Easter Season

Sunday, April 23rd Readings

Third Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

It is through Jesus’ birth

you are given hope.

It is through Jesus’ miracles

the world receives healing.

It is through Jesus’ sacrifice

that you are nourished.

It is through Jesus’ resurrection

that you have life everlasting.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14,22-23

  • Peter speaks to the disciples with such conviction. Where do you believe his strength comes from? Remember, it was only days before when Peter denied Jesus three times. What can you take away from this knowledge and how can it apply to a situation you are dealing with in your life right now?
  • What evidence is there that Jesus rose? How does Peter verify the resurrection?

1Peter 1:17-21

  • Why might this reading be called the Sermon of hope? What gives you hope as you read it, listen to it or meditate on it?
  • Jesus died in order to save. He gave His life in order for generations upon generations could live. How do you live your life to show gratitude for the ransom paid?

Luke 24:13-35

  • What does it mean to have your heart burn within you? Have you ever experienced this feeling? Revisit the memory. Does reminiscing about the experience ignite the flame within you?
  • Identify a person or people you are on the “road” with on your faith journey.
  • What do you think Jesus was thinking as He walked along listening to the conversation? Do you think it made Him mad they didn’t recognize Him?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does the resurrection of Jesus change your life, your faith, your attitude, your actions?
  • What is the path of life? Is it the same or different for everyone? Explain.
  • What opportunities do you have to break bread with Jesus?
  • What in these readings give you a deeper understanding of Jesus’ existence BEFORE He walked on the earth?
  • Is there anything that confuses you? Who, what or where do you turn in order to set yourself straight?
  • Are there people in your life with whom you love to spend time with? How do you feel when you have to leave them?
  • Where can be Jesus be found in your relationships? With your spouse? Your children? Your peers? A stranger? 
  • What do you hope for? What do you have hope in? Do you have anything in which you have lost hope?
  • How do you feel when you run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a while? Is there someone you should reach out to?
  • What does the cross say to you? What emotions are attached to the cross?
  • What obstacles of faith do you see in the world? What obstacles do you encounter? What do/can you do?
  • Share an “ah-ha” moment when you went from not seeing Jesus in a situation and then suddenly saw Him. This could also be a moment when you saw a truth revealed about Jesus that you didn’t know or your perspective changed.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to listen for Your voice.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to follow Your call.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the acceptance of Your embrace.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to the promises of Your love.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to Your joyful presence.

Leader:  Draw me near

ALL:  to an intimate relationship with YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus as He was walking and talking with them.  How often do we pass Jesus by without recognizing Him in our own lives?  This week, as you get ready for bed, spend time reflecting on your day and where Jesus was present.  Sometimes we can see Him working in others toward us or through us toward others.  As you reflect, really pay attention to the multiple things you saw, heard or felt throughout the day.  Dig deeper to find God not only on the surface but in the little things…God spends a lot of time on the small details!

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.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 16th Readings

Second Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118)

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Give thanks and praise to God!

For he is good and his love is everlasting!

Rejoice and be glad for our Savior lives!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:42-47

  • What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in this scripture passage that makes it sound like utopia?
  • The scripture passage says twice, “they devoted themselves to…”, is there something in your life right now which needs your devotion?  How can devoting your time and attention to that project/person/situation bring peace and/or contentment?

1Peter 1:3-9

  • Share and example of how you know this scripture is true. 
  • This scripture are the words of Saint Peter, he who denied Jesus thrice before the crucifixion.  How does this knowledge open up the scripture even more?  Choose one phrase of the scripture that most shouts of Peters new found confidence.

