Daily Prayer

Sunday, June 6th Readings)

Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of salvation.

You are the blood shed for sin.

There is no one who loves more;

        who would sacrifice for the sake of all.

Make me your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

  • What is the significance of signing in blood/sealing the covenant in blood? What meaning does it have today?
  • What covenant do you have with God? Is it the same one as the Israelites? How well do you keep your side of the promise?
  • How is this gathering like people gathering in church on Sunday?  What are the similarities?  Can you list at least three?

Hebrews 9:11-15

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

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

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

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does the blood signify in these scriptures? 
  • What does blood have to do with life? With death? How is this also true in your spiritual life?
  • How do you celebrate the “new covenant” Jesus gave; eternal salvation? How do live it out at home? At work? In church? 
  • What if your dead works were as visible as the dead heads on a rose bush? Are you sure they aren’t? 
  • Jesus shed His blood for you; have you shed anything for Him?
  • Does the consumption of Jesus’ body and blood have conditions or expectations?
  • Do you feel differently when you receive communion? 
  • How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist change you? Share a specific example.
  • Do you believe it is Jesus’ body and blood you receive when you go to communion? 
  • How do you show reverence to Jesus in the Eucharist?  (Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and means thanksgiving)
  • Define tabernacle.
  • What is the definition of a sacrifice? Is it a true sacrifice when there is not blood? What about when you sacrifice your time for the sake of another or sacrifice your “at bat” for the good of the team?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

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

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

Sunday, May 30th Readings

Holy Trinity Sunday

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give the heavens and the earth

There is beauty all around

May I always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May I always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give confidence and security

May I always call on you, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

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

Romans 8: 14-17

  • When have you seen the Spirit bear witness to something? Does it happen in society today or only in the Bible? 
  • God asks you to suffer with him to be glorified. What does the word suffer mean to you in this instance?
  • What does this scripture teach you about the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 28:16-20

  • Jesus said, I am with you until the end of the age. What assurance do you have that this is true?
  • Does this command apply to you today? How do you live out this commandment from Jesus? 
  • Does this scripture inspire you? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes you know God wants you to prosper? Share an example of how God shows you signs of His love.
  • How do you show those you love that you love them? What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have to do with how you show love to others?
  • How confident are you that God has a plan for your life? What makes it so?
  • When do you feel the most secure in your walk with God? What draws you away from this feeling of security?
  • How would you compare love of God vs love of self vs love for spouse vs love of children, etc….
  • How is God’s love expressed? Share examples. 
  • Are you able to recognize God’s love in the present or only in past tense?
  • Do you cry out to God? Jesus? Spirit? What causes you to do so?
  • How do you explain the mystery of the Holy Spirit?
  • How do you teach others what Jesus has taught you? What more can you do?

Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me trustworthy!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me working for justice!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me being kind and generous!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me giving hope!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  call me your own, Blessed child of God!

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, you need, no you MUST 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. 

Sunday, May 23rd Readings

Pentecost Sunday

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

        and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

        so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Identify how the disciples are before and after the Holy Spirit descends upon them. What is significant about this change?
  • Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking? How did those gathered know it was okay?
  • Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

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

  • Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a superhero?
  • Consider how each part of your body, each organ, etc. has a specific purpose. Draw a picture identifying different gifts people have in the shape of a body/person. How does this relate to the world today?

John 20:19-23

  • What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can you experience Pentecost if you are unable to forgive? Why or why not?
  • Where else in the scriptures do we read, God breathed on them? What is the significance of this? How do these readings correlate?
  • What were the first words Jesus said to his disciples when he returned to them? Why do you think He chose those words? And why do you think He said them twice?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
  • Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
  • On a scale of 1-10, how often do you call on the Holy Spirit in a day?
  • When you call on the Holy Spirit, what do you ask for or need?
  • How is your life changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do? Explain.
  • What happens when you cannot understand another person? How does this keep you from communicating?
  • What is the common language of today? Is it verbal?
  • What exactly is celebrated on Pentecost? How is it relevant today?
  • Name 10 gifts you have and how they benefit others.
  • No gift is insignificant because it was given by God for a purpose.  What is something you feel is insignificant about you? How can you change your negative thinking thing into something positive?
  • When you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions? Share examples.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  ignite the fire of your love throughout the world!

