Christian

Sunday, July 3rd Readings

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer
Father
You knew life would be hard.
You knew there would be challenges.
You knew the choices would be difficult.
But you sent Jesus to model how to show
mercy, give forgiveness and be obedient to You.
Through Jesus’ example,
you taught me that your grace is enough
to carry me through anything hard,
challenging or difficult that might come my way.
Thank you for your grace, mercy, forgiveness
and especially your love.
I know you are with me
in the valleys and on the mountain tops,
Lord, I trust you will carry me!

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 God’s grace in the world?
  • What does it mean to be a new creation?
  • In addition to your faith, what else do you value greatly?

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

  • How are humans like lambs? How are they like the wolves?
  • Where do you see examples of lambs and wolves in the world?
  • 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 my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might bring comfort to a child.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might see where my help is needed.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might trust you more.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might show love more deeply.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I might open my arms to others.
Leader: Fill my heart with love and compassion
ALL: so I know I am 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 because Jesus came to save all people, circumcised or not. People are still taking sides on issues today. Make a list of some of the things people are arguing about today. Are any of them keeping you from seeing your neighbor as Christ calls you to see them? Have you treated another with neglect, disregard or judged them based on the stand they take on a specific issue or law? Paul is not saying, don’t have an opinion. He is telling the Galatians that these differences should not distract from the fact that the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus should be what really matters. 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.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, June 26th Readings

13th 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 travelled, 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 simpler like Jesus did?

General Questions for Journaling

  • God seeks you where you 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:  June 22 is the first day of summer!  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 you to recognize what it is you 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!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, June 19th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Savior

You came to earth to live

        so I might know you better.

You taught how to live life

        by the commandments.

You showed how to care for one another

        by giving comfort and healing.

You gather your friends around the table

        to share a meal but You share so much more.

May I forever seek to be in communion with You

        by living my life as You call me 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 your people together

ALL:  To share more than a meal

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To give of ourselves

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To receive nourishment

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To find peace

Leader:  You gather your people together

ALL:  To make a connection

Leader:  You gather your people 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.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, June 12th Readings

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Blessed Trinity

You created me out of love

You came to be one with me

And You remain still.

You are the beginning and the end.

May I stay mindful

        of all you are and all you give!

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

  • 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?
  • 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?
  • Where do you feel the presence of God the most?
  • When do you feel the closest to Jesus?
  • Describe how each part of the Holy Trinity adds to your life.
  • What is the role of each part of the Holy Trinity? In general? In your faith life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father of all, I pray…

ALL:  for those who feel alone and abandoned.

Leader:  Creator, I pray…

ALL:  for those looking for their purpose.

Leader:  Son of God, I pray…

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

Leader:  Lord of Lords, I pray…

ALL:  for those in need of mercy and forgiveness.

Leader:  Spirit of truth, I pray…

ALL:  for those who need direction.

Leader:  Advocate, I pray…

ALL:  for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, I pray…

ALL:  for your continued guidance and support.

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, it is important for you to be able to describe your 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. 

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, June 5th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew my life

Lead my actions

Guide my words

Show me the way, home!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Do you understand all that you believe? How does it become clear to you?  Who makes it so?
  • How do you know the Spirit is here? What makes you know when the Holy Spirit is present and living and working?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

  • How does the Spirit work to give you gifts? Can you develop new gifts?
  • What can you do to die to the flesh? Is there something you need to die to in order to live more deeply in the Spirit?

John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23B-26

  • What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness of sins? Explain.
  • How does the Holy Spirit help you keep the commandments? Give examples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Is it possible to speak without words? How good/clear is the communication? 
  • What do you speak without words? What do you communicate to the world?
  • Where do you see the Holy Spirit teaching today? 
  • What is the Holy Spirit guiding you do?
  • Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
  • What is the Holy Spirit giving you strength to accomplish?
  • What wisdom, knowledge or understanding is the Holy Spirit giving you in order to teach others?
  • How does the Spirit manifest itself in your life?
  • Do you carry around “dead weight” which takes up space within you? How can you release it and fill the space with the Holy Spirit?
  • Define advocate. How does this describe the Holy Spirit?

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Shine within these hearts!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Heal our wounds!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Renew our strength!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Guide the steps that go astray.

ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time connecting with the Holy Spirit this week and reflect on these questions:  How aware are you of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10.  Where do you see the benefits of the Holy Spirit in your life?  How does the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you?  What was the last decision you made with the counsel of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last turn away the Holy Spirit’s input and go your own way?  How do you give thanks and praise to the Holy Spirit?  Do you give the Holy Spirit recognition for the work He/She does in your life?  How do you teach others about the benefits of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last “rest in the Spirit”?  Make a point this week to find peace by resting in the Spirit…whatever that looks like for you.  If you don’t know, find out!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, May 29th Readings

7th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Open my heart Lord

        so it may be filled with love for my neighbors

Open my lips Lord

        so they may speak the Good News to others

Open my arms Lord

        so they may reach out to those who need YOU!

Open my heart, lips and arms

        to be at witness of YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 7 :55-60

  • How is what happened to Stephen in this scripture like what Jesus experienced?
  • When have you seen this type of behavior happen in the world today?  What was the situation?

Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20

  • Draw a picture to represent the image in this scripture.
  • How does this scripture make you feel?  How does it affect your faith?  What does it tell you about God?

John 17:20-26

  • How is God speaking to you in this scripture? What simple message does it speak to all believers?
  • Does something stir inside as you read this scripture? How are you being lead to move? What is God asking you to do?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are rules, laws and guidelines necessary? Why or why not?
  • How do you achieve peace of mind? Is it possible to find peace of mind?  Describe.
  • How open are you to speaking about your faith? Whom do you speak freely with and with whom do you withhold?
  • What would be the reaction of coworkers, family, or friends if you stood up to witness your belief in Jesus?
  • Do those you spend the most time with know the depth of your faith? Do you know theirs? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever sacrificed something in your life for your faith? What was it? Did you ever regain it or did you leave it behind for good?
  • Identify how your faith fills you or satisfies you? How can you share this feeling with others who don’t understand faith?
  • Where did you first learn about the faith? When did you understand God’s love? Who shared it with you? How do you continue to pass these lessons onto others to enjoy?
  • If you drew a picture of yourself and colored in the amount of you Jesus lives in, how much of you would be colored? Would it be all the same color or shades of colors? What resides in the space(s) Jesus doesn’t?
  • Identify the moment(s) when you have felt the most “full” of Christ? What did/does it feel like?
  • Describe how God is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, the first and the last.
  • How do you pray for others? Are they prayers for deeper faith? Who needs these types of prayers? Write a prayer for them.
  • How do you live in God and God live in you? Be specific.
  • What does Jesus promise? How is it fulfilled?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to see the beauty of each new day

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to find calm even in the storm

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to seek you in those I encounter

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to receive the gifts I need

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to be a witness of all You came to give!

Challenge for the Week:  Pay attention this week to the conversations going on in the world and make a list of the people witnessing to the truth they believe.  Use this list to really look at what is being said and how you are influenced by it.  How much of what you hear around you is positive? Negative? Actual facts or fabricated and twisted to fit a specific argument?  Make a conscious effort to look to heaven as you hear these witnesses to help determine or confirm the words are true.  When you look to heaven, you gain a clearer sense of who you are and what your purpose is in the world.  Look up!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, May 22nd Readings

6th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit

Come

Stir up the dust

Ignite our faith

Remain

Holy Spirit

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

  • Are rules, laws and guidelines necessary? Why or why not?
  • How do you achieve peace of mind? Is it possible to find peace of mind?

Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

  • Draw a picture to represent the image in this scripture.
  • How does this scripture make you feel? How does it affect your faith?  What does it tell you about God?

John 14:23-29

  • How is God speaking to you in this scripture? What simple message does it speak to all believers?
  • Does something stir inside as you read this scripture? How are you being lead to move?  What is God asking you to do?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Why is it important for people to question?
  • What good comes from debate? What bad?
  • How do you determine when to share your opinion and when to hold back?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how open are you to others opinions? Do you allow people to take over and do what they want or do you stick to what you know is right and work to expand their view?
  • Would you say you are a good listener? Share at least one example of how you were a good listener this week.
  • Where have you seen “light” today? Was it a single ray of light or blinding light?
  • How have you allowed the Holy Spirit to direct your decisions today?
  • How important is peace in relationship with faith? What is the relationship?
  • Do you always seek advice or do you go alone? What is the value of advice? How is it determined to be good or bad advice?
  • Can you tell if someone is being led by the Holy Spirit? How?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have understanding

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have wisdom

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have right judgment

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have courage

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have knowledge

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have reverence

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might be in awe of YOU and all you have created!

