Prayer Blog

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, July 30th Readings

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

Guide me and teach me

to know what it means to be a treasure

Open my eyes

to the treasures You have given to me each day

Lead me to seek

the treasures You have waiting for me in Your Word;

a heart of gold,

an attitude lined with silver

and infinite wealth.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

1Kings 3:5,7-12

  • The word understanding in Hebrew means obedient. What are your definitions of the words understanding and obedient? How do they differ? How are they similar?
  • How does this scripture passage model prayer for us? Does Solomon do all of the talking? How does God respond? How is this similar or different to how you pray? 
  • King Solomon is noted as being a very wise person. How does his wisdom show through this scripture?

Romans 8:28-30

  • Have there been experiences in your life where able to relate to this adage of “all things work together for good?” Can you see where God was/is in the experience?
  • Does this scripture mean that when bad things happen, God is not there? How would you explain what this scripture means to some who has experienced darkness, abandonment, or loss in their life?

Matthew 13:44-52

  • What does the phrase “kingdom of God” mean to you?
  • How do you hear God speaking to you in your life? Is it a whisper? A shout? How do you respond?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Do you listen to your dreams? What do they tell you?
  • How do you feel about your enemies? Do you have enemies?
  • How do your instincts differ from what God wants?
  • What kind of “wisdom” comes from age?
  • Do you believe that “youth” is an age or a frame of mind? Explain.
  • What obstacles do you believe you have that keep you from being the best you can be?
  • What are the blessings you want from God?  Be specific.
  • Make a list of good things God has provided for you.
  • Make a list of bad things that have happed because your love God.
  • Is there a situation in your life right now which you need to let God shed some light on? Do you believe it will make a difference?
  • Do you sometimes feel like you are playing hide and seek with God? Who is hiding? Where do you hide?
  • How do see heaven? What do you believe it is?
  • Where do you find security? Is it real? How do you know?
  • What confirmation do you have that you are living the life God calls you to live?

Closing Prayer

Solomon’s Prayer

ALL:  Therefore give to Your servant

an understanding heart to judge Your people,

that I may discern between good and evil. 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time this week breaking down each request in this prayer.  How can you put this prayer into practice, so it isn’t just a bunch of words you pray?  As you are discerning the actions you should take to bring this prayer to life, pray it each morning, each noontime and before you go to bed.  It is short enough that you might be able to memorize it quickly and add it to your daily prayers from now on.

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, July 9th Readings

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Christ within me,

How I struggle!

I move forward but leave you behind.

I trip and fall, then cry out to you.

My heart knows you are with me.

My will says I can do it alone.

It is a constant battle!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zechariah 9:9-10

  • The scripture describes a king riding in on a donkey…how do these things go together (King and Donkey)? Where do you see these together in the New Testament?  Share how the two passages are similar and different?
  • Share a time when God won a victory for you. What was the battle?  What did you struggle with and how did God help you overcome the obstacle?

Romans 8:9,11-13

  • What burdens/benefits come from being human vs. divine?
  • If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, how does this change your perspective of yourself? What about if it dwells in others?  Does it affect your perception of them?  How and why?

Matthew 11:25-30

  • What does it mean that God’s yoke is easy?
  • Describe what it feels like to ‘rest’ in God. What does it look like, smell like, taste like, sound like?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How did Jesus show humility? Share specific examples for us to follow.
  • Is humility a leadership quality? Why or why not?
  • Do your actions towards others show your love for God? Share a recent example.
  • How can you tell if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? In others?
  • When might it be necessary to ‘banish’ someone from your life? What actions could be taken to do this?
  • Have your actions ever caused division between you and another person? How did your relationship with God help or hinder the situation?
  • What actions can be taken to overcome the temptations of the flesh? Have you experienced the rewards described in scriptures for doing so?
  • When have you felt the most burdened? How do you overcome it?  What helps to lighten the load?
  • What characteristics of the ‘flesh’ do you wish to shed?
  • What characteristics of the ‘spirit’ do you wish to take on?
  • Imagine a time when you were exhausted and didn’t have any strength to continue. Describe this feeling.  Where did you find strength to carry on?
  • What burdens do you carry? Are there burdens you allow others to carry for you?  Are there burdens you carry which are the responsibility of others?
  • Explain how the Father, Son and Spirit work together.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know meekness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know humility.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know weakness.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know burdens.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hunger and thirst.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  let me know hurt.

