The Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are the Creator of ALL things!

YOU call us into communion with YOU;

so we may know how to love others.

May our eyes, ears and hearts be open;

to see, hear and love those around us.

Allow us to see, hear and love YOU as we ought;

so we may live and spread YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Amos 7:12-15

• When have you felt God calling you to something you are/were not qualified to do? What did you do about it?  Did you make the right choice? How did you know it was God pulling you?
• Through Baptism we are all called to be “priest, prophet and king”. God has already called you to be a prophet like Amos if you are baptized…how are you living out your call as a prophet?

 

Ephesians 1:3-14

• How can you explain to a child or new believer that God has known you/them since the beginning of creation? What words or images would you use to explain?
• What does it mean to you to be “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”? How do you feel, see, know the Holy Spirit is in your life right now?

 

Mark 6:7-13

• Jesus told to disciples to “dust off your feet”; are there hurts, regrets, ideals that need to be “dusted off your feet” in order for you to be able to be stronger in your testimony to the Gospel?
• Are there things you are attached to which keep you from doing the work God has called you to do?
• They were sent out two by two; who would you consider your “partner in crime” to spread the Gospel message?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• When was the last time you spoke out against an injustice? Or when did you last speak up for something you believe in?  What was it?  How did you feel?
• What are your “hot topic” conversations, those which you feel strongly about and would happily debate your side against another?
• Have you ever spoken out and been the only one with that idea or opinion? How did it feel?  Did you regret sharing your input?  What did you learn from the experience?
• What are those “hot topic” conversations which you have been witness to but didn’t contribute to? How did you feel?  What were those feelings or emotions?  Why do you think you felt that way?
• How do you know someone is “qualified”? What qualities do you look for in a friend, husband, co-worker, boss, President?  How do your standards of qualifying compare to how God seeks out prophets and disciples?
• How have you felt God’s love this past week? What does it feel like to receive God’s grace?  Describe what it is like to have the Holy Spirit active in your life.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are sent out

ALL:  to be Christ’s love.

Leader:  We are sent out

ALL:  to be Christ’s hands and feet.

Leader:  We are sent out

ALL:  to be Christ’s comforting word.

Leader:  We are sent out

ALL:  to be Christ’s healing touch.

Leader:  We are sent out

ALL:  to be Christ to others!

 

Challenge for the Week:   The disciples were instructed to “go” and their needs would be met along the way.  This takes an immense amount of trust.  To trust means you have reliance on the integrity of the other person; you know them to be reliable and honest. These things we would say about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, but how do our actions speak to our level of trust?  This week pay attention to the “extra” stuff you take with you when you leave the house to run an errand or go on a walk or even to pack for vacation.  What “baggage do you insist on bringing along with you everywhere you go?   These days, many people feel “lost” without their cell phone within reach.  Could you go on a walk without your phone?  Do you need to pack your entire shoe collection for a weekend trip?  It can also be looked on as your need to maintain your routine even when you are on vacation; are you able to just “go” without planning out each moment before it is going to happen.  This “letting go” can apply to each day before you even step out of bed.  Are you leaving room for God/Jesus/Holy Spirit to work in your life or are you too scheduled and focused on getting your needs met that you haven’t allowed God/Jesus/Holy Spirit to take care of you?

The Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

YOU love us even when we turn away from YOU;

YOU give us abundant chances to turn to YOU.

YOU make YOUR presence known in our lives;

even though we often don’t recognize YOU.

YOU gather us close to YOU accepting us for who we are;

wrapped in YOUR mercy, made whole in YOU!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 2:2-5

• Consider what Ezekiel means by “they shall know a prophet has been among them”; how might they know?
• How would you feel if you were sent to face “rebels” who are “hard to face” and “obstinate of heart”? Can you think of a time when you were truly put into that kind of situation?  Where was God in the situation?

 

2Corinthians 12:7-10

• Can you see God in your weakness? How?
• How would you explain “power is made perfect in weakness”? Share an example from your life or from someone you know.

 

Mark 6:1-6

• Can you relate to Jesus, being rejected in your “native place”, “among kin”, “his own house”? How?
• Jesus is “amazed at their lack of faith”, what words or actions caused Him to believe this to be true? How would you fair?

