Bible Study

Sunday, November 29th Readings

First Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape me!  Mold me!

Make me your own!

Let me not wander.

May I remain close.

So I don’t forget you are

with me for all of time!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63 :16b-17,19b,64 :2-7

  • When have you hid your face from God?  How did God respond?
  • Eye have not seen and ear have not heard, how can you demonstrate to others how much God has done for you?

1Corinthians 1:3-9

  • Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole.  How do you stay close to God?  Describe the feeling of wholeness.
  • Can you identify how your relationship with God/God’s presence in your life has made your life better?
  • What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven?  What remains the same? What is different?

Mark 13:33-37

  • 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? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Compare yourself to a clay pot. What shape do you have? What shade/color? Do you have a large opening or small? Are you tall or short? How much volume do you have? How fragile?
  • Have you done something you know was wrong but did it anyways? Explain.
  • Do you act differently when you know others are watching? How is the person God sees different than the one the world sees?
  • Who are people in your life whom you are glad you met? You might have only met them one time or you get to spend time with them often.
  • How often do you let the people in your life know they are special to you?
  • Have you ever tried to stay up all night to experience something great? Imagine a child staying up to see Santa Claus or waiting for someone in labor or to arrive home after a long trip? What helps keep you alert/vigilant?
  • We expect “instant gratification” so when we want something right now, we can almost always get it right now. Are there things you can’t wait for or have a hard time waiting for?
  • What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
  • When have you been spoiled as a guest? What made you feel spoiled?
  • Share a time you didn’t 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?
  • What is the difference between being watchful and aware VS. being worried and stressed? Where do you fall on a 1-10 scale?
  • What is the definition of a gatekeeper? What responsibilities does a gatekeeper have? Are you called to be a gatekeeper of faith?
  • If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?

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:  In this season of Advent, Christians are called to slow down and take time to “seek” God…think of the traditional Advent Calendar which you open a “door” each day seeking Jesus (or the chocolate candy inside).  Are there people in your life which help you see God more clearly?  Is there someone who has taught you about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness?  When you think of “seeking” God, think about some of the non-traditional places you can find Him.  This week consider writing a note to someone who has helped you seek God or write a prayer or poem about how and where you seek and find God in your life or in the world. 

Sunday, November 22nd Readings

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me not forget

        You are near,

You bring comfort

        when I am weary,

and seek me out

        when I am lost.

Though I may not see you,

        YOU ARE THERE!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 34 :11-12,15-17

  • How do you relate to God as a shepherd? 
  • In what ways does God shelter you?  Tend to your needs?  Heal your wounds?
  • Where do you see God ‘scattered among the sheep?’  What image(s) come to mind?

1Corinthians 15:20-26,28

  • What does the phrase ‘destroy death’ mean in this scripture? 
  • How did Jesus destroy death?  How do you or could you make this statement true in your life?
  • How does this scripture reflect the changing seasons?  Make a list of parallels you see.

Matthew 25:31-46

  • Imagine yourself in this scripture.  Where do you see yourself?  Reflect back over the past year and identify times when you were given opportunities to live out your faith; did you?
  • How does this scripture make you feel?  What does it tell you about God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where are you in proximity of God?  Have you scattered like the sheep? 
  • Is there a safe distance to stay from God?  If yes, what is the distance?  It is the same for everyone?  If no, why not?
  • How are you like a shepherd?  What does it look like?  Are you a leader?  Who do you lead?
  • What qualities of a shepherd do you have?  Are there qualities you want to have?
  • What are some evils which you fear?
  • Can serious illness or death change your faith?  Explain.  Give examples.
  • It is easy or difficult to see God in tragic events?  Why or why not?  What is the purpose of doing do?
  • Do you have faith that God protects you and cares for you in this life and in the next?  What reassures you?  Be specific.
  • Do you have areas in your life which need to be restored?  How do you go about doing this?
  • How do you separate people?  What groups do you put them in?  What labels do you use?
  • Can you relate better to a rich, smart leader or a poor, suffering one?  Which do you believe Jesus is?  Why did Jesus come as a shepherd and not a king?
  • What is the difference between giving for reward and giving freely?  How does it affect the one giving?  How does it affect the one receiving?  Do you think God has a preference as long as you are giving?  Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you care for me

ALL:  so I will care for others.

