Holy Spirit

Sunday, August 27th Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

Vast is Your love for me,

          let me see it each day!

Endless are the gifts You give,

          let me show gratitude!

Abundant is the mercy You grant,

          let me share it with others!

You surround me with what I need

          and guide me through,     

                   my ups and downs.

Forever You are with me; 

          You are my all in all!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 22:19-23                            

  • Imagine yourself as Eliakim. How does it feel to be called God’s servant? Can you see yourself being given a place of honor in God’ house? 
  • How does God show His authority in this reading? How can you allow God to have authority over your life? Who has authority now?

Romans 11:33-36

  • Describe what “riches” Saint Paul is referring to in this scripture. 
  • How might you seek to know what God is thinking? How does one “know God’s mind”?

Matthew 16:13-20

  • Explain why the disciples and others would compare Jesus to Jeremiah, Elijah and John the Baptist? 
  • Who do you say Jesus is? Do you tell him? Do you tell others?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do God’s blessings come from? Are they given on purpose or by accident? How do you know?
  • How does God inhabit your life?  Be specific.
  • What are the things you don’t understand about God? What are the things that you DO understand about God? How does the knowledge of these things affect your faith?
  • What experience(s) have taught you about the meaning of the words, eternal, everlasting, forever?  What have you learned?
  • How can faith help you to let go of past hurts, worries or tragedy?
  • Do you see God’s plan for you? What makes you know for sure this is the path God intends for you?
  • Is the work you do or the job you have one you choose or one you “fell into”? Could this have any bearing on your attitude toward it? 
  • Do you feel you are using the gifts God gave you to complete the tasks required of your job?
  • Are you fulfilling your vocation in the position you hold? Do you feel as though God choose you to do the work you do?
  • How does Jesus reveal himself to you?  Where are you?  What is the situation?  How do you carry the experience with you?
  • How is it that Jesus makes Peter the “ROCK” on which to build His church but Peter denies knowing Jesus three times? How does this make you feel?
  • What qualities of Peter make him the perfect example of a disciple?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:  when I allow the silence to take over.

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:  as I pause to give thanks before a meal.

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:  when I look into the eyes of an innocent child.

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:  as hear the rumble of thunder and crack of lightning.

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:  when I see a couple holding hands.

Leader:  I am humbly in Your presence…

ALL:   as I open my heart and mind to the wisdom of your Spirit!

Challenge for the Week:  Growing up in the church, I’ve heard the phrase, “clothed in Christ”.  As a child I would imagine literally wearing a white robe like the one we see Jesus wearing in many of the pictures of him.  Now as an adult, this phrase takes on much more meaning since it is really a figurative phrase.  What are specific ways a person can be “clothed in Christ”?  Spend time this week reflecting on these ways and then focus on yourself, discerning how you too are “clothed in Christ.  In your prayer time, ask God to help you move your thinking so you can take ownership of this phrase and believe it when you say, “I am clothed in Christ!”

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 28th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

O Blessed Spirit,

When I feel alone,

          You are there.

When I am surrounded by darkness,

          You bring light.

When I am weak,

          You are my strength.

You are my guide to stay on the path of life,

          which leads to heaven.

Fill my soul, dwell in me, FOREVER!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

  • Where is the Holy Spirit driving you? How do you open yourself up to the mission you are called to in your life?
  • What is changed about the apostles after they are visited in the upper room? What can you take from this experience? Imagine yourself there…how does it change your perspective?
  • What keeps you from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit today?

Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

  • Each person is given a different gift of the Holy Spirit. Can you identify the gift(s) you have been given?
  • Explain the difference of being baptized in the Spirit and being baptized in water.
  • What lesson can you learn about differences from this scripture?

John 20:19-23

  • In the Old Testament, God “breathed” His breath into Adam.  What significance does this word have here in this reading? What is the correlation between the two scriptures?
  • How has the Spirit caused you to act differently? 
  • Where do you share God’s peace?  