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever rejected the advice of a close confidant? What was their advice?  What did you do instead?  What was the outcome?
• Do you ever find yourself closed off to God’s message? Share a time when you were rebellious to God’s Word.
• Would you describe yourself as stubborn? A loved one?  What makes you so and about what are you stubborn?
• Have you ever experienced a time when you felt your ideas and suggestions were completely ignored? What did you do?  Were you eventually able to give your input or were you completely rejected?
• Are there places in your life where you avoid spending time? Do you keep things from God?
• Has God shown power through your weakness? When?  What was the circumstance?
• Name some of those who are rejected for their current ideas. What do people say about them?  What is the message they are trying to covey?
• How would you define a prophet? Who are some of the prophets of the Old and New Testament?  According to your definition, what current day prophets have impacted your life? (they could be alive or dead)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  For the victims born and unborn…

ALL:  Let us see as YOU see.

Leader:  For the neglected and unloved…

ALL:  Let us see as YOU see.

Leader:  For inhumanity and injustice…

ALL:  Let us see as YOU see.

Leader:  For the prideful and arrogant…

ALL:  Let us see as YOU see.

Leader:  Change our view so we may

ALL:  See as YOU see.

Challenge for the Week:   This week as you go about your daily routines, dwell on the words, “my grace is sufficient”.  Meditate on what these words mean to you, not just your initial reaction but to the point where you feel the meaning.  Write down what comes to mind when you think about those words; when they apply to situations throughout your week.  It may be in a conversation which seems to go nowhere.  It could be when you find something doesn’t work out the way you expected. It is possible it is at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day in reflection of what lies ahead and what you leave behind. Let these words become a part of your attitude and so allowing God to fill you with the grace you need…it is always sufficient!

The Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord,

We are so easily distracted by what we think we need;

though you created us with the desire to seek YOU!

Help us to pay attention to your presence in our lives;

seeing you in the things which detract us from YOU!

May we allow YOU into the ins and outs of each day;

so we realize that what we are searching for is YOU!

We ask for you to continue to touch our lives;

with your grace and mercy until it shines through US!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24

• How is death described here? What are we to understand about death from this passage?
• The scripture says, “by the envy of the devil”, for what does the devil need to be envious?

 

2Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15

• Where do you see abundance in your life? How can you share it?
• Have you ever been on the receiving end of abundance given freely?

 

Mark 5:21-43

• Jesus simply needed to be present in order to heal. Are there situations in your life where all you really need to do is be there for another person?
• This woman “encounters” Jesus. What does that mean to you?  Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an experience when you knew God was on your side.
• Share an experience when you knew the devil was envious of your words or actions.
• If God created man to be imperishable, how do you explain feelings of being defeated or broken down?
• How would you describe your feelings toward nature? Do your actions reflect your feelings?
• If Jesus would have been a wealthy king at the time of the crucifixion, would your feelings toward Him be different?
• Do you trust God will supply you with what you need? Identify what you need.
• Are there others in your life that you trust to supply you with what you need? Who are they and what makes you sure they will?  Identify a time in your life which confirms your belief.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You created us to be vulnerable…

ALL:  Lord, we long for your healing touch.

Leader:  You created us to be in union…

ALL:  Lord, we long for your healing touch.

Leader:  You created us to care…

ALL:  Lord, we long for your healing touch.

Leader:  You created us to reach out…

ALL:  Lord, we long for your healing touch.

Leader:  You created us to need you…

ALL:  Lord, give us your healing touch so we can be whole in YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Have you ever gone to serve a meal or sat down for a meal at a shelter?  Reflect this week on that experience (or those experiences).  Think about how you felt, what you saw, whom you met and the circumstances which brought you to that place.  Society would say you were in a place of poverty, is that what you saw?  Perhaps.  If your experience is anything like the ones I have had, you may have seen the world’s definition of poverty but not God’s.  Some of the most generous and grateful people I have ever met are ones I have met by working in a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter.  When we reach out to others with our abundance of time, talent or treasure, we don’t expect to be touched in return by God’s grace but believe me it happens!

The Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the maker of all things; You do not make junk.

Change our minds; rid us of all worry and stress.

Allow us to let go; and let you direct our lives.

Guide us through your Word; so we live more for others than ourselves.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 38:1, 8-11

• What is God trying to teach Job in this scripture? What lesson does God want you to learn?
• Are you going through a storm in your life right now? Identify the source of the storm; was it self-made, man-made or created by God?

 

2Corinthians 5:14-17

• How has the love of God called you into action?
• Define what it means to you to be a “new creation”?