Leader:  Lord, you shelter me in a storm

ALL:  so I will provide shelter for others.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL:  so I will be a stronghold for others.

Leader:  Lord, you show me mercy

ALL:  so I will me merciful to others.

Leader:  Lord, you teach me compassion

ALL:  so I will offer comfort to others.

Leader:  Lord you love me without limits

ALL:  so I will give love unconditionally to others.

ALL:  Lord, I long to do your will!

Challenge for the Week:  Sheep rely on their sense of smell to stay close to the flock.  Take time this week to think about what you rely on to stay close to God.  Are those whom you spend the most time faithful to their walk with Jesus?  Do they live out the Corporal Works of Mercy listed in the Gospel?  Are there people in your life whom you identify as goats mixed among the sheep?  When have you been deceived by a wolf in sheep’s clothing?  Do you identify yourself a sheep? Goat? Wolf?  Are there times when you’ve been all three?  What keeps you connected to the flock or are you the one who strays? 

***Next week begins the NEW YEAR in the Catholic Church.  It’s the perfect time to make some new year resolutions.

Sunday, November 15th Readings

33rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord, I humbly pray…

May I boldly give my life in service to others

        so your love will be shown through my actions.

May I meet the needs of others with love and compassion

        as you have modeled for me through your actions.

May I not be afraid of the gifts you have given me

        and be proud to share them unselfishly with others.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

  • What does this scripture say makes a one a worthy wife?  It is tasks she completes or her attitude or a combination of both?  Explain.
  • The scripture describes a worthy wife.  What does she receive in return for her investment?  Do you think it is a good investment?

1Thessalonians 5:1-6

  • What emotions are conjured up within you when you hear this scripture?
  • What is there to fear?  Death?  Darkness?  What does this scripture passage say you should fear?  Do you agree or disagree?  Explain.

Matthew 25:14-30

  • Imagine yourself in this scripture.  Where do you see yourself?  As the landowner?  One of the servants?  What examples can you give from your life experience to support your answer?
  • 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 the responsibility.

General Questions for Journaling

  • When men and women look for someone to marry, what qualities do they look for?  Are they different for each individual person?  Are they different for men and women?  Explain.
  • Is there a recipe for a healthy marriage?  If so, has the recipe changed over the years or has it remained the same?  Explain.
  • What does it look like to ‘fear the Lord’?  How is it a gift of the Holy Spirit?
  • List ways a person can show ‘fear of the Lord’ and ‘wonder and awe’ of God.  How can you weave these into your daily routine?
  • What are some of the things in life which give false hope or false security?  Are they easy or difficult to identify?  Explain.
  • Are you fearful God will come before you are ready?  What will make you ready?  Do you think you will ever be ready?
  • How does God’s goodness take you by surprise?  Share a specific experience when God took you by surprise.
  • Describe the behaviors which indicate a person lives in the light VS one who lives in darkness.  What about someone who lives in the shadows?  Is the shadow light or dark?
  • Do you think you have talents which are buried?  If yes, what keeps you from digging them up?  If no, are you using the talents you have to their full potential?
  • What are some reasons a person might burry their talents?  Do you identify with any of them?  Why or why not?
  • Do you have talents you no longer use?  Do you think you can run out of talents?  Do you think there are talents that lose their usefulness?
  • Where have you scattered seeds of faith?  Who gave the seeds to you?
  • Identify a time in your life when it was necessary to take a risk.  What was the outcome?  Did you grow in faith because of the risk?  Did you grow in confidence?  Did you grow in love?  Did you grow trust?

Closing Prayer

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

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

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

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

Leader:  When my what I believe to be truth is 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 whole 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:  Take a step back and look at life, anyone’s life.  Each life begins with birth and ends with death.  Lisa Nichols an inspirational speaker, life coach and author says she wants to be remembered for the DASH.  You know when you look at a tombstone, you see the year the person was born and the year they died, but their life was lived within the DASH.  Reflect this week on what you want your DASH to say about the life you have lived.  Then evaluate if you are living that life.  Don’t wait until it’s too late the make the changes you wish to make or to forgive or seek forgiveness.  God only knows the numbers on either side of your DASH.

Sunday, November 1st Readings

Solemnity of All Saints

Opening Prayer

God of all,

You give me blessings so I may give you glory.

You share your wisdom so I can express thanksgiving.

I bow my head and kneel to show you honor.

