Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

What is it I am waiting for?

What do I seek?

Why do I feel so parched?

Why can’t I see what is in front of me?

I do not need to wait;

YOU have already provided!

I can come to the water;

and quench my thirst!

You, Lord, are all I need!

Let me wait no more…

to be full of life!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

• Is there someone whom you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
• Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

 2 Peter 3:8-14

• What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?
• Who in your life has shown you how to love and express your love towards God?

 Mark 1:1-8

• Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?
• Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not?  What message do you think needs to be heard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you look forward to seeing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to hearing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to doing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to smelling during the holiday season?
• What is your favorite memory of advent?
• How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?  Do you do it alone or with others?
• When did you last cry out to God? Was it in pain or praise?
• Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
• Are there things which you take for granted or have neglected to give the importance due in this past year? What keeps you from giving them attention?
• If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Are you honest with your assessment?  Is this where you want to be?
• Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
• Is there something you have lost this year which you have trouble letting go?
• Is there something you have gained this year which you could not let go?
• Are there things which you do not feel worthy of doing? What are they?
• Are there things about you which you judge? Do others judge?  Is it fairly?  How would God judge?
• Would you say you are on a straight path? Draw a picture of the path you have been on this past year.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

 ALL:  through a shining star in the night sky!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  as a shepherd wraps a lamb in his arms!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  with each day you give us a new beginning!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  like light rain in the hot desert!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  while the path is paved before us!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:   in the waters of our baptism;

ALL:  WE ARE CALLED BELOVED!!!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season?  Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship?  Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile?  Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others.  This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed.  Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!

First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape us

Mold us

Make us your own!

May we not wander,

Let us remain close.

For you are with us

for all of time!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8

• When have you hid your face from God? How did God respond?
• What had God molded you into? What special gifts, qualities do you have?  Make a list of 100 things that are special about you!

 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

• Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole. How do you stay close to God?  Describe the feeling of wholeness.
• What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven? What remains the same?

 Mark 13:33-37

• If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?
• How alert are you on a daily basis about Jesus’ presence in your life?
• Who would you say you relate to the most in the Gospel? The man traveling?  The servants?  The gatekeeper?  None of these, because you relate more to the house, time of day or the cockcrowing it’s warning?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is your name story? How were you named?
• What does your name say about you?
• What names do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit?  What do the names mean to you?
• When do you see God? When do you hear God?  Is it true sight and sound?
• Share a time when you had a problem as big as a mountain which you saw crumble because of God’s grace, mercy and love!
• Have you ever experienced guilt floating away like the wind? Describe how you have felt guilt taken away.
• How were you called into relationship with God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• What do you do to call others into relationship with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?
• What kind of riches does God give? Be specific.
• What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
• When have you been spoiled as a guest?
• Share a time when you did not feel welcome when you arrived at a destination.
• What do you need to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Are you ready?
• What tells you of God’s presence in your life right now?

 

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 80)

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  the power to save!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  and protect what is good!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  upon the right and just!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  bring comfort and warmth!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  with strength!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:   the light of all life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week make time to sit down and create your own personal motto or symbol.  You might already have one or you might have a favorite scripture verse or quote which you find value but this personal motto should be something original.  It should be something you want people to see when they first see you or hear you speak.  It is something you would put on your welcome mat outside of your door for all to see before entering into your home.  This motto or symbol for you is what guides people to learn about you, to see your gifts and to find out what is truly important.  Jesus’ symbol would be the star which lead the way for the shepherds to find him and how the star’s light is full of power, full of wonder and though we cannot always see the star, we know it is there.  Happy Advent!

Solemnity of Christ the King

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me not forget

You are in my midst.

You bring comfort

when I am weary,

and seek me out

when I am lost.

Though I may not see you

YOU ARE THERE!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

• Where are you in proximity of the Shepherd? Have you scattered?  Do you need to be healed?
• Is there a safe distance to stray from God? If yes, what is the distance?  Is it the same for everyone?  If no?  Why?

 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

• Do your words and actions reflect your faith in God to protect you and take care of you in this life and the next?
• Reflect on how this scripture reflects the changing of the seasons. Make a list of parallels you see.

