20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

It is our nature to love you,

but there are so many distractions.

Help us fight off the distractions,

and be persistent in our commitment.

Let us not be limited by love of things which don’t last,

but seek your love which is limitless.

Keep us open to your everlasting love,

so we can love without limits too!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

• Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the mud? What did it feel like?  How were you able to get “un-stuck”?
• When have you interceded for another, like the Court Official in this scripture? Who was it?  What were the circumstances?

 Hebrews 12:1-4

• Describe “cloud of witnesses”. Is it the same for everyone?  What is the specific purpose of a “cloud of witnesses”?
• What does this scripture say about suffering, specifically about Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
• Do you believe God wants you to suffer? Why or Why not?  Is this belief because of faith or experience?

 Luke 12:49-53

• How does God set the world on fire? What is consumed?  What needs to be consumed?  What is role in keeping the fire alive?
• Where do you see divisions in the world, your community, your church, your family, your own heart? Is there a common thread in these divisions?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Are there people who offend you? Who?  Why?  How does it affect how you act around them or how you treat them?
• Are there laws which you don’t agree with but follow?
• Have you ever worked to change a law which you found to be unjust?   What did you do?  What did you learn from the experience?
• How does your faith/hope/love in Jesus affect how you deal with loss/struggles/suffering?
• What would you say to someone who is struggling who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How would you show them support or give comfort?
• What divides you from others?
• What is the definition of division? What is the opposite?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we never lose sight of the faith which fills us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Father Abraham!

Leader:  May we always find hope in the promise of heaven…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the Old Testament!

Leader:  May we always be waiting and listening for God…

 ALL:  Pray for us, Mother Mary!

Leader:  May we never forget the sacrifice made on the cross..

ALL:  Pray for us, Jesus our Savior!

Leader:  May we always keep the Holy Spirit close and follow…

ALL:  Pray for us, Prophets of the New Testament!

Leader:  May we never turn away from the love which created us…

ALL:  Pray for us, Saints of today and yesterday!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As humans, we can sometimes let one little thing cause a tornado of stress and worry in our lives; something as simple as a paper cut can turn our attitude around.  When we look to the Prophets and Saints, we often forget they are human too.  They were also distracted by things (maybe even a paper cut) but persevered in learning to keep Christ centered in their lives.  Take time this week to seek out a Prophet or Saint (dead or alive) and consider how your might be able to learn to fend off distractions in your life.

Examples: (1) Moses was “crippled” by his speech impediment but was able to put it aside to serve God and save the Israelites from slavery  (2) Oscar Romero loved God and serving the Church so much he lived out his call as a priest despite the opposition…even to death

 

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do we doubt your love for us?

Let reach out to you

…and feel your embrace.

May we never lose hope in your presence!

What can we do to trust you more?

Let us call your Name

…and hear your response.

May we always know the sound of your voice!

Keep us close Lord, we cannot live without YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 18:6-9

• Describe having “courage” to let God work in your life.
• Do you trust God will “take care of your adversaries”? Why or why not?  Give an example of what this might look like.

 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

• Have you ever felt lost in your faith?
• Explain how you show trust in God and His plan for you. Give an example of how you trust God.

 Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

• Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for which He has not delivered?
• Why would God want us to be watchful? How do you let down your guard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there a common sacrifice all Christians’ value? What is it and how do you know it is valuable?
• Is it easy or difficult to let others have power over you? Why?  What would Jesus tell you to do?
• Have you ever sworn an oath? What was it for?  Did you keep it?
• Do you love and serve God out of fear or obedience? What is the difference?
• Have you ever felt as though there was no hope? What was the situation?  Was hope really gone or had you lost sight of it?
• Can someone you know be a stranger? Why or why not?
• Have you ever moved forward in faith, knowing God was calling but not knowing what was to come?
• Has God ever delivered a miracle to you? When?  What was it?
• What was the last decision you allowed God to make without your input?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we face adversity…

ALL:  May we have the courage, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we question…

 ALL:  May we have the wisdom, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we see is despair…

 ALL:  May we have the hope, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel empty…

ALL:  May we have the fulfillment, only faith can give!