I praise and worship you for your power and might.

For you are my God, forever and ever.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Revelations 7 :2-4,9-14

  • What emotions are stirred up by this scripture?  Are you scared?  Excited? Confused?  Hopeful?  Explain your emotions.
  • This passage from Revelation is of John’s dream of Jesus’ second coming.  They thought Jesus was coming during their lifetime.  What are your thoughts about the second coming of Jesus?

1John 3:1-3

  • What is your definition of a child of God.  (write it down)  Does your definition differ from God’s?
  • How do you make sense of the phrase, ‘the reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.’  Explain.

Matthew 5:1-12a

  • Which of the Beatitudes do you most relate to right now?  How is it playing out in your life? 
  • Identify a reward God has given you here on earth.  How do you think it compares to the reward waiting for you in heaven?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever started to tear something apart, only to realize you still had need for it?  What was it?  How did you feel?
  • How do you define ‘servant of God’?  What other words do you or could you interchange with it?
  • God has believers from every continent.  How does your belief in God connect you?  Share an example of a specific experience.
  • Do you believe in Angels?  Why or why not?
  • How are Angels relevant or irrelevant today?
  • When you first heard of heaven, what did you imagine it as?  Has your image of heaven changed?  How?
  • What do you think you will do and/or say when you see Jesus? (Think of the song, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ by MercyME)
  • Do you think your love for someone who has died decreases, increases or stays the same?  Why?
  • What do you want God to reveal to you after your death?  What questions do you have that you wish you knew the answers to right now?
  • What gives you hope about death (in general)?
  • Are you afraid of death or dying?  Why or why not?
  • How do you infuse the lives of the saints into your life?

Closing Prayer (Taken from the Litany of the Saints Prayer)

Leader:  That You are continually taking care of me,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That not knowing the future invites me to lean on You,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That You are with me in my suffering,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader: That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life & the next

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That my life is a gift,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That You are my Lord and my God,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you.

Leader:  That I am Your beloved one,

ALL:  Jesus, I trust in you

Challenge for the Week:  In the First Reading, John says there will be a ‘seal on the foreheads of the servants of God.’  Consider the times when you have been ‘marked by God.’  Take a sheet of paper out and make a timeline, identifying the times when you have been ‘marked by God.’  Before the exercise, define what it means to be ‘marked by God’ and then write as much information as you remember about the event such as how old you were, where you were, who was there and how you felt for each.  If you are inspired to do so, draw a picture or use a different color for each.  You might even have some stickers on hand that will differentiate each event to describe with images how you felt.  God doesn’t show up at the beginning of your life and then disappear until you die; God is present throughout your life.  And there are special moments when His presence is the highlight of celebration.  Share your timeline with someone and share the experiences with them, especially someone who wasn’t there or recently had a celebration where they were ‘marked by God.”  It is through these experiences that you can draw closer to others and share God’s love!

Sunday, October 25th Readings

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to see like you see

Teach me to hear like you hear

Teach me to love like you love

Teach me to have a heart

which opens without fear or judgement.

I want YOUR love overflow onto everyone I meet.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 22:20-26

  • How are you called, like the Israelites to repay God’s love? Identify 1-3 ways you show God love throughout the week.
  • Does this scripture inspire you to reach out to someone? Perhaps God has placed it on your heart to help someone and you have been holding back. What specifically is God calling you to do?

1Thessalonians 1:5c-10

  • Have you felt the “joy” from the Holy Spirit which Saint Paul is taking about? How can you channel this joy more often in your life?
  • What does the Holy Spirit offer you? 

Matthew 22:34-40

  • Jesus says the Greatest Commandment is LOVE. How do you show or express love to God? Your neighbors? Yourself?
  • Did Jesus answer the question he was being asked? Why or why not? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is compassion found? Is it something taught (you can learn) or something you have naturally? How is it different than love?
  • Consider how you respond to others. How do you treat people you know? How do you treat people you don’t know? How is it similar? How is it different?
  • How do you show love? How do you receive love?
  • Where do you see love in the world?
  • Reflect on a time when someone showed you love. Did you welcome their love or reject it? Why?
  • What are human expressions of love? What are examples of how God expresses His love?
  • Does God put expectations on love? If yes, what are the expectations? If no, why not?
  • 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?
  • Where would you rate how you love your neighbor on a scale of 1-10? Explain why you would give yourself this rating.
  • Identify examples of how you can love God with all your heart. Mind. Soul. Are there different examples for each or are they all the same? 
  • When have you recently felt God’s love for you? Explain the situation and how you know it was God.
  • Draw a picture of God’s love.
  • How does the Trinity help you to love your neighbor, even when they are difficult?