John 20:19-31

  • Can you relate to Thomas?  Would you need to see and feel the nail marks in Jesus’ hands to believe?  What helps you believe today?
  • Jesus brings peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples.  Identify where Jesus brings you peace and the Holy Spirit today.
  • Jesus breathes on the disciples…where have you heard this before in the scripture?  What do the passages have in common?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you see signs and wonders in the world today?  How do they point to God?
  • Where do you see people working together?  How does it inspire you and is there something you can do to support it?
  • Describe what it feels like to have “favor” on someone or something from your own perspective.  Then describe what is it like for someone to have “favor” or show “favor” to/on you.
  • How do you know someone is acting out of sincerity? 
  • How do you feel safeguarded by God? 
  • Name a specific example of how Jesus’ resurrection affects your life right now.
  • What do you love about Jesus?  Be specific.  Can you name more than three things?
  • What does ‘genuine’ faith look like?  Do you know when you are being genuine in your faith vs. being fake?
  • Are there things in your life right now which you find hard to believe because you haven’t see them?  Does this unbelief cause division with your family or co-workers?
  • How do you know when Jesus is in your midst?  Describe the feeling.  How can you reproduce this feeling to last all day?  Is it possible?  Explain
  • The “great commission” is said to happen at our baptism (MT 28:19-20) but these scripture readings have the same kind of commissioning feel.  Choose one thing from the scriptures this week to take on as your task.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Jesus, the doors were locked

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you died and were buried

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were nailed to a cross

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were beaten and bleeding

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were a Carpenter’s son 

ALL:  but you broke through!

Leader:  Jesus, you were born in a manger

ALL:  but you broke through!

Challenge for the Week:  Saint Peter in the second reading says “you rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1PT1:9)  Take time this week to map out the goal of your faith.  What are your goals?  Write them down so you can see them and then set out to achieve them.  Do you want to know Jesus more (not just know of him, but really know him).  Do you want to have a prayer space in your home?  Do you wish to learn more about the Saints?  Do you want to read more spiritual literature?  God doesn’t say we have to do anything to earn his love, grace or mercy but if you are like me, when someone does something unbelievably kind, I want to give back to them to show my gratitude!

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.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 9th Readings

Easter Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You died to bring me live

You became nothing

          So I could become whole

May I die to the sin

          that keeps me away from you

So I might live

          in the fullness You promised!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

  • How has your baptism and the renewal of your baptismal promises brought good news to others?
  • Who in your life inspires or helps to ignite your faith?

Colossians 3:1-4

  • How do you rise like Christ this Easter season? 
  • Are there things you have shed through your Lenten sacrifice of which you are free?

John 20:1-9

  • What does this scripture reveal about Jesus?  About his disciples?
  • What do you take away from this scripture?  What do you feel?  What do you imagine this looks like?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has the journey of Lent helped to strengthen your faith?  How?
  • Did you gain a new perspective on a problem or struggle you have in your life right now through prayer, almsgiving and/or fasting?  Share.
  • What have you heard this Lent in the scriptures or through discussion with others which you have shared with another person?
  • What has inspired you to bear witness to your faith over the past six weeks? 
  • Is there anything you are looking forward to during the Easter season? 
  • How can you make the joy of Easter last longer than one day?
  • Are there things you can continue to work on (using prayer, almsgiving and fasting as your guide) for the next six weeks? Why do these Lenten practices have to only be practiced during Lent?
  • Is there a problem or struggle you are dealing with which you need to step away from? Perhaps find a new perspective or revisit a solution which had been previously rejected?
  • Are you carrying around “dead weight” such as hurt feelings or a burden that is not yours to carry? 
  • Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home?  What can you do to reveal him?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  What was hidden;

ALL:  has been revealed!

Leader:  What was broken;

ALL:  has been healed!

Leader:  What was lost;

ALL:  has been found!

Leader:  What was sin;

ALL:  has been forgiven!

Leader:  What was buried; 

ALL:  has come to life!

Leader:  What was crucified;

ALL:  has been resurrected!

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus was believed to be dead.  The disciples buried him in a tomb.  After three days his broken body was healed and he was radiant.  Imagine you could go away for three days and get away from any pressures, stress and obligations.  What would you do?  How would you spend your time?  How would you pamper yourself to relieve stress?  What conversations would you have with God about your life?  Take time for a mini retreat, even if it is only for 5 minutes to step away from your life and let the joy of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection spark a renewal within!

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.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

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