Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father,

I hear you calling but I’m held back by…

fear and resentment

judgment and selfishness

sin and shame

Wipe away those things that bind me

Let me walk with you to edge

and take the leap of faith!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

• Whom do you fear? Of what are you afraid?  Where does your fear come from?
• How to you tell God you are ready to do His will?

 1Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8, 11)

• Have you fallen asleep to the purpose you have been called for? What can you do to find the passion and drive to go on?
• How would you describe someone who is “fit” to serve God?

 Luke 5:1-11

• When have you doubted God? What was your situation?  How did God change your heart?
• Are there people who are in deep waters who need you to come and bring them to the shore?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How has God made you worthy of His love?
• Have you ever been paralyzed by fear?  What was the situation?  How did you overcome the fear?
• How has your life been shaken up?  Where was God during the storm?
• What has God called you to do?  Do you minimize the importance of your purpose?
• How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name who encountered God but felt they were not worthy?
• How many people from the Bible (old and new testaments) can you name whose lives were changed when they took a leap of faith to trust God entirely?
• How is grace distributed?
• What “work” is required to receive faith?  Grace?  Love?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created me with the will to choose…

ALL:  Let me choose YOU!

Leader:  You gave me a name and purpose…

 ALL:  Let me serve YOU!

Leader:  You walk the road ahead of me…

 ALL:  Let me follow YOU!

Leader:  You call me into the deep waters…

ALL:  Let me trust YOU!

Leader:  You welcome me to the shore…

ALL:  Let me be there with YOU!

 

 Challenge for the Week:   Spend time reflecting this week on a time in your life that is comparable to the experience of the fishermen…when was God asking you to do something you didn’t want to do because you thought you had exhausted all possibilities.  Did you do as He asked anyways?  Did you choose to ignore the suggestion and go a different direction?  Regardless of which path you took, share your story with someone to show how God blew you out of the deep water and onto the shore and how you would do it all over again (the same or differently) as a witness of your faith.

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You knew us before we were born

You know where our path leads

You continue to love and guide us

You open your arms to welcome us

Home!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

• Jeremiah is trying to stir up the people to prepare for battle; what battles are you gearing up for which requires you to be firm in your faith and understanding of who God is to you?
• Who cries out for peace and justice today? What do they say?  Do people believe and follow?

 1Corinthians 12:31–13:13

• What does this scripture tell you about love? Have you seen love like this?
• How do you learn of love? How is love taught?  Where does it come from?  Does love have limits?  Is there a capacity for love?

 Luke 4:21-30

• What does it mean to be humble? How is humility shown in this scripture?
• Are there people in your life whom you have a hard time believing? What is it that causes you not to trust their words or actions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there things in your life which you are willing to die for?
• What are things which require a fight?  Are you fighting or simply a spectator?
• Do you feel called to step up and step in to lessen an injustice?  What holds you back?
• Where does your strength to fight an injustice come from?  Is it provoked from outside or stirred up from inside?
• Does God ask too much of you?  When?  How?
• Can good come from bad things?  How does one grow through conflict?
• Can you love too much?  Why or why not?
• Can you be loved too much?  Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created me out of love…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader: You breathed life into me…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You gave me a purpose…

 ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You laid out the laws…

 ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You cleared a path…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You surrendered and died…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

Leader:  You rose and gave me new life…

ALL:  without YOU I am nothing!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make a list of ways people can say and show love.   How many can you come up with?  Are there ways in which love can be expressed that you don’t feel comfortable sharing?  When you give love, do you always get love in return?  Sometimes we do and other times the love we give isn’t reciprocated…is that a requirement of love?  Be mindful of the love you give this week, does it have limits, restrictions, requirements?  Does the love you receive from others?  Reflect on the second reading as you focus on love; what is your heart needing to hear?

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

God of day and God of night,

Each morning the sun rises

and shimmers light upon the earth;

The trees bend and sway

giving way to the winds of each season;

Creatures scurry about

completing the days work;

As the light fades into darkness

may we be content as we rest in YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions
Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

• Why does Ezra say this day is holy? What makes it so?
• What in this reading gives you cause to celebrate?

 1Corinthians 12:12-30

• What does this scripture tell you about the gifts you have been given? How does God see them and their value?
• Do some gifts have more importance than others? Have you discounted some of your gifts?  Why?  What can you do to see your gifts as God sees them?