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a stranger’s smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!

Sunday, May 9th Readings

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

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

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

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

  • What does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit poured upon you? How is it different or the same as having the Holy Spirit within you?
  • Have you ever been in the presence of someone whom you thought deserved honor and respect? How did you act? How did you show honor?
  • How does it make you feel that God’s love and the Holy Spirit is there for everyone?

1John 4:7-10

  • What did the world know about God before Jesus came? How is it the same and/or different from what you knew after Jesus lived on earth? How is it the same and/or different from what you experience now living with the Holy Spirit?
  • Does knowing God already died for your sin cause you to try to avoid sin or make you feel it is okay to sin?
  • When you think of God’s love, how does it feel? Describe it.

John 15:9-17

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

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where does the Holy Spirit reside in your faith life?
  • How do you acknowledge or communicate with the Holy Spirit?
  • When considering your relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how do you divide your time with each person of the trinity? Is there one whom you rely more? Is there one whom you confide in or call out to more? Is there one you listen or follow the advice of more?
  • Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are Christian? What makes this so?
  • Are there people whom you know that you are surprised they are NOT Christian? What makes this so?
  • Where do you find grace? Is it something you seek or something that comes to you?
  • When you love someone, do you always like them or the choices they make?  Does your love for them still exist in these situations?
  • What do you learn about God through Jesus?
  • What do you learn about God through the Holy Spirit?
  • How do you reveal God’s love for others? Is it on purpose?
  • Do you believe the gifts you have been given by God help you fulfill the purpose God has called you to? Why or why not?
  • How do the commandments affect your relationship with God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Creator God, you have given me all I need…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through nature

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

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you I am complete…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through relationship

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

ALL:  May my love for you deepen throughout my life

Challenge for the Week:   When you chose someone to spend time with someone, what qualities do you look for in that person?  Are there people in the world which you admire and believe you would be great friends?  Are there people whom you’d prefer not to spend time?  In the Gospel, Jesus says he is your friend and that he chose you.  There must be some great things about you if Jesus is willing to die so He can continue to have a relationship with you!  Even further, those people whom you avoid spending time with have also been chosen by Jesus.  What can you do to be more welcoming and open to others? 

Sunday, May 2nd Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior

The sacrifice YOU made on the cross

        is one sacrifice for all.

May the life I live reflect my gratitude

        for all YOU have done for me.

Fill me with YOUR Spirit so when I speak,

        all will understand that I am YOUR disciple!

Give me the words to boldly proclaim YOU are God alone,

        for I know with my whole heart I need nothing else!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

  • What made the disciples hesitant to accept Saul as Paul? Have you ever had a hard time accepting someone into your life?
  • What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? How would you explain this to a non-believer?
  • Have you ever experienced a change like Saul/Paul?

1 John 3:18-24

  • How does God communicate to you so you know you are following his commandments and you are beloved?
  • Explain why a person’s actions speak louder than their words. How can you teach this lesson to another person?
  • Does it bring comfort or fear to know God knows your heart?

John 15:1-8

  • Give an example of what it means to “bear fruit” and explain how pruning can produce more fruit as it pertains to human relationships.
  • Draw a branch with leaves or a vine with grapes, imagine you are the branch or vine and the people whom you influence are the leaves or grapes.
  • In what condition are the leaves or the grapes? Are those relationships thriving or simply surviving?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Name three things in your life which you feel strongly enough about that you will stand up and defend?
  • Have you ever made a change in your life which was not accepted by those in your life?  Share.
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most important people in your life?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how much do you trust the 5 most unimportant people in your life?
  • What are random acts of kindness?  Have you ever been a witness of one?
  • Have you ever told someone not to do something and then you do it?  Is there harm in doing this?  Why or why not?
  • Are there relationships you have which you should get separation from for good?  What makes these relationships harmful?
  • Are there relationships you should nurture more?  What makes these relationships you want to keep?
  • Share an example of how you know God/Jesus/Holy Spirit lives within you.
  • Share an example of a time when you saw God/Jesus/Holy Spirit within another person.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us breath to breathe…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who gives us sight to see…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who unties us when we are bound…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who takes our burdens when we are too weak…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Leader:  It is YOU who give us life to live out the Gospel message…

