Daily Prayer

Sunday, January 10th Readings

Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

On the bank of the river I stand;

Ready to encounter YOU! 

Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU! 

Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May my own baptism be renewed;

Each time I embrace grace! 

Each time I share mercy! 

Each time I speak YOUR name! 

Each time I study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 OR Isaiah 55 :1-11

  • (Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7)
  • What can learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant? (Isaiah 55 :1-11)

Acts 10:34-38 OR 1John 5:1-9

  • What emotions do you think Peter had when speaking these words to the crowd of people gathered? Imagine you are Peter, how might you feel after denying knowing Jesus and now promoting him as being anointed by God? (Acts 10:34-38)
  • This scripture says following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. (1John 5:1-9)

Mark 1:7-11

  • Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel? What would do next?
  • What is the purpose of John baptizing Jesus?  Shouldn’t Jesus baptize John?  Reflect on why God chose for this to happen.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Explain, “God’s ways are not our ways.”
  • Reflect on your life and chose one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
  • What is your image of heaven? Write a poem or draw a picture of what you hope to see, hear, feel, taste and touch in heaven.
  • Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel? What were the circumstances? How did your testimony affect the outcome? What was your specific purpose? Where was God in the situation?
  • Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
  • How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how strong is your faith?
  • Is your faith strong enough to conquer the world?
  • What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
  • John the Baptist was a Herald for Jesus. Identify one thing you can do this week to also be a Herald for Jesus. Then do it!
  • How do feel God has used you in the past year, month, week? Be specific
  • How can you be more open to allowing God to use you? Are you afraid of what God will ask of you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:  Children can’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, adults tend to only go in when necessary, either to help little children or for exercise.  It’s a though adults have turned into the Wicked Witch of the West and a little water will make them melt!  Can you relate?  Why do you think adults are seen sitting on the side-line simply watching instead of participating?  What reason(s) can you come up with that adults resist the joy they had as children when they were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  What are your reasons for not jumping in?  Do you think the same things that keep you out of the pool are maybe the same things that keep you from going deeper in your relationship with God?  Spend time this week contemplating the answer and making the commitment to renew your Baptismal Promises not just in word, but in action too!  There is plenty of fun to be had, dive in, splash in the water, let it wash over you…I promise you won’t melt!

January 1st Readings

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

How must Mary have felt going through all of these trials?

What did she think about journeying away from home?

Was she sad because he mother wasn’t with her?

Did she struggle with believing what the Angel said?

How did others treat her when they saw she was pregnant?

Help me to connect with Mary so I might learn how to let my faith overcome my obstacles!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

  • Who in your life right now needs to hear that they are a blessing to you? Practice how you will tell them. Write it down if you need to.
  • How have you felt blessed by others this year?  How can you let them know you are grateful?

Galatians 4:4-7

  • Have you ever considered yourself as adopted by God? What does that look like? What does that feel like?
  • How does the birth of a child bring fullness? Is it the same or different than when Jesus was born? How?

Luke 2:16-21

  • Have you been given a message to share like the shepherds?  What is the message?
  • Spend time reflecting on what the birth of Jesus means to you?  What do you conclude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see blessing? Is there anything you can do to contribute?
  • Make a top ten list of blessings with the date on it and put it in your bible.
  • Do you feel uncomfortable receiving compliments? Why or why not? What was the last compliment you received?
  • Do you feel uncomfortable giving compliments? Why or why not? Who was the last person you complimented? What was their response to the compliment?
  • Have you ever tried to hide from God? Do you think God hides from you? Explain – Give an example.
  • Would you define yourself as a slave? If so, what are you a slave to? If not, consider how you spend your time and money to be sure your words and actions are in line.
  • What do you treasure? What makes it so special?
  • When have you been amazed? Was it recently or a long time ago? 
  • How do you describe the feeling of being amazed? 
  • What do you describe as being amazing? What makes it so?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when we feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when we are in despair…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel neglected…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when we are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless us with the Spirit of Peace!

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to reflect on the past year.  There have been good things and bad things happen; how have these things affected you?  What do you have to look forward to in the New Year?  Are there things which you are dreading to face?  What have you learned this year that can help you overcome any obstacles in the coming year?  Are you making resolutions half-heartedly for the sake of “tradition” or are you spending time to make a change for good?  Spend time in reflection on the scripture readings of the birth of Jesus, focusing on each of the people in the story from the Innkeeper to Joseph to the Angels to Mary to the Shepherds, each person has a message for you…what is it and how can it help you make resolutions for 2021?