Challenge for the Week:  Today, when you hear the word the debate, you might give it a negative value because it is equated to the public political debates where the candidates spend too much time boosting up their good traits and pointing out their opponents’ negative qualities.  So often when people enter into a debate, they are closed off to another idea or opinion when the very definition of a debate is a formal discussion of different opinions.  This week, reflect on the relationships in your life and determine if there is anyone with whom you are in conflict because of differing opinions.  Are you closed off to their opinion?  Do you believe you are right, beyond measure?  Consider if it is pride which keeps you from being open to another opinion and if it is, how would a little bit of humility change the situation?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, May 15th Readings

5th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

There is no limit to your love!

You come to me

and lead me to safety when I encounter danger.

You embrace me

and give me comfort when I stumble and fall.

You open the gate

and usher me through even when I turn away.

May I learn from YOUR generosity

and be more generous in my own life!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 14:21-27

  • Paul and Barnabas opened doors of faith to others; what doors do you open?
  • Who are the gentiles in the world today who need to hear God’s Word from you?

Revelation 21:1-5a

  • Describe how God has made things new in your experiences? What specifically was done?
  • What does it mean that “God’s dwelling is with the human race”? How is this lived out in the world?

John 13:31-33a, 34-35

  • How do you let God work through you? Do you believe you can work a miracle?
  • Where have you shared God’s love? Where have you received it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How is faith expressed in your home? Is it the same or different than how you express your faith personally?
  • What traditions do you have in your family which flow from your faith?
  • Are there traditions you have in your family which you could tweak to add an element of faith?
  • How does your faith carry with you when you travel? Is it something you pack with you or do you leave it behind?
  • What are some of the things that make loving your neighbor so difficult? What stands in the way? How can you work to break down the obstacle(s)?
  • Where do you see examples of God’s selfless love? How has it been modelled for you?
  • When was the last time you did something with expectation? Where do you share God’s selfless love?
  • Where can you inspire positive change? How much effort would it take? Are there others who can help you?
  • How do you define the human race? What is human? Why race? Where is God in the definition?
  • Does God need to increase or decrease in your life? How does this happen?
  • Faith is like a bumper sticker on your soul. What does your bumper sticker say?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your love

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your patience

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your forgiveness

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your generosity

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim Your acceptance

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Leader:  Lord, may I proclaim the Good News

ALL:  to each person I meet!

Challenge for the Week:  The warmer weather opens the door to get outside and enjoy creation. However, schedules often get busier during the springtime too.  There are family gatherings and celebrations (Easter, First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, Graduation) and a rash of other commitments which keep your mind and body from slowing down and remembering that God is God and you are not.  It is easy to get sucked up into a tornado of bitterness and resentment forgetting what a gift each of these activities bring.  Psalm 145 is the perfect reminder that life has been dormant all winter (and through Lent), now is the time to step up and show God appreciation for all He has given!  Resist the temptation to fill each hour with activity and slow down to allow God to love you, be reminded of God’s goodness.  Imagine how a little bit of time with God to refresh your soul can change your attitude!  This week, spend time with Psalm 145, take it piece by piece, let it soak into you and allow the Words to become one with your flesh.  Then you will be ready to share God’s goodness with everyone you encounter!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, May 8th Readings

4th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

Open my ears so I can clearly hear you when you call.

Let me follow you!

Open my eyes so I can clearly see you and come to save me when I am lost.

Let me follow you!

Open my heart so I can clearly know it is you who brings me comfort when I am weary.

Let me follow you!

Come, Good Shepherd, lead me on!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 13:14, 43-52

  • Where do you go to “preach” the Word of God? How are you welcomed?
  • How do you bring “light” to others? Is it always welcome? Has it ever been rejected? Share the experience.

Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

  • Describe how God satisfies hunger. Has God satisfied a hunger in your life? Reflect on how this experience can help others.
  • Has God ever wiped away your tears? What was the circumstance? How do you know it was God?