 

Mark 4:35-41

• What in your life causes you to be paralyzed with fear? How do you overcome fear?
• The disciples were there together; who do you turn to when you see a storm coming?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you do when you see a storm coming? How do you feel?
• When you see a storm coming how do you react? Push on?  Pull back?  Simply hold on?
• Do you believe God sets limits? What do you believe God limits?
• Have you experienced a storm where you know God was with you?
• Have you experienced a storm where you questioned God’s presence?
• Reflect on who or what you live for; is it in honor of someone or something, it is for your own good, is it for Christ’s glory, or something else?
• Are there things in your life which you missed out on experiencing because of fear? Do you have any regrets?
• Where do fears come from? How do they start?  Do you believe fears are something each person is born with or are they something a person develops?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Be the calm in the storm when I am going down…

ALL:  Come to me!

Leader:  Be the gentle water washing away my selfish thoughts…

ALL:  Wash over me!

Leader:  Be the filter which keeps my thoughts and actions pure…

ALL:  Cleanse me!

Leader:  Be my floodgate to hold me back from temptation…

ALL:  Surround me!

Leader: Be the waves which drive my actions…

ALL:  Consume me!

Leader:  When I pursue you…

ALL:  I am overwhelmed by your loving presence!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Make the decision to let go of control of ONE THING in your life and allow God to take over.  Focus on that ONE THING in prayer, not asking God to do what you want Him to do in the situation but to truly hand it over to him.  Imagine that ONE THING as an onion; as you start let go of your control over the situation, allowing God to take charge, think about each layer of the onion being peeled away.  As you pray to allow yourself to let God take over, you might also imagine yourself as that onion; allowing God to shed the weight of the worry, anxiety, stress you carry because of that situation.  This process takes time; it takes attention and lots of practice!  If we aren’t patient we will end up with a smelly onion which only makes the situation worse; however if we allow God to take over our situation the onion will become nothing and the situation won’t seem as daunting.

The Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You created us from the dirt with the Holy Spirit.

We become a new creation through the Sacraments.

You give us eternal life by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let us stay rooted in these truths, bearing good fruit for others.

Help us to grow in you, following the path you set out for us.

May we stay connected to You through the Word;

May it be our guide, our comfort and our peace.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

• How are you able to provide “shade” or “shelter” to others through your connection to God?
• If God is able to make a tree bigger or smaller or make one bloom or wither; what does this say about what He can do for you?

 

2Corinthians 5:6-10

• What does it mean to “walk by faith and not by sight”? What does it look like?
• Share an example of someone you know or of a personal experience of living by faith and not by sight.

 

Mark 4:26-34

• How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
• Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
• When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
• When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
• What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
• What pleases God? How do you know?
• Does the body cause you to sin? In what way(s)?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We begin as a seed,

ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  We are nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begin to sprout growth.

Leader:  We soak up the rain and the sun,

ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader: Our branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but we stay rooted.

Leader:  We become a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed us Lord;

ALL:  plant and sow seeds of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness in our lives.

Challenge for the Week:   Jesus used a lot of parables to help us understand faith, love and the Kingdom of God.  In each parable, there is deep symbolism to us to explore.  This week, try to find a symbol which richly describes your faith and spirituality.  It might be something that has been passed on for generations in your family, it might be a gift you recently received, it might be something you or someone you know made especially for you.  Whatever it might be, there is deeper meaning to it than others can see.  As you search, remember our celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ…the bread and wine are simply food and drink to some but our faith helps us understand and believe them to be the body and blood of our Savior and Lord.  Also, like the mustard seed, so small and meek but within it there is the predisposition to become a giant tree.  After seeking out your symbol, try to write out a parable/story/reflection about it.

The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of our salvation.

You are the blood shed for our sin.

There is no one who loves us more;

who would sacrifice for our sake.

No one else can give of themselves

and make us one like you.

We are your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

• What is the significance of signing in blood/sealing the covenant in blood? What meaning does it have to you today?
• What covenant do you have with God? Is it the same as the one the Israelites?  How well do you keep your side of the promise?

 

Hebrews 9:11-15

• Imagine yourself in this scripture? Where are you?
• What are the dead works in your life? How can you begin to cleanse yourself of these obstacles?