Leader:  Come, dwell in me…

ALL:  so I may find rest!

Challenge for the Week:  Come to me all who are burdened and worried, I will give them rest.  Imagine a parent saying this to a child whose bedtime is quickly approaching and is showing signs of restlessness and weariness.  These words call out to the child just like they call out to you in order to soothe your spirit.  The restlessness melts away when the child is swept up into the secure arms of their parent; they know they are safe, taken care of and loved.  This is what Jesus wants for you too.  God wants you to let go and relinquish the stress and strain of the day so you can fall into His arms and let Him minister to you.  Identify the things in your life which keep you from experiencing this peace of resting in God.  What can you do to move the obstacles which stand in the way of this kind of rest?

“O Jesus!  Yoke us to yourself.  When we too hunger, give us food.  When we too thirst, or tire, or falsely witness, just let us learn to find you and to find ourselves in you!” – from a sermon by St. Augustine

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, June 25th Readings

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Like a mighty champion,

          You come to my rescue!

I hide in darkness but

          You bring me into the light!

Great is your mercy and

          bounteous is Your kindness!

My heart is revived by

          Your gracious gift of grace!

I am so full of love

          that it overflows to others!

Praise your Holy Name, Jesus!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 20:10-13

  • Where do you see God prevail as “mighty champion”?
  • Where do you see evidence of God rescuing the “life of the poor”?
  • What is your definition of “life of the poor”?

Romans 5:12-15

  • Where do you see evidence of sin in your life? In the world? How do you find forgiveness for this sin?
  • What can you do to multiply God’s gift of grace in your life, family, community? Share examples.

Matthew 10:26-33

  • Do you find comfort or discomfort in the scripture, “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed or secret that will not be known.”
  • What has God whispered to you? Did you proclaim what you heard? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever felt trapped by “evil” or “sin”?
  • When have you stumbled in the face of adversity?
  • Describe suffering. What does it look like, sound like, smell like, feel like?
  • How have you trespassed against God this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • How have you trespassed against your neighbor this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • How have you trespassed against yourself this week? How is it/can it be resolved?
  • Can good come from resentment? Why or why not?
  • What are you afraid of and how do you deal with/calm the fear?
  • Is there sin you keep from God and are afraid to let go? 
  • Are there secrets you keep from others, how does keeping these secrets affect the relationship?
  • How do you acknowledge yourself as a child of God?
  • Have you ever suffered for being a Christian? Have you been ridiculed because you go to Church? Share.
  • In what ways is your faith still in the darkness? How can you bring light to it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I have obstacles in my path

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am the target of slander

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I feel buried in doubt

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I am drowning in sorrow

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I have a mountain to climb

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader: When I feel walls caving in

ALL:  I praise the Lord!

Leader:  When I call out to my Lord,

ALL:  I am ready for anything!

Challenge for the Week:  John 15:26b says, “The Spirit of Truth will testify.”  It’s like if you have to testify in court, they ask you to swear on a Bible to tell the truth.  Truth is valuable but not always very easy to come by.  At an early age, “the truth” becomes subjective based on our experience, perspective, and whether telling it is going to get us into trouble.  As adults, avoiding the truth is done sometimes to avoid causing others pain and other times to protect ourselves from pain.  At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve had to speak up and tell the truth about their sinful act. God already knew what they had done…this is still true today with your sin because the “Spirit of Truth” will testify to identify it!  Consider this week the number of people whom you trust enough to tell the truth.  Can you identify ten?  Would that be easy or difficult?  What would you say are the criteria of the relationship which make you trust them with the truth?  Take time to let them know how you feel about them and that they can count on you to be truthful and trustworthy.

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, June 18th Readings

11th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

The harvest is abundant because You make it so.

You provide the soil, the sun and the nutrients to grow.

You care for the troubled and the abandoned.

You give whatever is needed, without cost.

This is the way You show Your love.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 19:2-6a

  • God called Moses to Him to share a message. What was the message. How is this message for Moses relevant to you too?
  • What significance do think there is that they pitched the tents at the front of the mountain and Moses had to go up the mountain to talk to God?

Romans 5:6-11

  • Identify three emotions you feel when you read or hear this scripture. What do each of the emotions mean?
  • Where do you see evidence of Gods love for you today?