John 10:27-30

  • What does God’s voice sound like? How is it different than other voices?
  • Is it easy to listen and follow God’s voice? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you act when you are faced with opposition? What do you think? How do you feel?
  • When faced with conflict, what is a good way to handle it and what is a not so good way? Think of actual situations when you were dealing with conflict and identify your actions as good and not so good.
  • Are there people or groups whom you reject because they have different views than you? Do you think it is possible to find common ground? What keeps you from finding a compromise?
  • Is there someone you know who needs comforting? What can you do to give them what they need?
  • Where do you see justice in the world? What do you to support it?
  • What do you hunger for? For what do you thirst? How do you search for satisfaction?
  • How is God leading you today? Have you stopped to listen for HIS voice?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Comforter

ALL:  YOU pick me up when I am down.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my safety

ALL:  YOU protect me from harm.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my strength

ALL:  YOU fill me with what I need.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my healer

ALL:  YOU mend me when I am broken.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my companion

ALL:  YOU are with me when I am alone.

Leader:  Lord, YOU are my Shepherd

ALL:  YOU lead me to my eternal home.

Challenge for the Week:  What are the qualities of a good leader?  What do you value in a leader, teacher, guide?  Are these qualities universally good or are they only what you value?  Make a list of the qualities you value in a leader and consider if there is anything missing?  Do you have any of these qualities?  Why does having these qualities make someone a good leader?  What can you do to nurture some of the good qualities in your life?  Are there people who look to you as a leader?  What do they see in you as good qualities to follow?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, May 1st Readings

3rd Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior God

I cry out Lord, Lord

and you answer my plea.

In my darkest hour,

YOU come to me

YOU give me comfort

because YOU know what it feels like to suffer.

May I sing YOUR praises forevermore

My Lord, my Deliverer, my Redeemer!

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

  • Have you ever been confronted about a wrongdoing? What was the situation and how was it resolved?
  • How does it feel to be accused of something whether you did it or didn’t do it? Are the feelings similar or different? Explain.

Revelation 5:11-14

  • Describe how the universe cries out to give God glory.
  • What can you do to show glory and give honor to God today? Be specific.

John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

  • Are you seeking Jesus? Where do you look? Is your search easy or difficult?
  • John recognized Jesus on the shore; where do you see Jesus today?
  • Jesus cooks breakfast on the shore for His friends; how can you express your love to your family and friends without expectation?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Are there teachings in the church which you don’t talk about because you don’t understand them? What keeps you from learning about these things?
  • What is your favorite thing about your faith? How do you know it is your favorite?
  • Where do you feel most comfortable sharing your faith? With whom do you share it? How can you stretch your reach a little this week?
  • When have you gone against the law? Why did you? Did you get caught?  Were there consequences suffered? Would you do it again?
  • Do you have a “pain plan” on how to deal with suffering or loss in your life? These experiences are inevitable, how can you prepare yourself to be able to get through the hard times?
  • How could you being prepared to deal with your pain help others?
  • What are you doing to keep Easter alive in your life right now?
  • Where is God calling you to care for others? How are you called to care for others?
  • Have you missed your call or are you already living it out and need to be renewed in your passion?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to welcome me onto solid ground!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to give me a warm embrace!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to help satisfy my needs!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to share with me our daily bread!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL: to remind me of my call!

Leader:  Lord, you await me on the seashore

ALL:  to restore my faith!

Challenge for the Week:  Each and every person suffers at one time or another. At some time or another, you will make sacrifices for another person, for your job or for your health.  These sacrifices of time or money, for the sake of another person can become a point of contention for some people and they make sure everyone knows that they made this or these sacrifices either for your sake or for the sake of someone else.  It can be worn as a badge of honor or a brought up as a reminder to show power.  Sometimes the sacrifices made just sound like complaints or regrets.

Consider if Jesus took this same attitude of complaining or regretting the sacrifice He made when dying on the cross. It is something to reflect upon, to make sure that the sacrifices you make on behalf of another person are not used as leverage in your relationship, rather the sacrifices are made out of love. You never hear of Jesus complaining about His suffering or how sacrificing His life for the good of all people was a mistake. 

Instead, you see Jesus modeling what to do when you are suffering or sacrificing yourself, and that is to turn towards God in the midst of His suffering.  God cannot remove the pain, but He will sit there with you through it. The pain Jesus had to go through and His sacrificing Himself had to happen so that the resurrection could happen!  It is an example of how good can come from sacrifice.  How might your life be different if Jesus didn’t go through the pain of Good Friday in order to restore humanity by raising from the dead at Easter?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com