 Matthew 25:31-46

• If you love God and love your neighbor, how are you like the sheep? Be specific.
• Do you believe God looks at people as the “least” or the “greatest”? How does this scripture give you evidence to confirm AND deny this statement.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does it mean to tend to something? What was the last thing you tended to?
• When it is dark and cloudy, how do you find your way? How does this metaphor apply to your faith?
• Can you be lost and not know it?
• Is there someone in your life whom is like a shepherd?
• How are you or can you be like a shepherd to others? What does this look like?
• What are some of the evils of the world which you fear?
• Where do you see God in tragic events? Is it difficult or easy?  Why?
• What things do you see in the world which tears people apart? Can you make a list of at least 10 things?
• Are you responsible for bringing strife into a relationship? If so, what can give you a change of heart?
• What is your view of death? Be specific.
• How do you separate people? What groups do you put them in?  What labels do you use?
• Can you relate better to a smart and rich leader or a poor and suffering one? Which one do you believe Jesus is?  In which category do you place people in authority today?
• Is there a difference between giving for reward and giving freely? Can you tell the difference in yourself?  In others?  Do you think God cares?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you care for me

 ALL:  so I may care for others.

Leader:  Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL:  so I may provide shelter for others.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

 ALL:  so I can be a stronghold for others.

Leader:  Lord, you show me mercy

ALL:  so I will be merciful to others.

Leader:  Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL:  so I can offer comfort to others.

Leader:  Lord, you love me without limits

ALL:   so I will give love unconditionally to others.

 

Challenge for the Week:  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Was it a similar profession as one of your parents?  Did you learn about it from TV or from a book?  What were the characteristics of the job which you were drawn to?  In Jesus’ time, and for many years before and after, you were born in to a family where your future job was already chosen for you. It didn’t really matter if you had the right demeanor or characteristics to do the job well, you just did it.  However, specific jobs require specific skills in order for the person to be good at their job.  A shepherd for example needs to be strong and have stamina to be able to keep the sheep from straying; they must be observant and be able to be both stern and tender depending on the need of the sheep.  This week, spend time reflecting on what qualities you bring to the profession you chose and how you benefit others because of what you give.  Each day, you are given the opportunity to be a shepherd to someone, go and use your gifts to serve others and to serve God!

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Merciful Father,

You are the creator and maker

of heaven and earth,

Yet you regard me as one

worthy of your mercy!

You forgive without limits

and your love is infinite,

May I learn from your example

and have patience

not only with others

but with myself as well!

I am forever grateful for you Lord!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

• What does this scripture say makes a bride worthy? Is it the tasks she completes or her attitude or a combination of both?
• How does the woman described in this scripture stand out? Do you know women like her?

 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

• How does God’s goodness take you by surprise? Share a time when it overtook you.
• What is there to fear? Death?  Darkness?  What does this scripture passage tell us to fear?  Why should we listen?

 Matthew 25:14-30

• Do you think you have talents which are buried?   What would happen if you dug them up?
• Where have you scattered the seeds of faith? Who gave the seeds to you?
• What does it mean for God to give you great responsibility? Share an example of someone who has embraced the responsibility.  Share an example of someone who fears it.

 

 General Questions for Journaling

• What qualities does a woman look for in a husband?
• What qualities does a man look for in a wife?
• Is there a recipe for a healthy marriage?
• What are some causes for a marriage to fail? Can God’s mercy provide insight?
• How is charm deceptive? Share an example.
• Describe something beautiful. How does beauty make you feel?  Do those feelings last?  Why or why not?
• What does it look like to “fear the Lord”? How is it a Gift of the Holy Spirit?
• Are there things in life which give false hope or false security? Name a few.
• Would you say you’re a risk taker? Why or why not?  Give an example.
• Are there things about your faith which are risky? Are there times when being faithful put you at risk?  Share examples of both.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When the love you have for me is questioned…

 ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my heart!

Leader:  When the threat of bad weather is on the horizon…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my senses!

Leader:  When my faith is being challenged…

 ALL:  Lord, I am listening with my entire mind!

Leader:  When stress and anxiety try to consume me…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with my entire body!

Leader:  When temptation draws near…

ALL:  Lord, I am listening with all of my will!

Leader:  When you wrap me in grace and mercy…

ALL:   Lord, I am listening with all of my soul!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you spend too much time looking towards the end to be able to enjoy the present?  A popular phrase over the past few years is “What is the endgame?”  Too much time can be invested into what a person desires the “end” to look like and forget to make the most of the time given right now.  Occasionally people get wrapped up in how we think things need to happen or what needs to be done; while other times we get so distracted by sin we forget to take the step(s) we need in order to move forward toward a goal.  Focusing on the end means spending too much time in the future and not enough time in the present.  God provides opportunities, experiences and lessons along the path to make the journey more enjoyable, more manageable and sometimes even less stressful.  Spend time considering how much time you spend worrying about the future in comparison to how much time you give to right now.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why am I surprised

to find you waiting for me?