Matthew 9:36-10:8

  • Can you relate to the disciples in the Gospel reading? In what way? Be specific.
  • When you think of the “kingdom of heaven” what do you image?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example of a time when you KNOW God lifted you up from a depression or saved you from a negative situation.
  • What or who do you hold dear? Can you list at least 10?
  • When was the last time you hear God speak to you? What did He say? How did you respond?
  • What is your favorite thing in nature?  Is it an animal, a tree, an image, a feeling.
  • Scripture often refers to a shepherd and sheep. What are the references and what do you think God wants you to know/learn from this reference right now?  Are you currently a shepherd? A sheep? Both?
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a shepherd.
  • Share an example of a time when you felt like a sheep.
  • Does knowing you are a child of God change how you see or love yourself? Why or why not?
  • Is there someone you would die for or give your life in place of? Who is it and why?
  • Does your life feel like it is in the harvest season or the drought season? Explain.
  • When you give praise and thanks to God, do you expect something in return? Why or why not?
  • Is there a cost to loving God?  If so, what is it?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You walk with me each step of the way

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You remind me of Your promises

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You call me reconcile my sins

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  You give generously of Your love

Leader:  You call me up the mountain

ALL:  And I know I am Your Beloved!

Challenge for the Week:  Many Christians ask the question, ‘have you been saved’?  This week contemplate what it means to be ‘saved’ and how it applies to you.  How does Jesus’ life and death factor into your being ‘saved’?  What does sin have to do with it?  Are there scripture verses that support your belief?  Once you’ve spent time thinking about your answer, start a conversation with someone you know by asking them what being ‘saved’ means to them and be open to their perspective.

OR

In accounting, there are two columns, income and expenditure.  Income is a record of what is given to you and deposited into your account.  It is income that fills you and allows you to be able to pay out.  Even when you don’t have income, there are still expenses that incur, so sometimes you have to borrow in order to fulfill your obligations.  It is good practice to regularly reconcile your accounts, to see where you stand.  In the scripture this weekend, Saint Paul is telling the Romans that their lives were reconciled.  When you think about this truth in reference to the way accounts are reconciled, what does that mean to you? 

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

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, June 11th Readings

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, I am empty!

Fill me, nourish me, and sustain me!

I will have my fill and never go hungry!

You are my daily bread!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

  • God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
  • One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life?  What is the “bread” you live on?
  • What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

1Corinthians 10:16-17

  • One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed?  Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
  • What cup of blessing do you hold today?  How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

John 6:51-58

  • The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist.  What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
  • Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you?  What does it mean to you?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
  • How has God delivered you from slavery?  What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
  • When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle.  How do others see Christ in you?
  • What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship?  What more do you need on your journey of faith?
  • Which commandments are easy to follow?  Which are difficult?  Why?
  • Have you had desert experiences in your life?  Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times? 
  • Identify a time when you were “parched”.  How did this experience affect your faith?
  • How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
  • What is your definition of Communion? 
  • What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger?  How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
  • How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you?  What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
  • The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
  • It is said, you are what you eat.  What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
  • What are some good food choices you make?  How do they improve your spirit?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

Challenge for the Week: In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, you are consuming Christ.  During COVID churches were closed, and there had been restrictions to the access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though participation in the celebration of Mass virtually, you could not consume the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This was a time when the need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus was essential.  This is still true today.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied! 

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, June 4th Readings

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

you fill the world with all things good.

Savior God,

you came to earth to live and die for my salvation.

Spirit God,

You dwell in me so I are forever with you.

Blessed Trinity,

help me be more aware of your presence in my life!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9

  • How do you humble yourself before God like Moses did in this scripture?
  • What does God reveal about His character in this scripture?
  • Moses asked God to pardon your sins; what do you have a hard time pardoning? Are there things of this world which are hard for you to forgive?

2Corinthians 13:11-13

  • What do you learn about God in this scripture? About Jesus? About the Holy Spirit?
  • How does this reading suggest you live your everyday life? Is it impossible to live in this way? Why or why not?