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit? Where was it? Did you feel it inside of you? Did you see it working around you?
  • Jesus said He sent an Advocate, a Comforter. How do you know you are not alone?
  • What can you do to build a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What action steps are needed for you to let the Spirit into your life and help you be filled?
  • What excuses do you make to keep the Holy Spirit from entering into your being? What obstacles stand in your way of a meaningful relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • What qualities of the Holy Spirit do you possess? What qualities of the Holy Spirit would you like to fill you?
  • In Galatians 5, St Paul shares what it means to “live in the Spirit”, what can you do to cultivate these qualities in your life?
  • How do you communicate faith with others? What language do you speak with your words and actions?
  • Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
  • Do think at Pentecost, they understood each other literally? Explain.
  • What can you do to understand others better? How can the gifts of the Holy Spirit help?
  • Is there a place where you feel more connected to the Holy Spirit? Jesus? God? Share.
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you appreciate their differences?
  • Are there people in your life who are different and you are frustrated by their differences?
  • What gift(s) do you hold back?
  • What can you do to share your gifts more abundantly?
  • Is peace easily found?  Why or why not?
  • Define a “peacemaker”. What qualities do you have?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  shine in my life!

Leader:  Come Spirit of Truth,

ALL:  teach me the way!

Leader:  Come Advocate,

ALL:  give me strength!

Leader:  Come Paraclete,

ALL:  bring me comfort!

Leader:  Come Presence of God,

ALL:  renew my faith!

Leader:  Come Holy Spirit,

ALL:  fill me with joy everlasting!

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week looking back on when Lent began twelve weeks ago with Ash Wednesday.  Since then, you have walked with Jesus through several experiences.  You have been there when He fought off the devil, raised Lazarus from the dead, washed the Disciples’ feet, was arrested, and crucified.  That was all just before Easter when He escaped death and came back for an encore to share with the Disciples that He will always be there with them until the end of time.  What has been revealed to you through this journey?  How has walking through Jesus’ last days, His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension brought you understanding or comfort?  What has been revealed to you through these experiences?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the WeeklyScripture 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, March 26th Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

          and let You give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

          so You can show me more than I image.

Let me live in You

          so I will die with You!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

  • God promises the Israelites He will bring them out of darkness, when has God fulfilled this promise to you?
  • Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Do you see it daily or just occasionally?

Romans 8:8-11

  • Saint Paul urges in the scripture to be guided by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It is easier said than done. What practices can you use in your life to help you to be directed by the Holy Spirit more often?
  • Is there a temptation of the flesh of which you struggle? Write a prayer to pray when you are faced with the temptation.
  • Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
  • What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?

John 11:1-45

  • When was the last time you saw the glory of God? Where was it? Who was with you? What did it look like? How do you know it was God’s glory?
  • What areas in your life are “asleep”? Do they need be awaken?
  • Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
  • How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture? What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The phrase, “Jesus wept” occurs only twice in the Bible. Do you think these were the only times Jesus cried? What do you believe brought Jesus to tears? What do you believe brings Jesus to tears today?
  • Have you experienced a time when death brought new life? Consider the seasons of winter and spring…use the symbolism of how the dead, frozen winter brings new growth to the spring.
  • This story of Lazarus coming from his tomb is symbolic of how each of us will be called “back to life” after our earthly death. Imagine how you will feel when you are called to come out by Jesus. What do you imagine feeling? What might you say?
  • Do you relate to Martha and Mary in this story? How do you imagine they were feeling? Have you ever shared similar feelings? What was the situation? How did it turn out? Have you forgiven the person whom you harbored negative thoughts or feelings towards?
  • Death is a part of life, so why is it so difficult for us to accept? What can we take from the readings this week to help us deal and cope with the death we deal with in our lives?
  • Spend some time reflecting on how the story of Lazarus can teach us about waiting for God’s timing.
  • Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
  • What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
  • What does it feel like to have God settle I your soul?
  • What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
  • Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Expand.
  • How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
  • What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
  • If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
  • Where you see righteousness today?
  • What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
  • Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
  • Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
  • How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unveil my eyes so I can see…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unbind my hands so I can touch…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unfasten my feet so I can go…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, soften my heart so I can love…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, ignite my soul so I can believe…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Challenge for the Week:  There are people in your life whom give you “life” and those whom, let’s be honest, you would rather die than to be around.  Of course, this is not the attitude Christ would want you to have so it is something you must work to improve.  This week take time to consider the difference between the two groups of people, what is it about the people whom energize you and those who drain you?  Are there things you can do to help improve your attitude about the second group?  Are there obstacles you have set in place to avoid being around them that could be adding to the frustration?  Try to focus on the positive aspects of what they offer to a relationship instead of the negative.  After reflection, you might learn that part of the reason it is a struggle to be around them is because they are reacting to your negativity or be trying to work extra hard to get you to be engaged because you try to avoid being around them.  It’s time to unravel the bandages and bring back to life a relationship; you never know what gifts you are sealing out of your life.