 Luke 1:1-4 – 4:14-21

• How does Jesus fulfill the scripture he read in the synagogue?
• All who are baptized in the Holy Spirit have been anointed with the ability to bring good tidings to the poor, set captives free and give sight to the blind…how do you live out these tasks?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the past affect your future?
• Can someone live in the past? Can someone live in the future?
• What is the difference between living forward and living backward?
• How does God share His hope for your future?
• What gifts have been highlighted in your today?
• What gifts have you seen in others today?
• Share a time when you experienced working together with others to achieve a common goal. What did it feel like?  Were there conflicts?  What was the outcome?
• Is there a gift you share with others more than another?
• Have you ever intentionally kept gifts you keep to yourself?
• Do you have gifts you don’t use?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we begin each day.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we struggle to focus.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

 ALL:  as we encounter giants.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we celebrate victories.

Leader:  May we rest in God’s Spirit…

ALL:  as we embrace a loving God!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Take time this week and unfold the second reading (the long version).  Identify the characteristics of a person whom would be each of the different parts of the body described in the scripture.  Then write a prayer to help you remember the importance of each of these personality types and to help you to accept the challenges and joys of working together

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are generous beyond compare.

The wellspring of your love never runs dry.

You are the giver of all that is good.

We shout from the rooftop… praise to YOU above all!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62:1-5

• How do you know God loves you? How would you explain this kind of love to someone who had never met God?
• God calls you His delight and promises not to forsaken you…what other names does God give you? What other promises does He make?

 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• What gift(s) do you have? How do you use it/them?
• Are you jealous of a specific gift? Why?  What would you do with it if you had it?
• When have you seen a variety of gifts work together for good?
• What specific gift is needed in your family right now? In your work place?  In your community?

 John 2:1-11

• Compare your life to the wine which was served first and your future to the water which was turned into wine. Can you find hope in the comparison?
• Put yourself in the scripture. Imagine yourself as the head waiter, the bride/groom, the guests, Mary.  What are you thinking?  How do you make sense of what happened?  Whom do you share this occurrence with and how?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What names do you call God?
• Does comparing God’s love to the marriage union still hold value when people get divorced or don’t get married at all? Why or why not?
• How does God know you love Him? Do you tell Him?  Do you show Him?  What do you do?
• Does God show partiality among denominations? Why or why not?
• Do you believe the phrase, “you get what you pay for”? What does it mean?  How can you translate it to faith?
• Have you ever wished for something? Do you believe in wishes?
• Is there anyone in your life whom you trust will provide for all of your needs? Do you think it is a rarity or surplus in life to have one or more people?
• Have you ever been asked to give more than you thought was expected? What was the situation?  How did it affect your attitude?  What was the outcome?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Created for a purpose…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Washed clean by our Baptism…

ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Saved by your power…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Made whole with your love…

 ALL:  turn us into wine.

Leader:  Changed from water into wine…

ALL:  to be a witness of YOUR miracles!

 

Challenge for the Week:   One name for God is King of Glory and we call Jesus the King of Kings who reigns over the Kingdom of God.  The First Reading says we are “crowned” as children of the Most High King.  What does it feel like to have a crown?  If you were to actually wear a crown, how would it change your behavior?  What words would you use to describe royalty; do any of these words describe you?  Why or why not?  This week during your prayer time, before you get out of bed or after you brush your teeth, make a point to crown yourself with an imaginary crown and remind yourself of your royal bloodline!

Baptism of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

We cry out to YOU,

seeking grace and mercy;

But we stumble and fall

on the rugged path.

Like a Shepherd, you scoop us up

in your arms and care for us;

YOU give us what we long for…

Fill us Lord, make us whole!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

• What are some of the things God would be pleased about in the world today? Be specific.
• How is God pleased with you?

 Acts 10:34-38

• Why does God give us salvation?
• God is so generous with His gifts; what can you do to be more giving of love, mercy and understanding?