ALL:  YOU are the Vine; WE are the Branches!

Challenge for the Week:  The story in the first reading is a situation many of us have encountered.  We have either been like Paul, someone who has made some change and are not accepted by those around us, either because they don’t believe we have changed or they are not comfortable with the change we have made.  Or we are the ones not welcoming someone or believing someone who has made a change.  This week reflect on the situation and determine how it might have had a different outcome, what are some of the things that could have happened differently?  We cannot go back and change the past but we can learn from it; learn from our mistakes and our successes so we know how to handle a similar situation in the future.  Take time to open your eyes to seeing in new ways!

Sunday, April 25th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

I hear your voice

        and I follow.

I am comforted by

        the sound.

It is clear.

Lord, YOU are with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

  • Peter explains the significance of Jesus in this scripture.  In your own words, explain the significance of Jesus in your life or in the world.
  • Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life?  Give examples.

1 John 3:1-2

  • Compare and contrast your relationship with God as a father and a child.  Is this easy or difficult to do?  Explain.
  • Has Jesus revealed anything to you?  How will you/do you know when Jesus reveals a message to you?

John 10:11-18

  • What makes Jesus the “good” shepherd?  Can you list 5 things?  10?
  • For what are you willing to lay down your life?  A person?  A cause? 
  • In what way do you relate to the good shepherd?  Be specific.
  • Why is there only one shepherd?  What consequences or difficulties could arise if there were more than one?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When did you go out of your way to do a good thing for another person?  What was the occasion?
  • Does doing good for others come naturally for you or do you find yourself needing to work at it? 
  • What do you think causes kindness to others to come naturally or not?
  • Name some of the obstacles in your life right now.  What are you doing to overcome them or are you waiting for God or someone else to remove the obstacles or make it easier for you to overcome?
  • Do you know someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus?  What is their reason for not believing?  It is because they don’t know Him or is it something else?
  • What might be some reasons someone would not believe if Jesus?  If the elders of his time tried to discredit him, what are some things people today could say to try to discredit Jesus?
  • Have you ever been given responsibility for someone else’s possessions?  Did you care for them as though they were your own?  Why or why not?
  • How do you define love?  Is there one type of love or several?  If there is more than one, what are they types of love?
  • Describe the feeling of knowing you are loved.  What adjectives do you use to describe love?  Is your description the same as others?
  • Share a story of a time when you felt safe.  Describe the surroundings, the smells, what you saw and what you heard.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I listen.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I wait.

Leader: The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I surrender.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I respond.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I rejoice.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I am complete!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever considered what kind of parent God is?  While there are only four specific parenting styles, there are several articles which highlight a variety of different types of parenting.  To name a few, there is a “drill sergeant parent” who commands and directs the lives of children.  There is the “oblivious parent” whom is not aware of or concerned about what is happening with their children.  Another nickname for a type of parent is the “MIA parent” which is as you’d assume correctly is a parent whom is not present at all.  One of the more popular types is the “helicopter parent” whom is overprotective and discourages a child’s independence by being too involved in the child’s life and swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.  Does one of these types fit God?  Do you believe God parents each one of us in the same way?  What type of parent would you say God is?  What type of parent do you want God to be?  Spend time this week in reflection on the Father, God and give thanks and praise for all God’s grace!

Sunday, April 18th Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You don’t just ignore my sin.

        You help me to correct it.

You don’t just tell me to do better,

        You teach me the right way.