What keeps me from thinking

I am good enough for your love?

Help me to see that I am worthy

because you love me.

Help me to remember it was your death

that gives me everlasting life.

I have been a part of you

all of your life,

I want to be a part of you,

all of mine!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 6:12-16

• What does Wisdom have waiting for you?
• Do you seek Wisdom? Is Wisdom easy or difficult to find?

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14

• Does “fallen asleep” mean those who have died? How could one “fall asleep” in faith?
• How does this reading impact your vision of death? Of heaven?

 Matthew 25:1-13

• Would you say you are ready to open the door to God? Why or why not?
• What kinds of things keep you from lighting your lamp? Keep you from being delayed?  Keep you from going out?  Keep you from being ready for the feast?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you look for God in all things?
• Are there places you don’t look for God?
• Are there places where you don’t see God at all?
• When have felt there was something waiting ahead of you?
• How does wisdom differ from knowledge or understanding?
• If you knew when you would die, how would that affect how you live your life?
• How would knowing when others will die change your relationships?
• Are there things of which you are unaware? Is it because you don’t know or because you are disinterested?
• Do you think there is a connection does awareness have with wisdom?
• When have you grown impatient, waiting for God in your life? Share an example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

 ALL:  you are the stars that shine!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the baby crying!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the changing seasons!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are an act of kindness!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:  you are a banquet feast!

Leader:  Lord, let us find you in all things…

ALL:   you are the path of life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Stay awake, be ready, for we do not know the day, nor the hour of when God comes…we have all heard this, but isn’t God in our midst right now?  This week, spend time contemplating what you can change in your life right now so you live with the awareness that God is present NOW!  Are you allowing God to enter in your life today?  What obstacles have you created to keep God at a distance?  What moments do you allow God into?  Are there more moments in which you keep God waiting at the door than embracing his presence?  As the creator and giver of all good things, why would you try to keep any part of your life from God?

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father God,

No matter our differences,

No matter our scars,

No matter what divides us…

YOU are what binds us together.

It is you, Lord,

Who made us in your image,

who heals our wounds

and unite us as one.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10

• Relate how this scripture sounds like a parent giving instruction to a disobedient child to the message God is sending you by hearing these words today.
• Do you think there is a greater responsibility for those who teach the faith to follow it according to the law more than there is for any of us? Why or why not?

 2 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13

• What are some obstacles of teaching faith to others? How does St Paul describe his struggles in this scripture?
• To what or whom do you show affection? What prompts you to show affection?
• How do you decipher God’s words vs. human words?

 Matthew 23:1-12

• What example do you follow? Give an example.
• What message is Jesus giving? What does this look like today’s society?  Does the world still live by the standards they did at Jesus’ time?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there someone whom you keep at a distance because of differences? Does this relationship cause you to turn from God?
• Who is the keeper of your faith? Who steals from it?  Who contributes to it?
• Does God punish you if you don’t pray? Why or why not?
• How do you regard your relationship with God? Is it the same or different than you regard your relationship with your spouse, parents, friends?
• Would you say you have ever stood up against God? What was the situation?
• How do you know when someone cares for you?
• How do you show you care for someone?
• Make a list of the people and things you care for
• Make a list of the people who care for you
• Can you see the work of God in people? Give an example.
• Where do you see humility in action?
• How do you show honor to others? What causes you to do so?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me find peace…

 ALL:  when I encounter indifference.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I can’t find a common ground.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

 ALL:  when I’m called to share more than I have.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I’m ask to do more than I think I am capable.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:  when I serve others and when I am served.

Leader:  Let me find peace…

ALL:   at the beginning, the end and throughout my day.

 

Challenge for the Week:  In last week’s Gospel, Jesus “simplified” the commandments.  Spend time this week looking at the 10 commandments and really study them.  How specifically do they relate to the shortened two commandments Jesus gave?  Is there a commandment which you really struggle obeying?  Which one(s) come easy?  Does it help you to look at them as 10 individual commandments in order to follow them more clearly? OR does it make more sense to you to follow the two and not mess with the specifics of the 10 individually?  In the end, the commandments have not changed and they will remain as a way for us to give love to God and others.

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

You put in me a heart of flesh

so I could fill it with love for you!