 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

• When have your or did you last see someone whom you knew had Jesus within them? How do/did you know?  What did you feel?  What did you see?
• Do you live your life as though you were baptized with the FIRE of the Holy Spirit? What does that look like?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see God’s love?
• When did you last experience Baptism? What can you do to keep that experience real and close to you all the time?
• How has God built you up? What gift (s) do you have which others do not have?
• How have you been delivered from darkness?
• Is there anyone you know who lives in darkness? What can you or have you done to share God’s light with them?
• When do you feel strongest in spirit?
• What does the power of God feel like?
• What does the power of the devil feel like?
• How do you connect people to God? In what ways do you do this?
• Who are the people who have pointed to God in your life? How did their example form you?
• What are you doing to pass on the faith to others?
• Where do you go and what do you do to keep strong in the faith?
• How do you stay close to Jesus?
• How do you stay connected to your baptism?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  We are SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

 ALL:  We are WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  We are LOVED!

 

Challenge for the Week:   If we believe we are saved and redeemed by God’s grace and that HE is merciful and full of forgiveness….and if we believe Baptism washes away our sin; why do we not feel worthy of God’s praise?  How come we don’t feel as though we are worthy of God’s saying our name and then ‘you are my son/daughter; with you I am well pleased’?  Is there ever a time when we will feel “good enough” or “holy” enough to be worthy of these words to be said to us?  Allow these words to be said to you each day, multiple times in the day.  Say them to yourself as a part of your daily prayer and devotion time.  Say them out loud when you find yourself being tempted to sin.  Let God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness wash over you as though it is the waters of Baptism.

Epiphany of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

May we rise each morning

with the fire of your spirit within us.

May we run toward the light

and find you waiting with anticipation.

May we soak up the splendor of your love

until it overflows onto all we encounter.

Let us live forever changed

by your loving presence!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Where do you see God’s light shining in your life? In your family?  In your community?  At work?
• How can you celebrate God’s Glory?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• Can you measure the love of God? The grace of God?  The mercy of God?  The forgiveness of God?
• Describe how you are a co-partner in the promise of Christ.

 Matthew 2:1-12

• How did the magi know, after their long journey, the baby Jesus was the one they had come to see?
• What can you learn from the magi in this scripture about faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What draws people to love God?
• Where do people go to search for God? Do you think they find Him there?
• What are some things which might keep people from finding God?
• Do you think you live up to the potential God has in mind for you?
• Share a time when you witnessed God’s grace at work.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to you.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to others.
• Have you ever felt motivated by God to do something which seemed out of the ordinary or ridiculously crazy?
• Define a pilgrimage. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?
• What has been the furthest distance you have traveled? What was the purpose of your traveling?
• What do the stars tell you about God?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so we might find you in the darkness.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  let your light be a beacon when we are weary.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path we must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  consume us so others see your glow within us.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken us to your radiance!

 

Challenge for the Week:   God is shining His light on us all of the time, even when we aren’t feeling too much like being radiant.  Imagine having a spotlight on you all of the time, how would you feel, how might you act differently?  What happens when the “spotlight” shines on some people…some shy away from the light and others ham-it-up.  Reflect this week on the difference of God’s light verses the spotlight of the world.  What can you do to change which light you seek to shine on you and how can you shine God’s light on others so they might seek to shine in God’s light on their own.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

We pray with great anxiety

for there are times when we cannot find you.

We search and we search

and we often overlook your presence.

May we be calmed by your Word

May we be settled by the sound of Your voice

You are there, calling out to us when we are lost

You will never leave us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6

• Are there those whom you have trouble loving? How does knowing God loves them, help you love them too?
• Does the love you have for God look the same or different than the love you have for others?

 Colossians 3:12-21

• Where to do you see these qualities (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) at work in the world?
• How do you express these qualities? How often and to whom?

 Luke 2:41-52

• Can you relate to Mary and Joseph in this reading? Can you also relate to Jesus?  What is the difference?
• Where do you feel welcome and accepted? What does it look like?  Who is also there?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does family rate in your life?
• How do you express your feelings toward your family? Do your actions express your feelings?
• What is the purpose of a family? Do you think your family fulfills its purpose?
• Does God get center reign in your family? Why or why not?  How do you know?
• What do you present to God as an offering for your commitment to Him?
• Have you ever bargained with God? What happened?
• Recall a time when you lost something of great value to you…what did you do? How did you feel?  Were you able to recover it?  Where did you find it?  Who helped you?
• Describe what remember of yourself as a child. What did you look like?  What were some of your favorite things?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are given our first breath

ALL:  because you love us!

Leader:  We serve in YOUR name

ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We accept and forgive

 ALL:  because you love others!

Leader:  We hold YOU close

 ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We are blessed

ALL:  because you love us!