Sunday, January 3rd Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun, let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby, let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star and lead others to YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

  • Are you able to see God’s Glory even through the dark times of your life? Share an example.
  • Can you see God working in your life right now or only when you look back do see God at work?
  • What do you see when you look out into the future?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

  • What is the “commission” God has called you to? How are you living it out? What can you do to better complete the mission you are called to?
  • How can you treat others as “co-heirs” of the promises of Christ?
  • What is Saint Paul trying to remind you of in this reading?

Matthew 2:1-12

  • What caused the magi to drop everything and travel from foreign lands? What is important enough for you to stop everything and travel a great distance? 
  • What lesson(s) can you learn from the magi? What do they receive in return for the gifts they bring?
  • What can you learn about Jesus and the entire Holy Family from their choices and actions in this scripture?
  • Spend time role playing. Imagine yourself as each of the characters in the Gospel reading. What are you thinking, feeling? What motivates you? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • What gifts do you see in the world today? 
  • Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
  • What do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give? Explain.
  • What has God revealed to you in the past year?  Month?  24 hours?
  • Define the word, diligent. How can you search diligently for God this year?
  • Would you describe yourself as a “star” which shines light onto others? How does the light of Christ shine through you to draw people to Christ? Share an example.
  • Name some of the people you are drawn to. What draws you to them? What characteristics or qualities make them appealing?
  • Who are people in this world who are worth following? What makes them worth following? Are there people whom you follow who are not worth following? How can you tell the difference?
  • Reflect on the shape of the star. Describe how it is important to you and your beliefs; how is it a symbol of your faith?
  • Would you say you are the “star” of your own life or do you let others take the lead? How does God appear in your life story? Do you allow God to shine through you or are you eclipsed by God?
  • What are you willing to give up for a deeper relationship with God?
  • Are there people or situations which you hide from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

Closing Prayer – (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!

Sunday, December 27th Readings-Sirach

Feast of the Holy Family

(Sirach 3:2-6,12-14/Colossians 3:12-21/Luke 2:22-40)

Opening Prayer

Rejoice in the Lord, Rejoice!

Give thanks to God in all things!

His wondrous deeds never cease!

Sing shouts of JOY throughout the earth!

God’s love reigns forever!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

  • What does this scripture say about the love of a mother and a father? 
  • Take time to imagine what this scripture looks like and draw a picture to express your interpretation of it.

Colossians 3:12-21

  • Saint Paul says to “let the peace of God control your heart”.  This is a beautiful image but how is this possible?  How can you learn to allow God’s peace into your heart?
  • Just as you would put on your Sunday best, Saint Paul says to “put on…heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”.  How can you wear these?  Is there a greater need for you to wear some of these with specific people?  Write a prayer to God asking Him to grow these gifts in you this Christmas.

Luke 2:22, 39-40 (full reading Luke 2:22-40)

  • Even as a baby, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Describe how you feel when you see and hold a newborn baby.
  • List 3-5 qualities of Joseph.  List 3-5 qualities of Mary.  Do you share any of these qualities?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Reflect on your relationship with your father and mother, each individually.  Consider the ways in which they showed love to you.
  • Reflect on your role as a mother or father.  What qualities of God do you express to your children?
  • What season are you in with your parents or as a parent?  What are some of the lessons God might want to teach through these different seasons?
  • What is different about the Christmas holiday season compared to other holidays?
  • Make a list of all of the holiday decorations, ie. lights, wreath and reflect on how each item is a reminder of Jesus.
  • What is so appealing about Christmas music?  Is it the words of the songs?  The feelings you feel?  The memories?  How can you make that peaceful, joyful feeling last longer than the Christmas season?
  • What traditions do you still keep Holy in your life which have been passed on from previous generations?
  • Imagine the kind of parents Mary and Joseph were.  Did Jesus ever need to be disciplined?  Do you think Mary scolded Jesus?  Consider what their everyday life looked like.  Write down your thoughts.