Closing Prayer – Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

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!

Sunday, October 18th Readings

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator of all things good,

You made me out of nothing,

to live and be and breathe.

Oh, how can we repay you!

Make me blind to the promises of this world;

        so I may more intentionally follow you Word.

Teach me to live from the inside out;    

        to give from the abundance you planted within me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 45 :1,4-6

  • Identify three ways God is showing His power in this scripture.
  • How do you make sense of the last line, “I am the Lord, there is no other,” how can you explain?

1Thessalonians 1:1-5b

  • St Paul is telling the Thessalonians that they have been chosen by God and so they must act in a way worthy. Share one way you acted worthy of the call this past week.
  • Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in this scripture passage.

Matthew 22:15-21

  • How do you think the Pharisees expected Jesus to respond to their question?
  • What were the Pharisees trying to get Jesus to say? What were they hoping would be the outcome?
  • What lesson is Jesus teaching here? How does His example speak to you?
  • Reflect on the Gospel message of giving to God what belongs to God and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and identify parallels of what the world values still today.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What title do you give God?
  • Can you identify people who “breakdown” walls or free people from “bondage”? Who are these people? 
  • What are characteristics of a person who is full of the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
  • 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?
  • On a scale of 1-10, rate your ability to think before you speak. How often do you check with Jesus before you say something? How would your words be the same or different if you consulted Jesus before you spoke?
  • 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 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?
  • How do you know when something is true? Where is truth learned? 
  • Is it possible to believe something as truth that is not actually true? Explain.
  • Have you ever been used in a relationship?
  • Have you entered a relationship with someone to gain something? Explain.
  • How can you tell if flattery is true or if someone is buttering you up?
  • Name 10 ways you give to God what belongs to God.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You welcome the sinners, Jesus

ALL:  as though they are Saints!

Leader:  You walk with the angry and those full of doubt

ALL:  as well as the patient and joyful!

Leader:  You love us and forgive us

ALL:  even though we neglect you!

Leader:  May we know and understand

ALL:  that it is through Christ we are redeemed!

Challenge for the Week:  If we live our lives for Christ, then we become a new creation, not of this world.  This task is not for the faint of heart!  It requires us to learn how to balance the both/and of life.  We can get caught up in only following what God teaches and neglect our obligations of this life and separate ourselves from the realities of this world or we can put God on a shelf and visit Him on Sunday or occasionally throughout the week.  Finding balance helps us not become like the hypocrites who say one thing and do another.  Strive to live from the inside out, work on building up the Jesus within you and then there shouldn’t be any effort needed for His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness to overflow from you.  God wants us to live with mission and purpose, bringing Him into every aspect of our lives.  Work this week on bringing God into one or more of your daily tasks whether it be mowing the lawn, driving kids to school or at a meeting for work.  Focus on the Jesus within you and say a prayer to help you be aware of His presence within you…be open to listening to how He guides your thoughts and your words and allow HIM to come out!

Sunday, October 11th Readings

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

I have received an invitation to a glorious banquet,

May grow to understand the value of this honor,

and reflect my gratitude through my words and actions.

It is you who wraps me in love, adorns me with grace,

and washes away all my sin; making me worthy.

All are welcome to the banquet of the Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25 :6-10a

  • How does the idea of a banquet translate into how God calls you to live out your daily life? How is your daily life lived out as a banquet?
  • What is the veil Isaiah speaks of in this scripture? What is it that veils you from seeing God clearly?
  • Does this scripture help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss? Does it reassure you or scare you? Explain.

Philippians 4:12-14,19-20

  • God gives without measure. Can you say you give without measure? When you give, do you do it with expectation or out of obligation?
  • 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? What suggestions would you give?

Matthew 22:1-4

  • Where do you find the parallels in this scripture and the kingdom of God?
  • How does this scripture change your perspective, knowing you are invited to attend the banquet? What can you do to get ready for the banquet?
  • Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel? How do you interact with the other guests?