 

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

• What significance is there that the man the disciples found was carrying a jar of water? Is there any at all?
• When Jesus took the bread, He said the blessing AND when He took the cup, He gave thanks. What should you do to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?  What was the last thing you thanked God for?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What does the blood signify in these scriptures?
• What does blood have to do with life? With death?  How is this also true in your spiritual life?
• How do you celebrate the “new covenant” Jesus gave to us; eternal salvation? How do live it out at home?  At work?  In church?
• What if your dead works were as visible as the dead heads on a rose bush? Are you sure they aren’t?
• Jesus shed His blood for you; have you shed anything for Him?
• How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist change you? Share a specific example.
• What is the definition of a sacrifice? Is it a true sacrifice when there is not blood?  What about when you sacrifice your time for the sake of another or sacrifice your “at bat” for the good of the team?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When a door is closed and another is cracked open…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When each season ends to welcome the next one in…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader: When the darkness of night is overcome by the light of a new day…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Challenge for the Week:   When you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, how do you live your life knowing Jesus is a part of you?  Do you acknowledge that as a fact and set your mind to live with the understanding that Jesus is within you?  Or do you nonchalantly consume Jesus without paying any mind to the great gift you have just been given.  Even starting from before you receive communion, what is your mindset about what you are about to do?  Are you in the moment or simply going through the motions?  Father Ron Rolheiser says that to receive the Eucharist is to receive a kiss from God.  Take some time this week to read through the second reading again and reflect on it.  Then pray a prayer of thanks for all God has given to you.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give us the heavens and the earth

You surround us with beauty

May we always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May we always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give us confidence and security

May we always call on you to be with us, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

• God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, where do you hear God’s voice?
• Can you identify in this reading God, Jesus and Spirit?  Is the trinity present?  Why or why not?
• Romans 8:14-17 

• When have you seen the Spirit bear witness to something?  Does it happen in society today or only in the Bible?
• As a joint heir with Christ, what you given?  What do you have to do to receive this treasure?
• Matthew 28:16-20

• How do you teach others what Jesus has taught you?  What more can you do?
• Jesus said, I am with you until the end of the age.  What assurance do you have that this is true?
• General Questions for Journaling
• How confident are you that God has a plan for your life?  What makes it so?
• When do you feel the most secure in your walk with God?  What draws you away from this feeling of security?
• How would you compare love of God vs love of self vs love for spouse vs love of children, etc….
• How is God’s love expressed?  Share examples.
• Are you able to recognize God’s love in the present or only in past tense?
• Do you cry out to God?  Jesus?  Spirit?  What causes you to do so?
• How do you explain the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
• Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33         
• ALL:  call us your own, Blessed children of God!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us giving hope!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us being kind and generous!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us working for justice!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…
• ALL:  find us trustworthy!
• Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

Challenge for the Week:   Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, we may not even really understand it ourselves.  However, if we are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, we need, no we MUST be able to describe our relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

Pentecost Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You gave us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with peace and joy.

May we learn to shed judgment and pride and love like YOU love.

May we work to see past the things of this world that can blind us.

May we not settle for mediocrity and work for justice,

Let us breathe in the Spirit of peace and joy!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Identify how the disciples are before and after the Holy Spirit descends upon them. What is significant about this change?
• What do you consider to be a “mighty act of God”?

 

1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Draw a picture identifying different gifts people have in the shape of a body/person.
• Consider how each part of your body, each organ, etc. has a specific purpose. How does this relate to our world today?

 

John 20:19-23

• Where else in the scriptures do we read, God breathed on them? What is the significance of this?  How do these readings correlate?
• What were the first words Jesus said to his disciples when he returned to them? Why do you think He chose those words?  And why do you think He said them twice?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• On a scale of 1-10, how often do you call on the Holy Spirit in a day?
• When you do call on the Holy Spirit, what do you ask for or need?
• How is your life changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
• What exactly do we celebrate on Pentecost?
• What is the common language of today? Is it verbal?
• Name 10 gifts you have and how they benefit others.
• No gift is insignificant because it was given by God for a purpose. What is something you feel is insignificant about you?  How can you change your thinking to turn the negative thing into something positive?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make our faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make our joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make your love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make your peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  ignite the fire of your love in our lives!

Challenge for the Week:   The sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church is traced back to this celebration of Pentecost.  It is when the young person “confirms” their belief in the Catholic faith.  As part of the Rite of Confirmation, the Bishop calls down the Holy Spirit to kindle or ignite the gifts that had been given through Baptism.  It is a moment of conversion for these young people, but it is a good reminder for the rest of us.  Just as our Baptism is not just something that happened to us, our Confirmation isn’t either.  In our daily lives we should call upon the Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, wonder and awe, courage (fortitude), reverence (respect) and right judgment (prudence).  Of course these are things we all want and need each day but do we seek God’s guidance and help in living them out?  Lucky for us, God wants to be there with us to give us what we need when we need it…and He made it so simple because all we have to do is ask and we will get it.  Make this simple prayer a part of your everyday, once a day, three times a day, every hour on the hour you are awake and pay attention to what God does when you say, “Come Holy Spirit” and are truly open to the change this power can have on your life!  AMEN!