Leader:  When all we have to hold is the promise…

ALL:  May we have the trust, only faith can give!

Leader:  When we feel you in our soul…

ALL:  May we have the peace, only faith can give!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Trusting God, living a Christian life and following the path laid before us can be extremely difficult at times.  Often we are tempted to stray and fall into sin or to doubt or lose hope in the promise that God will take care of us and all of our needs.  However, over and over in the scripture we are reminded that what God has planned for us is so much better than what we can accomplish on our own.  The scripture tell us that even though it might be difficult and we might want to throw in the towel waiting on what we are looking for God to deliver, that we should NEVER lose hope!  Spend time thinking about how you have remained vigilant in the promises of Christ.  Have you been losing hope?  Are you holding on by a thread to the promise?  What can you do to refocus and get a clearer perspective on what God has been doing in your life…to see He is still there, just maybe not giving you what you expect.  God has a plan for you…are you trusting Him enough for it to come to fruition?

 

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Your measure of time is different than ours.

We over schedule and try to fit too much into a day,

while you have eternity to accomplish your tasks.

We spend our time, fill our time and waste our time

and forget it is not OUR time to begin with!

Often we think there isn’t enough time

but you created the world and all that is in it in only 7 days.

Help us to slow down and accept the time you give,

living each experience of sorrow and joy, knowing you are there.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of precious time!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

• How does one labor over wisdom and knowledge?
• What do you allow to rule your life? Does work have control?  The quest for acceptance or acknowledgement?  A desire for wealth or status?  What worries keep you awake at night?

 Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

• Share an example of how you seek what is above on a regular basis? What does it look like?
• How did you learn to seek life in Christ? How do you share what you have learned?

 Luke 12:13-21

• Are there things which you guard and do not share? What are they and why do you keep them for yourself?
• What does this scripture tell you of what God values?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What causes you anxiety? How do you know it is anxiety?  What happens to you physically, emotionally?  How do you control it?  Can you control it?
• Have you ever allowed grief to consume you? What do you risk when you allow grief and sorrow to take over?
• When was the last time your mind was at rest? Describe the feeling?
• Do the things you invest our time in tell an accurate story about what you value? What is in need of change?
• What is your image of Christ? What are the qualities of God which you emulate?  Which ones do you need to work on more?
• Are there times when you hide your belief in God? Why or why not?
• What is your definition of treasure or riches?
• Where do you go to seek treasure or riches?
• Do you consider yourself to be rich? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the cool gentle breeze.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

 ALL:  in the sound of the ocean waves.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

 ALL:  in the smell of the pine tree.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the comfort of an embrace.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the warmth of laughter.

Leader:  Let us know what you treasure…

ALL:  in the intimacy of prayer.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Where do you see God’s love?  Make a list of the places you see God today.  Do you think when we make a point to seek God, He appears more abundantly?  How many times do you think we miss out on God’s goodness each day when we are consumed with our own agenda and worry?  Consider what God wants you to do for HIM today to share HIS LOVE!!!

 

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do you love us?

What causes you to stay with us?

You love us and never leave

even though we neglect you and persecute you.

May we acknowledge your persistence in love

and come to know you enough

to love others as you love us!!!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:20-32

• What do you take from the conversation between God and Abraham? What does it say of God’s character?
• How might you be more like Abraham? What characteristic do you want to emulate?  How will you do this?

 Colossians 2:12-14   

• What are the things that keep you from having the relationship you want with Jesus?
• Are there people you can’t forgive? What stands in the way? Is there something God is calling you to do about it?

