it’s a goal of Easter Sunday services to make it so meaningful that people are inspired to come back the next week and the week after that.