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, January 15th Readings

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord, Lamb of God!

May Your light shine

          from the heavens!

May Your Spirit dwell

          throughout the land!

Let all those who gather

          in your name

                   feel Your presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

  • What is glorious about being a servant? 
  • How are you allowing God to make you strong?

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

  • Where do you see evidence of holiness?
  • What do you call God? What names do you use? 
  • What does God call you in return?

John 1:29-34

  • Who in your life demands the respect John the Baptist gives Jesus? What have they done to deserve your respect?
  • Do you believe in anything with as much conviction as John the Baptist does that Jesus is the Savior?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you turn for help?
  • Do you see more light than darkness in your life right now? Or do you see more darkness in your life right now? Is there something you can do this week to let more light in?
  • What can you do to step toward God this year, this month, today?
  • How has your relationship with God restored you?
  • Are there stages of holiness like a 1-10 scale or it is a yes or no, either you are, or you aren’t?
  • What is the opposite of holiness?
  • What are characteristics of holiness? Do any of the characteristics alone point to holiness or do you need all of them?
  • Do you believe the Holy Spirit is here on earth? Where? How do you know?
  • When was the last time you looked to the Spirit of God? What were you looking for? Did the Spirit of God deliver?
  • Is your faith strong enough you would testify on behalf of your beliefs? 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am CLEANED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am made PURE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am SATISFIED!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I become WHOLE!

Leader:  Through the waters of Baptism…

ALL:  I am BELOVED!

Challenge for the Week:  There is a motivational speaker named Andy Andrews who wrote a book called the Butterfly Effect.  It is a fictional story about a man’s life, based on a scientific theory.  The theory refers to how something as small as a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tsunami.  The story from Andy Andrews uses this theory to remind us that one small act can do the same thing.  This is some amazing power!  Whether you use your power for good or bad is the challenge this week.  Think about the significant difference one life can make in the world; think Jesus. Your life can make a BIG difference too. Imagine what could happen if you simply flap your wings!

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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, June 12th Readings

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Blessed Trinity

You created me out of love

You came to be one with me

And You remain still.

You are the beginning and the end.

May I stay mindful

        of all you are and all you give!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Proverbs 8:22-31

  • Where do you find delight? Is it a place? Is it a hobby? Is it a person?
  • How has God marked you as His own?

Romans 5:1-5

  • How does the Spirit work in you? How is it manifested? Where does it reside? Can you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • When did you last boast of God’s love? What words did you use/What words could you use? 

John 16:12-15

  • How does the phrase, God gives you only what you can handle apply? What about those times when you are overwhelmed? How does the Gospel reading give insight to this phrase?
  • What is divine love? Define divine love.
  • How does the Holy Spirit speak to you? What does it have to say?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you carry God with you each day? 
  • Does nature speak to you? What does it say? What parts of nature speak to you?
  • Does God have a signature? If so, what does it look like?
  • How do you show gratitude for creation?
  • How do you show gratitude for the human race?
  • What do you value about the human race?
  • Name ways people disappoint. Name ways God disappoints.
  • How does a person know the Holy Spirit has been given to them?
  • Is there a time when you needed (wished for) more from God?
  • Where do you feel the presence of God the most?
  • When do you feel the closest to Jesus?
  • Describe how each part of the Holy Trinity adds to your life.
  • What is the role of each part of the Holy Trinity? In general? In your faith life?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father of all, I pray…

ALL:  for those who feel alone and abandoned.