 Luke 11:1-13

• Who taught you to pray? How so?
• Do you ask God for what you need? How does He respond?
• Where do you find the answer to your prayers?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Is there something which you feel guilty about right now? What is it?  Why?
• Who do you turn to as a moral compass? Is it a person?  What do those conversations sound like?
• Do you believe in hell? Why or why not?
• In light of the hatred and violence in the world right now, where do you see God at work?
• Do you ever think God gets mad at us? Why or why not?
• If God gets mad at us, what do you think he is mad about? Our actions?  Lack of action?  Words or lack of words?
• Are there things you are afraid to talk to God about? Is it because you are afraid to ask?
• What is the definition of oppression? Where do you see oppression happening today?  In the world, your community, your church, your family?
• Do you answer the door when God knocks?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Sarah and Abraham to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

 ALL:  as you showed Job and Jonah to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

 ALL:  as you showed Elijah and David to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed James and John to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  as you showed Mary YOUR mother to surrender.

Leader:  Let us surrender to YOU

ALL:  in our daily prayers in word and action!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the parable Jesus shares, He continues to talk to us about how to treat our neighbor.  The scriptures over the past few weeks give us examples of hospitality, what we should do to take care of one another.  Jesus is reminding us to think of the needs of others first before our own, to share what we have without holding back.  This message is counter-cultural, even at the time of Jesus.  Spend time meditating on how you might be hording your “goods” (materials, time, talent)…what do you hold back?  Is there a specific relationship which you don’t give enough time or effort to but you know God is calling you to give more, be more?  Do you serve on a committee or participate in a group which you simply show up physically but aren’t giving of yourself to help move a project forward?  When asked to lend a hand, do your thoughts move to your “to do list” or do you jump at the opportunity to help and help with a positive attitude?  These are tough to consider but Jesus is showing us the path…are we following?

16^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Creator of all that is good,

YOU made each of us

with eyes to see

with ears to hear

with arms to reach out

with legs to go out

Let us see, hear, reach out and go to

all who feel YOU invisible.

Don’t let our to do list,

keep us from yours!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:1-10a

• What do you take from the hospitality of Abraham?
• How is Abraham like Jesus in this scripture?

 Colossians 1:24-28

• Where do you see faith being passed on to generations to come? What is your role?  What is the role of the church?  How would Saint Paul respond to your answer?
• How does suffering and sins of the flesh keep you from or draw you to the church?

 Luke 10:38-42

• Identify when you are Martha and when you are Mary; are you able to relate to both or are you drawn more to one over the other? Why? Are you happy with your answer?
• What do you believe is Jesus’ real message here?
• Have you demanded God tell someone else to help you out? How did He respond?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Does good always come from good? Why or why not?
• How do you see God blessing others in the world today? How do you know it is God and not simply good fortune?
• What is your definition of hospitality? Are you stingy or lavish with your hospitality?
• Who sees the best version of you? Are you at your best 100% of the time?  If no, what % of the time are you your best self?
• Does the fear of treating others equally keep you from doing nice things for just one person?
• Does suffering draw people together or rip them apart? How?  Where and when have you seen this happen?
• Do you say “yes” to too many things? Why or why not?
• When you say “no” do you feel guilty for not helping out or participating? Why or why not?
• Are there roles placed on you which you revoke? Are there ones you hold dear?
• Do you feel burdened by expectations? Is there another way for you to manage the expectations?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might show you love through service and in prayer.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might complete the tasks you lay before me.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

 ALL:  so I might work to provide for my neighbor.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might welcome you into my home.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might follow you wherever you lead.

Leader:  May I have the Martha will and the Mary heart…

ALL:  so I might rest at your feet at the end of the busy day.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Sometimes when we are doing good things for others, we can become resentful for having to do them or get mad at others for not helping us or upset they aren’t seeing the good we are doing.  We can get wrapped up in the blame game and make up an excuse or harbor bad feelings towards others without ever acknowledging where our negative feelings are coming from in the first place.  Spend time this week in prayer and pray for the insight to determine if you are holding onto any ill will against someone without them even knowing you are upset; then determine if you are blaming them for a choice you have made and if you really should be upset with yourself instead.  Consider the Gospel story and use it as your guide as you meditate on how you feel and what you might do to find a peaceful solution.

15^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Dear God

YOU created a complex world

and in it YOU give us beauty beyond words.