Ascension Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

You know our thoughts and you still love us;

may our thoughts be good and true!

You know our actions and you still call us your own;

may our actions be loving and forgiving!

Make our thoughts and actions more like you

so we may go out and speak the Gospel!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

• What gifts of the Holy Spirit do you have? Identify a time when you used each of them.
• How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? Where does it come from?

 

Ephesians 1:17-23

• What do you hope for? What give hope?  Where does it come from?  How does it change ones perspective when they have it?
• What riches come from knowing God? What glory does God receive?

 

Mark 16:15-20

• What does it mean to you to be a Baptized Christian? Do you identify yourself as being baptized or having been baptized?  Is there a difference?
• Do you believe there is power in Jesus’ name? When have you experienced power in the name of Jesus?  What happened?  How were you changed?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How can you call on the Holy Spirit more often in your life? What keeps you from doing so?
• Identify a person you know who is a witness of what the Holy Spirit does. What do they do that lets you know the Holy Spirit is with them or working through them?
• How do you show reverence to God? Do you do show it for God or for others to see?
• What does your body language say when you pray? When you gossip or lie?  How can you change your non-verbal communication to reflect honor of God?
• When you pray, do you ask God to fix things or remove things or give you things? How do you wait for God’s response to your prayers?  Does God answer?
• What signs and symbols say or show you are a Christian without your words or actions?
• Would someone know Jesus is important to you if they entered your home? Your work space?  Your car?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May our hearts be filled with compassion;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our eyes be filled with acceptance;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our hands be filled with help;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our minds be filled with non-judgment;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Leader:  May our spirit be filled with generosity;

ALL:  Fill us O, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:   Make a list of 7 ways you can show honor and glory to God.  Better yet, make 30.  Then spend the next 30 days making a point to do one of these things.  It can be as simple as spending 5 minutes in silence giving God your undivided attention or more complicated such as doing some spring cleaning and getting rid of some of the excess in your life.  You decide how you will live out the Gospel in the coming days.

Sixth Sunday of Easter – Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

YOU save us even we don’t think we deserve it

Lord, come wrap us up in your love!!!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

• What does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit poured upon you? How it different or the same as having the Holy Spirit within you?
• Where has the grace of God brought you? What does it give you?  How does it help you daily?

 

1John 4:7-10

• What did the world know about God before Jesus came? How is it the same and/or different from what we knew after Jesus lived on earth?  How is it the same and/or different from what we experience now living with the Holy Spirit?
• How do you respond to the love God revealed by giving His only son to die for you?

 

John 15:9-17

• What challenges are presented when we try to love our neighbor as God commands?
• Loving God with all of your heart, mind and soul is poetic but challenging. How would you rate yourself in loving God in each of these areas?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does the Holy Spirit reside in your faith life?
• How do you acknowledge or communicate with the Holy Spirit?
• When considering your “relationship” with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how do you divide your time with each “person” of the trinity? Is there one whom you rely more?  Is there one whom you confide in or call out to more?  Is there one you listen or follow the advice of more?
• Where do you find grace? Is it something you seek or something that comes to you?
• When you love someone, do you always like them or the choices they make? Does your love for them still exist in these situations?
• What does it look like to love God with all of your heart? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.
• What does it look like to love God with your entire mind? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.
• What does it look like to love God with all of your soul? Share an example or two of how you live out this truth or how you could.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Creator God, you have given us all we need…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through nature

Leader:  Savior Jesus, your life shows us there will be times of trouble…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you we are complete…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through relationship

Leader:  Mighty Trinity, you are in all things at all times…

ALL:  May our love for you deepen through our lives

Challenge for the Week:   When you use the word LOVE, you can mean it in several different ways, such as you love the beach or you love chocolate.  When it comes to saying, I love you to a friend, a spouse or to God do you mean it the same way to each of them?  The challenge is YES, you should.  God calls everyone to love in a mature, respectful and dignified way.  He says to love EACH person as HE loves.  God’s love is unconditional.  God’s love is difficult to match.  However, when you pursue a relationship with God you come to know this love more deeply and can begin to understand how to love others better.  There might be people in your life whom you love on the surface or because you have known them all of your life or you love something about them but other things about them you don’t.  The love God wants you to have for others is deeper, it requires effort and even a risk to be vulnerable.  Consider the love you have for others and compare it to the love God has for you.  How can you begin to grow in this love to be closer to God AND to find the love in the relationships God has called us to find.  He wants this for you!