Let me learn from you

        so I can be a better person.

Praise You Lord

        for believing in me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

  • Peter is letting the people know that they can be forgiven for turning away from Jesus and sentencing him to death. Are your sins worse than this? If they can be forgiven what keeps you from being forgiven?
  • How does ignorance force a wedge in a person’s relationship with God? 
  • How does ignorance in the world affect a person’s relationship with God?

1 John 2:1-5a

  • This scripture is saying our sin goes through Jesus, his death is what makes amends for our sin…even the sin we haven’t committed yet. Write a prayer to express how you feel about his fact.
  • What makes Jesus the best advocate for us to God?

Luke 24:35-48

  • Go back to Isaiah to read the scriptures which Jesus fulfilled. How do you feel when you read the scriptures?
  • How have you witnessed God’s work, Jesus’ miracles today? What evidence do you have that Holy Spirit is alive today?
  • Jesus’ disciples had a hard time recognizing Jesus, what can you do to recognize Jesus when he comes to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What makes forgiveness difficult? What makes forgiveness easier?
  • In what ways are the faithful today the same as the first disciples?
  • In what ways are we different from those left behind after Jesus died?
  • What do you believe happened when Jesus died? Do you believe it is the same or different for other people? Explain.
  • What does it mean to leave your sins at the foot of the cross? How would you explain this to another person of faith? How would you explain this to someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
  • The things of this world can tug and pull on us, sometimes away from God. What are these things in your life? What makes you fall victim to them? 
  • Where is peace prevalent today?
  • Is peace something everyone can find in the same place? Explain.
  • What does it mean to have an open mind or a closed mind? Do different people have different definitions? Why or why not?
  • Would you describe yourself as open minded or closed minded? Why?
  • What is it about Jesus that you most relate to? Be specific.
  • Have you had moments of remembrances of loved ones who have passed? Explain.
  • How does Jesus’ death help you cope with death? Your own and others?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  All of my sins are washed away!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  My path has been restored!

Leader: Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  He loves me like no other!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  the Holy Spirit lives in me!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  death has no power!

Leader:  Jesus is alive, let me rejoice…

ALL:  AMAZING GRACE!

Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church Easter is not celebrated only on Easter Sunday, but for 50 days!  That is a lot of chocolate and marshmallows! Actually, it is not about the commercialized Easter as you may know, rather it’s about continuing to be in the presence of Jesus through the scriptures and special celebrations.  It is a time set aside by the Church, like Lent, for us to reflect on the life of Jesus, more specifically, life on earth after his death.  Spend time this next week reflecting on Jesus’ presence in your life and in the world.  How does Jesus impact your daily life?  Is the presence of Jesus a blessing or a curse?  How do you relate to the early Christians trying to decipher this new way of life without Jesus?  How are their struggles similar to different from those faced in the world today?  There is much to ponder…so Happy Easter!!!  Jesus has risen!!!

Sunday, April 11th Readings

Divine Mercy Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You breathed into us at creation,

You sent YOUR Son to breathe with us,

You left YOUR Spirit to fill us with the breath of life.

May we show gratitude for this gift you have given

        so when we breathe in we are aware of you filling us!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:32-35

  • What specifically motivated the early Christians to act in this way?
  • Are there people you know who need something which you are unwilling to give? How can this scripture help you move towards giving?

1 John 5:1-6

  • Do you believe you love God in the same way God loves you? Why or why not?
  • The scripture says the commandments are not burdensome.  Do you agree or disagree?  How might one NOT find them burdensome?
  • Draw a picture of this scripture. How does this look to you? Is there a straight timeline of love or does it start with God in the middle and split off from there or is it a complete circle or something else entirely?

John 20:19-31

  • Are there sins (your own or others) which you are withholding forgiveness? What image or phrase from the scripture can you use to begin to let go of these sins you harbor?
  • What is the significance of Jesus breathing on the disciples and those gathered? How does this personally affect you and your life?
  • When have you, like Thomas doubted Jesus?  Perhaps it was doubt of His existence or doubt of His presence?