My mind was created by you

so I could exercise your will!

My soul is the part of me

which is made in your image!

When I call for you,

You already know my desire!

Thank you for the path before me,

may I walk in your light forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

• Where is compassion found? Is it something taught (you can learn) or something you have naturally?
• What is the message of the scripture verse? HINT: It is not that God is mean.

 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10

• What does the Holy Spirit offer you?
• Identify how you feel about putting forth your love for God to others. Is it something you are comfortable doing?  Are you hesitant or afraid?

 Matthew 22:34-40

• Identify examples of how you can love God with all your heart.   Soul.  Are there different examples for each or are they all the same?
• Did Jesus answer the question he was being asked? Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Can you identify things God has given you?
• When have you recently felt God’s love for you?
• What do you do with God’s love? What do you think God wants you to do?
• When you do something for another person, do you expect re-payment? Why or why not?
• Who do you feel called by God to help?
• Identify someone in need whom you can reach out to this week.
• Where do you find joy? Is it something you strive to find each day or occasionally?
• When have you encountered something that on the surface seemed simple but after closer examination was very difficult?
• If every good thing comes from God, how come there are people who are not very good?
• What can the Trinity offer you in order to love your neighbor, even when they are difficult?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  To you Lord, there is no stranger…

 ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  With you Lord, I have the power to heal…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  In you Lord, I am anointed…

 ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  To you Lord, I am your vessel…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  With you Lord, I overcome darkness and become light…

ALL:  Fill me with your love!

Leader:  In you Lord, rest my heart, mind and soul…

ALL:   Fill me with your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week think about how God’s love has made your life better.  What is it about how God loves you that makes this happen?  Describe how God’s love feels and then write a prayer of thanksgiving or draw a picture to show appreciation for what God gives you.  THEN, consider how you may be the only example of God’s love in a person’s life today and make a commitment to show other’s God’s love more freely!

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You know my every thought

and yet you still love me.

I fall short in many ways

but you never leave my side.

Teach me your ways

so I might see you better.

Help me to recognize you

in every person I meet.

Let the Word be my guide

to come to know you better!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

• What title do you give God?
• What has God armed you with to make you stronger?

 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

• Describe how it felt/feels or describe how you imagine it would feel like to be chosen by God. How does expectation compare to reality?
• What role does the scripture say the Holy Spirit has in your life? On a scale from 1-10, how do you think the Holy Spirit is doing?

 Matthew 22:15-21

• What lesson is Jesus teaching here? How does His example speak to you?
• What were the Pharisees trying to get Jesus to say? What were they hoping would be the outcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What has authority in your life?
• What rules your time?
• What dominates how your money is spent?
• In what areas of your life do feel free?
• In what areas of your life do you feel oppressed?
• Do you prefer sun rises or sun sets?
• What is the most impressive thing you have ever seen or heard about?
• Have you ever been used in a relationship?
• Have you ever entered a relationship with someone in order to gain something?
• Do you think God uses people?
• Do you think people use God?
• How does faith work for you? Do you work for your faith?
• Describe the power of the truth.
• How do you know when something is true?
• Where is truth learned?
• Is it possible to believe something as truth that is not really true?
• What is your definition of a hypocrite?
• Share an example of a time when you have been a hypocrite.
• Have you ever been in a situation where someone is trying to trap your words or catch you in a lie?
• How can you tell if flattery is true or if someone is buttering you up?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my daily prayer!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my trust!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

 ALL:  of my respect!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my time!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:  of my friendship!

Leader:  The Lord is worthy

ALL:   of my sacrifice!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Do you think God cares if you pay your taxes?  Do you think He keeps a tally sheet of how many times a day you pray, go to church or serve a meal at the shelter?  There are not different rules for people of different sexes, different races or different financial brackets.  God doesn’t judge what car you drive or the price tag on your clothes.  What God expects of you is exactly what He expects of each person on earth since the beginning of time.  It’s simply to give God love.  We cannot earn a place in heaven, there is not an invisible punch card we need to fill by doing good deeds that will give us priority.  All we can do is love.  Reflect on how you give love to God and to others this week.

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You put me first in your thoughts;

and let your actions follow.

You bring love and comfort to me;

and never become depleted.

You wipe away my tears

and make me whole!

Let me step out of the way,

fill me with your strength!

Let your will be done!  I am yours!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25:6-10

• How has God been a hero in your life? Share a time when God swooped in and saved the day, wiped away tears and all rejoiced.
• What is the veil Isaiah speaks of in this scripture? What is it that veils you from seeing God clearly?
• Does this scripture reassure you or scare you?

 Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

• What reassurance do you have that God will supply you with all you need?
• What is the secret of living in abundance with nothing? Does St Paul give you any indications how he does it?

 Matthew 22:1-14

• Where do you find the parallels in this scripture and the kingdom of God?
• When have you ignored an invitation? What were your reasons for not accepting?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is impressive about a banquet feast?
• What would you wear to a banquet feast? How would act?  Are there different rules for a banquet feast than for a typical meal?
• How does God feed us still today? What is the choice wine and rich food?
• When have you turned to God asking for strength? Did He give it?
• Share examples of times when human strength is not enough; only God’s strength can persevere.
• Can God be found in every circumstance? Why or why not?  Consider some possibilities.
• Define abundance. What does it look like to live in abundance according to God?
• Have you ever been a host of a gathering when attendance was low? How did you feel?  What were some of your obstacles?
• Have you ever been a host of a gathering when attendance was high? How did you feel?  What were some of your obstacles?
• What do clothes have to do with acceptance?
• Who makes the rules about what is appropriate dress for specific tasks? Where do you learn these rules?
• What do you do to invite others to the feast God has prepared? Share a specific example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have prepared a feast for me;

 ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader: You have set the table with fine linen;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have killed the fatted calf;

 ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have the finest wine;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have invited all to the feast;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have called me to be your beloved;

ALL:   I am humbled by your presence!

 

Challenge for the Week:  There is the saying, “you are what you eat” and when used in the context of faith, when we eat the body and blood of Christ, we become more like Jesus.  So, what do the clothes we wear, how we dress show others who we are?  If we dressed in a tunic and walked around in sandals would we be showing others that we are like Jesus?  Is this the only way?  Take time this week to think about how you dress speaks to others who you are.  What do you say with the things you wear?  Are you over dressed?  Are you under-dressed?  Do you dress differently for holidays or other special occasions?  How do you dress when you go to church?  What do these different outfits say about you?  Say about the event you are attending?  Is the message you send in line with who you are and what you believe?  Are you comfortable with the message you send out to the world?  How do these questions pertain to God?  What do you think God believes about what we wear?  Something to think about.

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Like the vineyard,

our lives need work.

We need to plant good things.

We need to be nourished.

We need to be tended to

when we are weary.

And there are times when

the weeds try to take over.

You are the ultimate Gardener,

help me produce good fruit!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 5:1-7

• What condition is your vineyard (spiritual life)? What are you doing to care for it?
• Can you prevent weeds? Sour grapes?  Infestations?  What kind of plan do you have to help these things from taking over?

 Philippians 4:6-9

• Does this scripture bring comfort or frustration?
• What does it mean to you when you hear words like, do what is honorable, just, lovely, pure, gracious; is it achievable?

 Matthew 21:33-43

• Where do you see messengers of God’s peace? God’s love?
• What is the message you receive from this scripture?
• Is God the cornerstone of your life? How are you sure?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever had a situation in your life that just went wild and out of control? What were you able to do about it?
• Do you recall a time when your friends or family said you were acting wild? What was happening in your life at the time they said this?
• What judgment do you put on others? Do you think they judge you in return?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in yourself?
• Is it hard or easy to find fault in others?
• Are there things others believe are faults in you but you believe otherwise?
• Would you say you are a peacemaker? Share how you bring peace.
• Describe the peace God gives. When have you experienced God’s peace?
• Have you ever had a time when you felt you had done all you could but things still turned out badly?
• What advice can you give about letting go of anxiety?
• Is there such a thing as worrying too much? What does it look like?
• Can a person not worry enough? How does that look?
• Can you feel God guard your heart and mind?
• Share a time when you felt out-numbered, beaten or rejected. How did you overcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when walls start to crumble.

Leader: Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when confusion outweighs understanding.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

 ALL:  when the world seems untamed.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when we feel alone and un-sheltered.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:  when contempt and judgment take control.

Leader:  Lord, Grant me PEACE…

ALL:   and surround me with your love!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Draw a picture of either what you imagine anxiety looks like OR a picture of what you imagine your vineyard looks like.  Take out a blank piece of paper and with crayons, colored pencils/pens, or markers, set out to meditate and pray.  Don’t go into the activity anxious or telling yourself that it won’t turn out because you can’t draw.  Allow yourself at least 30 minutes and make it an act of prayer.