YOU told the sun when to rise

and provide all creatures with their needs.

YOU wrote on our hearts

the desire to love and care for one another.

Let the material things and the lies which surround us

be tossed away and take up space, no more.

Let YOUR Word fill our hearts

until they overflow from our lips.

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

• What do you do with all of your heart and soul? Are there a lot of things?  A few?
• How do know God has a plan for you?

 Colassians 1:15-20

• What do you learn about Jesus in this scripture?
• What does it encourage you to do to be more like Jesus?

 Luke 10:25-37

• Identify your neighbors. What are their needs?  How can you show them the love of God?
• Have you seen this parable lived out in your life? When have you been robbed and left for dead?  When have you been the one who passed by?  When have you been the one who helped?  When have you been like the innkeeper?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you hear the voice of God? When?
• How often do you follow God’s voice/words when you hear them?
• Where do you go to find purpose or meaning in your life?
• What does it mean to have something “written on your heart”?
• Who are your confidants? What qualities do they have that you go to them for advice?
• Do you live your life so others know God is first? Or is someone else put first in your life?  Spouse?  Greed?  Children?  Self?
• Does peace come to you or is it something you work for?
• What does reconciliation feel like? Is it easy or difficult to achieve reconciliation?
• Is there a limit to how much you can help another? Have you ever hit the limit?
• When you are in need, are you open to others helping you? Why or why not?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I feel I’ve hit a dead end and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to create a new path!

Leader:  When I am left with nothing and don’t know what to do…

 ALL:  YOU have the power to share what I need!

Leader:  When I feel lost and don’t know what to do…

 ALL:  YOU have the power to welcome with open arms!

Leader:  When I am blinded by fear/money/arrogance…

ALL:  YOU have the power to forgive my wrongs!

Leader:  When I feel I am on empty and don’t know what to do…

ALL:  YOU have the power to fill me up!

Leader:  Father, giver all good things…

ALL:  may I live my life in these truths!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How are the commandments relevant today?  Where do you see them lived out?  Spend time this week re-writing the commandments to make them specific to you.  Highlight the ones your struggle with so you can pay more attention to them.

 

14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You knew it would be hard for us

You knew we would face challenges

You knew the choices would be difficult

But you show us mercy,

You give us forgiveness

And your grace gives us peace!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:10-14c

• Where do you see God rejoicing today?
• How does the imagery of a mother’s love hold true for you? Where might it fall short?  Is there a better image for God to use to describe His love?

 Galatians 6:14-18

• Where do you see this scripture lived out today? In your family?  In your community?  In your church?  Are there places where indifference isn’t an issue?
• What bites and devours you?

 Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

• How are we similar to lambs? Identify the wolves.
• What is the harvest Jesus is speaking of in this scripture? Why are the laborers few?
• How do you see yourself in this scripture?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Describe your connection to your church, parish or place of worship. What is your connection to the community?  What need(s) does the community meet in your life?
• Do you believe the church holds the same purpose it did when they first began to form? Why or why not?  What is the same or different?
• Has God’s love for His people changed over time or does it remain the same? Does God love you as He did Adam & Eve?  King David?  Mary, Mother of Jesus?  Jesus?
• What laws of the world are non-negotiable? Why are they so?
• Where do you see influences of the world and the laws of people in your household?
• Where do you see influences of Jesus in your household?
• How is peace achieved in your life? How often do you achieve resting in peace?
• Where do you see mercy shown? What can you do show mercy to others more regularly?  Are there opportunities which you sidestep?
• How do you welcome others? Share a specific situation.
• Where do you share peace? To whom do you give peace?  From whom do you receive peace?  How can you have it more abundantly?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might bring comfort to a child.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

 ALL:  so we might see where our help is needed.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

 ALL:  so we might trust you more.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might show love more deeply.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we might open our arms to others.