General Questions for Journaling

  • We can sometimes have a hard time sharing our possessions.  What lesson can we learn from those early Christians about our possessions?
  • Who are the needy around you?  Is there someone in need within your reach?  What can you do to help satisfy their need?
  • How does your life bear witness to Christ?
  • How does your church or place or worship bear witness to Christ?
  • How does/can your workplace/school bear witness to Christ?
  • How does your home/family bear witness to Christ?
  • How does love change?  Do you love a baby differently than a toddler or a teenager or an adult person?  Explain.
  • Does God’s love for us change based on our circumstances or actions?  Why or why not?  Does God ask for us to do anything to earn love from him?
  • Is there something about faith which you struggle with believing or agreeing? What action should you take to learn more about it? How can you come to a better understanding instead of accepting unbelief?
  • What does through the “water and spirit” mean to you? What is your personal story involving the “water and spirit”?
  • How does the “water and spirit” come alive in your life and help you witness Christ’s love?
  • Jesus died and conquered death, how does this truth affect your faith right now?
  • How can you carry the promises of Easter on throughout the Easter Season and the rest of the year?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  At birth God breathed life

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Comfort found in a hug

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader: A friend who understands

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Forgiveness of my sins

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Peace within the chaos

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Leader:  Death births salvation

ALL:  giving me a life line.

Challenge for the Week:  Why is it that in the worst of times, the best of people is revealed?  Why do people feel drawn to help others more willingly when there is pain or suffering?  If you hear of a family who has experienced a tragic event, you send a card, make a phone call or organize people to provide meals; whatever you can to help ease the pain.  It can be a death in the family, a cancer diagnosis or even the loss of a job.  I remember the way it felt after the 9-11 attack; there was a common spirit throughout the country.  We had all experienced a traumatic loss and every person you walked past in the store or rode the elevator with shared that same desire to rise from the ashes of the devastating experience.  A nation united.  This is how I imagine the first Christians; everyone reaching out to help, to give what they can to provide comfort for those grieving and doing it without greed or thoughts of what they would receive in return.  They acted out of pure compassion and generosity.  So again I ask why is it that the worst of times, the best of people is revealed.  This Easter season, what can you do to create this atmosphere in your own life?  Imagine what could happen if you begin to sow the seeds of compassion and generosity within yourself, how it could grow to your family and others in your life!

Sunday, April 4th Readings

Easter Sunday Readings

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Where would I be without you?

What would happen if I couldn’t find you?

How different would my life be?

The disciples know.

They saw you broken and bleeding,

        dead and lain in the tomb.

But you conquered death

        so I wouldn’t have to know.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacrifice!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34, 37-43

  • How are you a witness to Christ? When and/or where have you been a witness to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, teachings? How did the experience impact you?
  • What can you learn from Peter’s example in this scripture?
  • To whom is Peter speaking? How is the Peter in this scripture different than the one who denied Jesus in last week’s scripture? What has changed?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • Where do you see compassion? Is it alive in the world today?
  • When one seeks what “is above” what do they seek? Can you see it?
  • What death mean to you? Is it possible to die a little at a time? Why or why not?

Mark 16:1-7

  • Define, “see and believe”.
  • Who will you share the “Good News” of Jesus’ resurrection? Who in your life needs to hear it?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What words do you use to define love? How is it measured in your life?
  • Share a time when God amazed you!
  • Have you ever been asked to testify to something? How is it the same or different than testifying to your faith? Explain.
  • What is the definition of witness? Is a witness called to action? Explain.
  • How does belief in God/Jesus/Holy Spirit give you strength? Share ways you are able to sustain this strength.
  • Where can you find consolation when you are feeling confused or depressed? Where have you been able to find consolation?
  • Where do you see a need for compassion in your community right now? Is there something you can do?
  • What emotion does the Easter season fill you with? How can this emotion work for the good of others?
  • What happens when you are being sincere, but others don’t believe you? How do you deal with this? What does God call you to do?
  • When you see someone who is suffering, do you do something? In what cases do you help and which do you back away?
  • When has fear paralyzed you from reaching a goal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are all things good!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your mercy endures forever!