Closing Prayer – (inspired by Psalm 105)

Leader:  A holy promise for all ages…

ALL:  God’s covenant is faithful;

Leader:  Faithful through the fire and through the rain…

ALL:  God’s covenant is true;

Leader:  True as the morning sun and the stars at night…

ALL:  God’s covenant is strong;

Leader:  Strong and precious like silver and gold…

ALL:  God’s covenant is unbroken;

Leader:  Unbroken for generations, binding in everlasting love…

ALL:  God’s covenant is forever!

Challenge for the Week:  A thing called the Baltimore Catechism was the old way of teaching the Catholic faith for everyone to know the “rules”.  Teaching the faith was about memorization instead of being an example…more about knowing the right answer than living it out.  There may or may not have been a person who modelled for you a strong faith but somehow you “caught” the faith otherwise you would not be reading this right now.  Matthew Kelly, a Catholic evangelist believes each faith-filled family requires a “prayer warrior”; someone who is a good model of a faithful person.  There are Christians who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk; it’s like memorizing the Baltimore Catechism but not putting what you know into action.  Your family and friends may not attend Sunday Services each week or spend time in prayer each day but when they think of you do they think of you as someone who is strong in their faith like Abraham?  Someone who is not wavered in what they believe and lives a life of virtue, committed to God and the promise of His love?  Instead of trying to “teach” the faith, model it for others by praying that God will make you a better example of a disciple so others can “catch” the faith from YOU!

Sunday, December 13th Readings

Third Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Almighty God

I come before you to seek

        what I need to be complete.

Free me of the lies I have told

        so I may have a fresh start.

Heal what has been hurt or broken

        and teach me to do the safe for others.

Your presence within and beyond me

        brings peace to all!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61 :1-2A,10-11

  • Draw an image of yourself as described by this scripture.
  • Determine specifically how you can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.
  • Imagine and describe what it feels like to be clothed in salvation and robed in justice.

1Thessalonians 5:16-24

  • Is it possible “pray without ceasing”? What does that look like?
  • How would you explain “pray without ceasing” and “perfectly holy” to a child or someone who is just developing their faith?
  • How can your body and spirit work together? Share an example a time when this happened or an example of how it would look.

John 1:6-8,19-28

  • Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
  • Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation? How do you discern what is true and what is not?
  • John says, “there is one among you whom you do not recognize”; reflect on a time when you didn’t recognize someone you know.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does it mean to you to have God’s favor? Do you have God’s favor? Do you know others who have God’s favor?
  • How might one act differently if they knew they had God’s favor upon them?
  • How are you bearing witness to Christ this Advent season?
  • Reflect on the things which “break your heart”. Is there something you can do to help heal that hurt?
  • What “good tidings” did you hear in the past week, month or year? Why is it “good”?
  • Can you bring “good tidings” when you harbor hurt and resentment towards others?
  • Describe how someone can find joy in suffering.
  • Are you open to allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you? Share.
  • How does God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwell in your body, mind and spirit?  Share specific ways.
  • How do you recognize God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in your life and in the life of others? Is God easy or difficult to find? Why or why not? Are there specific conditions which make it easier or more difficult? Explain.
  • How do you acknowledge God in your life? Do you allow God to make decisions for you or do you leave God out of the process?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the darkness before the morning…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I encounter those around me…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through my words and actions…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  In my preparations for Christmas…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  As I make plans with friends and family…

ALL:  Lord, let me be your light!

Leader:  Through your presence within me…

ALL:   Lord, let me be your light!

Challenge for the Week:  The holiday season is not always filled with JOY. There are many whom have a hard time with the holidays because of the added stress of shopping or social gatherings. Others struggle with the financial difficulty the holidays can bring. And there are those who are grieving loved ones whom they shared many holiday memories and traditions. When a person experiences any of these, the JOY of the season can be very hard to find. Consider what you can do to help alleviate some of the stress this holiday either for yourself or for others. Are there people within your reach who are affected by any of the stressors of the holiday season? What can you do to give them some relief? It might be someone in your immediate family or someone on another continent, either way make a plan to bring someone JOY this week!

Sunday, December 6th Readings

Second Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are always near; YOU never leave me.

YOU promise grace and peace all the days of my lives.

May I seek YOU in the wilderness and in the harvest.