Leader:  Fill our hearts with love and compassion

ALL:  so we know we know we are enough!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Paul in the second reading notes how the people are arguing over the laws of circumcision.  He is telling them it doesn’t matter…Jesus came to save us all.  Are people still taking sides on issues today?  Of course!  Make a list of all of some of them; are any of them keeping you from seeing your neighbor as Christ calls us to see them?  Have we treated another with neglect, disregard or judged them based on the stand they take on a specific issue or law?  There are many in our world today.  Think about some of the laws in the US, consider the different laws in the different places of worship, perhaps even differences as families blend in how holidays are celebrated as traditions clash.  Paul is not saying, don’t have an opinion.  He is telling us that it is not what should get us boastful, rather the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus should be what we shout about.  How will you live out this scripture passage in the coming days, weeks, months?  Make a commitment for a specific change to see how it affects you and those around you.

 

13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

May I lay my head down

each day knowing I’ve pleased you.

May I unpack my burdens

so I can rest in your presence.

Let me follow in your path

of goodness and mercy

Lead me Lord to do all I can today!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21

• God tells Elijah to go to Elisha and to teach him. How does God urge you to go to others to teach them?
• Elisha is ready to go and serve God, but what does he do first? What does this say about his character?

 Galatians 5:1, 13-18

• What does Saint Paul mean that we were called to freedom? How?
• What bites and devours you?
• How do you differentiate “flesh” wants/needs and “spirit” wants/needs?

 Luke 9:51-62

• When Jesus traveled, He didn’t know where He would sleep each night. Could you travel like this?  Why or why not?
• Have you ever had to rely on the hospitality of another? What do you need to be able to do in order to be a good guest?  What qualities are needed to be a good host?  How do you rate in each category?
• Jesus simply walked away when He and His disciples were not welcomed; the disciples wanted retribution. How does Jesus respond?  Is it an easy example to follow?  What can you do to help make it more simple like Jesus did?

General Questions for Journaling

• God seeks us where we are to do His work; where has he found you lately? What is He asking you to do?
• The prophets and apostles are often found out working when God calls. Make a list of the prophets whom God commissioned and what they were doing when He called.
• Could you go away and leave behind your work, your family to do the work of God? Why or why not?  What conditions would you need in order to do so?
• Have you been chosen to be a mentor to someone? Name the qualities they saw in you which caused them to choose you.
• Do you have or have you ever had a mentor? What qualities drew you to them?  What did you learn from them?
• Can you love fully? What allows you to do so?  What keeps you from doing so?
• Are there people you have trouble showing love to? Why or why not?
• Would you say you have too much, too little or just the right amount of “stuff”? What could you live without?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my refuge,

ALL:  my security when I am going through a storm.

Leader:  Spirit, YOU are my counselor,

 ALL:  the one I go to when I’m facing a tough decision.

Leader:  Jesus, YOU are my savior,

ALL:  paving the road before me, I know I’m not alone.

Leader:  Father, YOU are my joy,

ALL:  I’m overwhelmed by all you’ve created for me to love.

 

Challenge for the Week:  Summer is a time for family and friends to gather together, to take a long weekend or even a week or two of vacation away from the “normal”.  Summer calls each of us to recognize what it is we value and to cherish it.  Reflect on how God is giving you time to spend with those you love; how are you spending it?  When you take time away from your “routine” do you have time to rest in God?  Summer is full of opportunity for each of us to touch God and share His love with others!

Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

You came to earth to walk with us

so we might know you better.

You taught us how to live our lives

by the commandments.

You showed us how to care for one another

by giving comfort and healing.

You gather us around the table

to share a meal but YOU share so much more.

May we forever seek to be in communion with YOU

by living our lives as YOU call us to live!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 14:18-20

• How does this scripture still ring true today? Give an example.
• Bread and wine: reflect on the qualities of these two things, how are they made, where to do they come from, are they hard to find, are they only reserved for specific people?

 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

• What is the significance of giving the bread and wine separately? Are there specific values for each one individually?  What are they?
• This ritual is done in remembrance of what? Write down what it means to you and what Jesus wants you to remember through this meal.