 

Challenge for the Week:   +The Holy Family was not perfect in the eyes of the world.  Instead, it was made perfect through the eyes of God.  Think about how your family is also made perfect through the eyes of God.  How does this cause you to see others differently?  Are there people whom you will treat differently with this new perspective?  Perhaps there are some whom you need to forgive and welcome back in.  Allow God to make your family perfect J

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and

Lord of Lords, be near to us.

Let your loving presence

fill our hearts and minds.

Be our strength

so we might do your will.

May we jump for joy

for you have come to be.

Embrace us in your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

• How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do?  What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
• How is peace given? How do you show it?

 Hebrews 10:5-10

• How did Jesus to the will of God? What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
• How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

 Luke 1:39-45

• What causes you to leap for joy?
• With whom do you share your joy? How does family fit into your celebration?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth?
• How do you embrace what you have been given? Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
• When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this?
• What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
• What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
• Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance?  How was hospitality shown?  Was it easy or difficult?
• When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
• Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
• Mary visits her cousin, Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin…how are you drawn to family or where you come from this holiday season?
• What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are weary…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we are alone…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we have no place to go…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  Be the star which guides our way…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

 

Challenge for the Week:   What is it about a newborn child which draws us in?  Some people are even hesitant to reach out to touch or hold a newborn for fear of what…afraid to hurt or harm or damage the precious child?  How does the “new life” change the lives of those around them?  Take time this week to consider what causes these feelings, this reaction.  Then relate it to your own feelings and reaction to the coming Jesus. 

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out…the Savior is coming!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

• What keeps you from jumping for joy as you hear this scripture?
• Draw a picture of what you see happening in this scripture. Who is there?  What colors would you use to paint the scene?
• The scripture says, God will rejoice over you….what do you think He says?

 

Philippians 4:4-7

• How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need?  How do you make the community prayers known?
• What keeps you from rejoicing the Lord always?
• What keeps you from showing kindness to all?

 

Luke 3:10-18

• Who do you turn to seeking direction? Who do you ask “what should I do”?
• Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering this question?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do your celebrate God?
• When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
• How does God show you He is present?
• How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”? Is it an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”?
• How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes?
• Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there?
• How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
• Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

 

Challenge for the Week:   When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard.  This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room, would you say harps?  What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like?  Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze?  The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore?  A trickling stream?  There are many possibilities.  Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song, what would you have play as you enter into a room?  What instruments would be used?  What is the tune, familiar or original? Who would sing it?  And if there are words, what do they say?

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When our days are filled with activity;

…may we remember not to get wrapped up in the busyness

…may we not become consumed in the hustle and bustle

Instead, help us to take time;

…to spend a quiet moment with you

and watch for you in hopeful anticipation!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Baruch 5:1-9

• What do you put on yourself each day like a robe? What do you allow others to put on you?
• What does God robe you with? How does it fit?

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

• How can you “partner” with the Gospel? What does that look like?
• Where do you see God’s Glory?

 Luke 3:1-6

• How is your life proclaiming the Gospel?
• How does the Word of God come from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the awareness of God’s presence affect your decisions? How often do you allow God to affect your decisions?
• When you make decisions; do you seek God’s perspective?
• How does God lead you to find joy? How often do you search for it?
• Do you pray for joy? Write a prayer for joy.
• How does God show affection?
• What is God a witness to in your life? How are you a witness to God?
• Is there a time when you felt so overwhelmed you cried out to God and your faith lead you through?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Awaken the gifts;

ALL:  the gifts we have before us!

Leader:  Enliven the joy;

 ALL:  the joy within each soul!

Leader:  Ignite the hope;

 ALL:  the hope around us!

Leader: Revive the peace;

 ALL:  the peace deep within!

Leader:  Kindle the love;

 ALL:  the love which brings us together!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider this…God planted in you all the gifts you will ever need to bring Him glory and share His love with others.  How are you sharing these gifts?  Do you believe all of your gifts have been opened?  Perhaps there are a few gifts left under the tree (within you) unopened; full of new and unimaginable gifts.  As you go about your week, ponder the gifts you have been given which help you bring Glory to God and share His love…then go the extra step and dream about gifts you would need to possess in order to bring more attention to God.  What does that look like?  Are those gifts already opened in your life and you have discarded them or left them in the box?  Awaken to the possibilities…God always gives us what we need and He gives us the BEST gifts!