I will find YOU waiting!  AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40 :1-5,9-11

  • What does it mean to make a highway for God? What would this look like?
  • Do believe God smooths out the mountains in your path? Give an example.
  • Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

2Peter 3:8-14

  • Saint Paul says to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion. What does this look like? Is it possible to be holy AND devoted?  Give an example. 
  • What do your words, actions or how you spent time say you are devoted to?
  • What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?

Mark 1:1-8

  • How do you compare to John the Baptist? Name similarities and differences. Are there qualities of John the Baptist which you would like you have?
  • Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How would you describe the road of life? What are some of the things which make the road rough? What helps make the road smooth?
  • Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
  • How can you be a voice in the wilderness? Where are you called to share the Good News? Name at least three places.
  • If God makes your pathways straight, then what creates the obstacles you encounter or stumble over? How can you avoid these obstacles or how can you be better equipped to overcome them? What do you need? Be specific.
  • Is there someone you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
  • What is one thing you know about God’s timing? How do you know this?
  • If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Can you be honest with your assessment? Is your score where you want to be?
  • Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
  • What or who causes you to lose patience? What role do you play in this?
  • What can you learn from God about patience?
  • Is there need for repentance in your life? In your community? In your church? What can you do to make things right?
  • Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not? What message do you think needs to be heard?
  • Are you filled with fear or joy when you reflect on “the coming of the Lord”?
  • How do you “prepare the way” for the coming of Jesus? What preparations do you make for Christmas? What preparations do you make for Advent?
  • What is your favorite memory of advent? How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?
  • What is the significance of baptism to you?  Do you live as if you have been baptized?  Or do you live as if you are baptized?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a shepherd leads His sheep!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a teacher leads His pupils!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a King leads His people!

Leader:  Find US ready Lord…

ALL:  to follow where YOU lead!

Challenge for the Week:  How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season?  Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship?  Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile?  Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others.  This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed.  Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!

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 8th Readings

32nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Prepare the way.

Make me ready.

Lead my steps.

Open the gate.

Welcome me home.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 6 :12-16

  • What does Wisdom have waiting for you?
  • Do you seek Wisdom?  Is Wisdom easy or difficult to find?  Explain.

1Thessalonians 4:13-18

  • Does ‘fallen asleep’ mean those who have died?  Could it also mean those who have ‘fallen asleep’ in faith?  Describe someone who has ‘fallen asleep’ in their faith.
  • How does this reading impact your vision of death?  Of heaven?

Matthew 25:1-13

  • Would you say you are ready to open the door to God?  Why or why not?
  • What kinds of things keep you from lighting your lamp?  Keep you from being delayed?  Keep you from going out?  Keep you from being ready for the feast?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you look for God in all things?
  • Are there places you don’t look for God?  Why or why not?
  • Are there places where you don’t see God at all?  Explain.
  • When have you felt there was something waiting ahead of you?
  • How does wisdom differ from knowledge or understanding?  Explain.
  • If you knew when you would die, how would that affect how you live your life?  What would you do differently?
  • How would knowing when others will die change your relationships?  Be specific.
  • Are there things of which you are unaware?  Are you unaware because you honestly don’t know or because you are disinterested?
  • Do you think there is a connection between awareness and wisdom?  Explain.
  • How has awareness of God affected your decisions?  Share an example.
  • When have you grown impatient, waiting for God in your life?  Share an example.
  • Is there a difference between knowing of Jesus and knowing Jesus?  Explain.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the stars that shine!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the baby crying!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the changing seasons!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are an act of kindness!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are a banquet feast!

Leader:  Lord, let me find you in all things…

ALL:  you are the path of life!

Challenge for the Week:  Stay awake!  Be ready!  We do not know the day, nor the hour of when Jesus will come.  This warning has been passed on for centuries.  But what does it mean?  Spend time this week contemplating this question.  Write down at least 10 things that you believe you must do or have so you are ready when Jesus returns.

AND/OR

On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate your awareness of God’s presence in your life each day?  Reflect on the past 24 hours and identify all of the times when you saw or felt or called on God’s presence.  Were there times when you turned your back on God or hid your face from him?  Were there moments where you kept God in the closet or on a shelf, then let him back in when you were ready?  What are those things you think you are keeping from God?  Do they enhance your life and make it better?  How does being aware of God’s presence affect your attitude and your decisions?  Jesus is the light of the world, let him bring light into yours!

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 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?