 Luke 9:11b-17

• What is the importance of blessing the food?
• Jesus again finds Himself working all day, giving of Himself to the crowds and then having to give even more. What can you learn from Jesus reaction and action in this scripture about giving?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you receive the gifts of bread and wine?
• What do you to prepare to receive Jesus’ body and blood?
• Can you ever have too much Jesus?
• Explain in your own words what it means to you to receive Jesus’ body and blood.
• Does taking communion on Sunday change you? Why or why not?
• What does it feel like to be hungry? Thirsty?
• How do you show gratitude for the gifts of Jesus’ body and blood?
• When have you ever been asked to give more than what you had? How did you feel?  Were you able to satisfy the need or was more still needed?
• What needs are in front of you yearning to be met? How long have they been there?  Do you believe they will be met on their own?
• Who can you help this week to fulfill a need? Look around for a friend or family member who is seeking and lend a hand.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You gather us together

ALL:  To share more than a meal

Leader:  You gather us together

 ALL:  To give of ourselves

Leader:  You gather us together

 ALL:  To receive nourishment

Leader:  You gather us together

ALL:  To find peace

Leader:  You gather us together

ALL:  To make a connection

 Leader:  You gather us together

 ALL:  To be in union with YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  As humans we ALL share some very basic needs…we need to eat and we need to drink.  If we do not eat or drink, we do not live.  Do you think it is a coincidence that Jesus then wants us to remember him in these two forms?  He is telling us to eat His body and drink His blood because without it, we cannot live.  Spend time reflecting on this truth and what it means not only to you but to all humankind.

Most Holy Trinity

 

Opening Prayer

Creator of the Heavens

We cry out and you answer

You pick us up from the depths

and give us healing and strength

We reach out and you embrace us

You call us your beloved children

and allow us to call you Father

Let us sing your praise!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 8:22-31

• Where do you find delight? Is it a place?  Is it a hobby?  Is it a person?
• How has God marked you as His own?

 Romans 5:1-5

•  How does the Spirit work in you? How is it manifested?  Where does it reside?  Can you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?
• When did you last boast of God’s love? What words did you use/What words could you use?

 John 16:12-15

• What is divine love? Define divine love.
• How does the Holy Spirit speak to you? What does it have to say?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you carry God with you each day?
• Does nature speak to you? What does it say?  What parts of nature speak to you?
• Does God have a signature? If so, what does it look like?
• How do you show gratitude for creation?
• How do you show gratitude for the human race?
• What do you value about the human race?
• Name ways people disappoint. Name ways God disappoints.
• How does a person know the Holy Spirit has been given to them?
• Is there a time when you needed (wished for) more from God?
• How does the phrase, God gives you only what you can handle apply? What about those times when you are overwhelmed?  How does the Gospel reading give insight to this phrase?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father of all, we pray…

ALL:  for those who feel alone and abandoned.

Leader:  Creator, we pray…

 ALL:  for those looking for their purpose.

Leader:  Son of God, we pray…

 ALL:  for those who seek healing from illness or hurt.

Leader:  Lord of Lords, we pray…

ALL:  for those in need of mercy and forgiveness.

Leader:  Spirit of truth, we pray…

ALL:  for those who need direction.

 Leader:  Advocate, we pray…

 ALL:  for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

 Leader:  Holy Trinity, we pray…

ALL:  for your continued guidance and support.

 

Challenge for the Week:   Spend time outdoors this week.  Make plans to go to the zoo or a park and instead of rushing through to see all of the animals or to trying to fit in a little exercise, take the time to enjoy and appreciate what you see around you.  Sit down and take in the sights and sounds.  Consider what it would be like to be the squirrel digging in your planter box or the tiger pacing in the cage.  Watch the wind move the leaves in the tree or water lap upon the shore and reflect on what these things tell you; what does God say through the nature which surrounds us?  When you reflect on these things, it’s hard not to be in awe of the work God did for us and in wonder of how it all works together for a purpose.  Determine how you will show God appreciation for these gifts on a regular basis and not take them for granted.