Leader:  Creator, I pray…

ALL:  for those looking for their purpose.

Leader:  Son of God, I pray…

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

Leader:  Lord of Lords, I pray…

ALL:  for those in need of mercy and forgiveness.

Leader:  Spirit of truth, I pray…

ALL:  for those who need direction.

Leader:  Advocate, I pray…

ALL:  for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Leader:  Holy Trinity, I pray…

ALL:  for your continued guidance and support.

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, it is important for you to be able to describe your relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

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

Sunday, June 5th Readings

Pentecost

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew my life

Lead my actions

Guide my words

Show me the way, home!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

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

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

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

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

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Shine within these hearts!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Heal our wounds!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Renew our strength!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Guide the steps that go astray.

ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

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

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

Sunday, May 29th Readings

7th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Open my heart Lord

        so it may be filled with love for my neighbors

Open my lips Lord

        so they may speak the Good News to others

Open my arms Lord

        so they may reach out to those who need YOU!

Open my heart, lips and arms

        to be at witness of YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 7 :55-60

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

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

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

John 17:20-26

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to see the beauty of each new day

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to find calm even in the storm

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to seek you in those I encounter

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

ALL:  to receive the gifts I need

Leader:  Lift my eyes to heaven

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

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

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

Sunday, May 22nd Readings

6th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit

Come

Stir up the dust

Ignite our faith

Remain

Holy Spirit

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

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

Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

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

John 14:23-29

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have understanding

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have wisdom

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have right judgment

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have courage

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have knowledge

Leader:  Dwell in me

ALL:  so I might have reverence

Leader:  Dwell in me

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

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

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

Sunday of Divine Mercy – 2nd Sunday of Easter

Sunday, April 24th Readings

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus

I know the wounds are real

when I look at people suffering.

I feel the pain of injustice

when I see malnourishment.

The scars aren’t always visible

but I know they are there.

Move me to be the hands, feet and heart

…that bring comfort

…that bring justice

…that bring peace

May the joy of the resurrection

bring healing to a hurting world!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 5:12-16

  • Do you know someone who needs to be healed? How can you bring them comfort?
  • How does God’s message heal you?

Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

  • When have you needed strength to overcome? Where did the strength come from?  Who gave it to you?
  • Why are people afraid of the unknown? What makes it scary?

John 20:19-31

  • Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit unto the disciples and they are moved into action, how does the Holy Spirit move you into action? How long has it been since you let the Holy Spirit move you?
  • What makes you believe in the resurrection? Does Thomas’ testimony help you believe?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see signs that God is alive today?
  • Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Explain/Describe.
  • How many times in a day, week, month, or year do you believe a miracle happens?
  • Define love. Make a list of all the things you love.
  • Is there only one type of love or many? How many types of love can you identify? What are the characteristics of each kind of love?
  • Can good come from suffering? Can you share an example?
  • Is suffering necessary? Why or why not?
  • What causes you fear?
  • Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? What was the circumstance?
  • How is fear overcome? What do you do to conquer your fear? What advice do you give to others on how to overcome their own fears, ex. a child and the monster in the closet?
  • Do you think people fear forgiveness? Why or why not?
  • Where is peace found? How does someone find it?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, in my weakness

ALL:  YOU are strong!

Leader:  Lord, in my questioning

ALL:  YOU are the answer!

Leader:  Lord, in my sin

ALL:  YOU are forgiveness!

Leader:  Lord, in my struggle

ALL:  YOU are calm!

Leader:  Lord, in my confusion

ALL: YOU are clarity!

Leader:  Lord, in mt life

ALL:  YOU are the WAY!

Challenge for the Week:  Easter is the biggest Christian celebration and sign of our faith.  It is so important it lasts for 50 days which is longer than Advent (4 weeks before Christmas) and Lent (40 days before Easter).  How can you continue to live the Easter message for the next 50 days?  What message do you feel God is calling you to send?  Is there an injustice you can serve by volunteering your time?  Is there a person in need of support or company?  Where can you bring resurrection or new life?  Take this Easter season as seriously as you do your Lenten sacrifice and spread the Good News that Jesus is alive!!!

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 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.