Leader: Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have been exalted!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for your love never ends!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you are a promise fulfilled!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you have died for me!

Leader:  Praise to YOU Lord Jesus Christ…

ALL:  for you bring me NEW LIFE!

Challenge for the Week:  For years I have overlooked the sacrifice and courage it took for the women who anointed Jesus’ body to actually do so.  It has been one of those small details which I’ve really not paid any attention to and have taken for granted.  Perhaps you are like me in coming to this understanding for the first time.  The challenge this week is to dive into what it meant for these women to prepare Jesus for burial.  This tradition was sacred and required much time and attention to detail out of respect.  Did they simply act out of obligation to the law?  Where they showing compassion for Jesus?  How come the authorities allowed the women to do this?  What if the women would have been too afraid to ask?  When have you ever acted out of compassion or fought to do the right thing despite the cost or potential punishment?  During this HOLY WEEK, spend some time reflecting on what the action of these women means to you, means to the church and what can we learn from their actions.

Sunday, March 21st Readings

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

O Lord,

I cry out to you from the depths,

        I don’t know if you can hear me.

I beg forgiveness

        but I fear my sin to too great.

Yet, God, you promised to bring your people

        back from the graves.

Jesus, raised Lazarus from the dead.

Scripture gives me hope

you will hear my cries and forgive me.

Lord, bring me out of the darkness

and into your glorious light!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37 :12-14

  • Describe what it means to have God’s Spirit within you? How does it give you life?
  • What does it mean to the people for God to say he will bring them back to the land of Israel?

Romans 8:8-11

  • How does the Spirit dwell in you? Be honest, what are the characteristics that show the Spirit dwells in you. Which characteristics do you want to improve on?
  • At this point in your Lenten journey, do you feel worthy of God’s Spirit within you? Have you kept up with your Lenten disciplines as you’d hoped? Does this scripture give you hope or cause you to feel despair?

John 11:1-45

  • Jesus knows Lazarus will not die, rather will be used to help Jesus show the Glory of God. Have you ever experienced a time when you knew an experience would exemplify God’s glory?
  • Share how this Gospel gives insight about God’s timing.
  • Complete the story of what happens next, after Lazarus is raised. What does Mary, Martha and Lazarus say? What do they do? How long does Jesus stay with them? What about the Disciples?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your experience with God’s promises?
  • If you could choose one event in your past that you could ‘do over’ would you go back and do it over? How would you want the outcome to change?
  • How do you know God hears your prayers? Does silence mean he didn’t hear you?
  • Does God’s voice sound the same to you every time you speak to Him? Does it sound the same to everyone? Explain.
  • Define the word redemption.
  • Describe how it feels to have God’s Spirit within you? 
  • When you know you have God’s Spirit within you, does it affect how you think, feel and act? Explain.
  • What is your favorite thing about your life right now? Where is God in it?
  • When you hear of the death of someone, especially of someone close to you, what is the natural human response? How is that similar or different to how Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus?
  • What do you think happens when you die?
  • Do you have a bucket list?  A list of things you want to do or places you want to go before you die?  Is this list something you actively pursue or something you made once and put in a drawer?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, hear my voice…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, forgive my sin…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, open the grave…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, dwell in me…

ALL:  I will do it!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw an outline of a gingerbread man on a blank piece of paper.  On the inside of the paper write down all the sins you can think of that you have committed.  Reflect on how much sin consumes your body.  How many of the sins you’ve committed are because of your physical body?  How many were committed due to emotions?  Which sins were committed even though you knew they were sins and you did them anyways?  What percentage of your body is sin? This is not one of those activities where you want to have a high score, nor do you want to have balance.  Seek reconciliation of your sin and then spend time this week determining what you can do to keep your numbers down.