General Questions for Journaling

  • 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.
  • Make a list of 20 things that are worth celebrating. What makes them worthy of celebration? Are they only important to you or to others as well?
  • Identify a struggle you face currently. Pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.
  • Share examples of times when human strength is not enough; only God’s strength can persevere.
  • What feelings are associated with an invitation? How do you feel when you send out an invitation? How do you feel when you receive an invitation?
  • When have you ignored an invitation? What were your reasons for not accepting?
  • Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast? 
  • What is impressive about a banquet feast? Are there different rules for a banquet feast than for a typical meal? What would you wear to a banquet feast? How would act? What would be the topics of conversation?
  • How do you invite others to the feast God has prepared? Share a specific example.
  • What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?

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:  Whatever season of life you are in, there is “fasting” and “feasting” involved.  For example, a newlywed couple might be in a “fasting” season of time spent with friends or family because they are “feasting” on the new married life relationship.  They are focused on building their lives together as one and adjusting to the give and take of joining two households together.  Through this season, there are “personal” things they give up such as their bottle cap or stuffed animal collection to make room for “their” things and in turn “feast” in the joy of new memories made together.  Reflect this week on the things you “fast from” and “feast on” during the season of life you are currently in.  What drives the things you fast or feast from?  Do you have some kind of control over the things you fast from?  Are the things you feast on helping to build the kingdom of God in your midst?  Where is Christ in your fasting and feasting?

Sunday, September 6th Readings

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

How can I care for others

        like you care for me?

Help me to see more like you,

        so I might be more giving.

Give me a heart like you,

        so I can love and show mercy.

Open my ears and my arms,

        to hear the cry and give comfort.

You ask nothing more than for us

        to love you and love others;

Let us pray together and heal the world!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 33:7-9

  • Who has God appointed you watchman over? What are your responsibilities as watchman? 
  • How will God hold us accountable for our sins? How will He hold us accountable for the sins of others?

Romans 13:8-10

  • God asks nothing but to love one another; how well do you show love to others?
  • What obstacles hold you back from giving and showing love to your neighbor?
  • How do you define neighbor? Is it the same way God defines neighbor?

Matthew 18:15-20

  • What does this scripture tell you about the power of prayer? What does it tell you about the power of community? Share a personal experience when you saw this power firsthand.
  • How have you testified/How can you testify to the power of prayer?
  • When have you seen/heard someone testify to the power of prayer?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When do you feel safe? Where are you? Who is with you?
  • Share a time when you did not feel safe. What caused you to feel this way? How did you overcome the feeling?
  • Are there places, people or situations you avoid because you fear them?
  • How do you think those who are put into the position of “watchman” in the community or world do in their role? Find a good example.
  • Who watches over you? How do they watch over you? Share an example.
  • Do you believe there are prophets today? Who do you identify as present-day prophet? What tells you they are a prophet?
  • How does your life bear witness to the goodness of God?
  • If you could give yourself a grade for how well you keep the commandments, what would your grade card say?
  • Make a list of the things you love about yourself. Is it easy or difficult to come up with 10 things?
  • Jesus said to love one another even when it is difficult. Are you shutting yourself off from a relationship or relationships for fear of getting hurt?
  • Is there a relationship you need to give some attention to this week? Something in need of repair?
  • Is it easy or difficult to take responsibility for your actions?
  • Share a time when you refused to listen to the thoughts of another person. What was the circumstance? Did you ever end up hearing their opinion?
  • How are you an advocate of your faith? In your family? In your workplace?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I want to sing your praises all my days…

ALL:  let it be done, O Lord!

Leader:  I want to kneel before you in awe…

ALL:  let it be done, my God!

Leader:  I want to give thanks for your sacrifice…

ALL:  let it be done, my Savior!

Leader:  I want to spread your word to others…

ALL:  let it be done, Breath of Life!

Leader:  I want to give honor and glory to you…

ALL:  let it be done, my Creator!

Leader:  I want to hear your voice and listen…

ALL:   let it be done, God of all!

Challenge for the Week:  This week, look up the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  He has determined humans show love in five different ways.  Read through these and determine if you relate to one or more of them.  Do you agree with his assessment or do you think there are more or less ways to express love?  Which would you say is your preferred way to express love to others?  Which would you say is your preferred way to receive love from others?  How does God show love to you?  Does it fit into one of these five ways?  When you look at the way God loves and compare it to the way you love others, what can you do to love more like God?