John 3:16-18

  • “For God so loved the world”, speaks of sacrifice. Do you sacrifice things for your faith? For a relationship with God?
  • Do you sacrifice for love? Whom in your life do you love enough to sacrifice things for? Do you sacrifice freely or with expectation?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What examples in your life confirm that God is slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithful?
  • Describe God’s love. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like?
  • How do you think God finds favor in you? Identify at least 5 things about you which God would find favor.
  • Describe a time when you were “stiff-necked and stubborn”.
  • Would God find favor in the way you treat others who are “stuck in their ways”? How do you think God would treat them?
  • What do you hold a grudge against? How can you begin to let love into that situation?
  • What sin does God look past today in order to give you love? How has God shown his love already today?
  • How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? How can you tell when the Holy Spirit is with another person?
  • How does God show you grace? How can you show grace to another person?
  • Where do you see people being condemned today? Is there something you could do to bring peace?
  • When have you felt condemned, what did you learn from the experience?
  • Do you know a peaceful person? What qualities do they have that you would like to cultivate?
  • You are called to agree and get along with everyone, all of the time. How difficult or easy is this, why?
  • What would you say are the “core” things we all should agree upon to make this world a better place?

Closing Prayer

Leader: O Holy is YOUR name…

ALL:  Creator

Leader:  I AM

ALL:  God

Leader:  Emmanuel

ALL:  Jesus

Leader:  Savior

ALL:  Living God

Leader:  Mighty wind

ALL:  Eternal breath

Leader: Counselor

ALL:  God with us

Leader:  Holy Trinity

ALL:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you know someone you would describe as an encourager?  What makes them so?  Do they encourage you or others too?  Make a point this week to encourage someone new each day.  It may be helpful to take time to reflect on some of the people you see weekly and consider what you might do or say to encourage them.  Consider people you don’t see on a regular basis who might need some encouragement and write them a note, email or make a phone call.  Also, spend time thinking about those people in your life who have been and still are encouragers to you.  Do they know how much their support means to you and how it has affected your life?  Take time to let them know how you feel and who they are a gift to 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, May 21st Readings

Ascension

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When I look to the sky,

I am limited to what I see.

I can only imagine what is beyond.

Teach me,

guide me in Your WORD,

so I have the faith to believe

and understand what I cannot see.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:12-14 

  • What can you learn from the disciples about letting go of someone you love?
  • What is the importance of prayer and community in these times?

1 Peter 4:13-16 

  • Explain how sharing in Jesus’ suffering brings us closer to him.
  • When have you felt the Spirit of God rest upon you? Share the details.

John 17:1-11a

  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ suffering? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ crucifixion?  
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ resurrection? 
  • What is revealed to you through Jesus’ ascension?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share a time when you were disappointed. How were you able to overcome?
  • When have you had to let go of something you love? How did you deal with the loss?
  • What can you do to bring comfort to someone who is suffering from a loss of a job, loss of a friend or family member, or a loss of faith/hope?
  • Describe heaven.
  • What changes in you, when you hear that Jesus has a place for you in heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your faith?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of heaven?
  • How does Jesus’ ascension to heaven affect your understanding of death/dying?
  • Is it possible to avoid suffering? Why or why not?
  • Does good or bad come from avoiding difficult situations? Share examples of both.
  • Jesus said he gave us everything. What does this mean to you?
  • Do you tell people you will pray for them? Do you follow through?
  • What assurance do you have that Jesus will follow through with his promise to pray for you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I hear you call me,

ALL:  when I listen with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I open myself to you,

ALL:  when I feel with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I gain understanding from your Word,

ALL:  when I study with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I comfort others and am comforted,

ALL:  when I embrace with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I spread the Good News,

ALL:  when I love with my heart.

Leader:  Lord, I turn my eyes to heaven,

ALL:  when I believe with my heart.

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 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 7th Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Open the scripture to me

          so I may not neglect to see

                   the good God created.

Bring to life in me

          the spirit of compassion and mercy

                   to continue the work you began.

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 6:1-7

  • Who in your community is neglected? What can you do for them to help them?
  • Saint Peter tells the disciples to devote themselves to prayer; what is the purpose of this? What could happen if you devoted yourself to prayer?
  • What do you think the definition of “reputable men” is at the time the scripture was written? How does the definition change to be relevant in today’s society?

1Peter 2:4-9

  • Scripture says a stone will make you stumble and a rock will make you fall.  Share an example of a stone or a rock in the world today or in your own life. What tripped you up? What helped build your faith back up?
  • How does this scripture passage help you feel “chosen and precious”? Be specific.
  • Is your relationship with God the cornerstone of your life?

John 14:1-12

  • What do you think Philip was thinking when Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”? The mystery of the Trinity was not known to the disciples at this time.  How could Philip make sense of what Jesus was telling him?
  • Jesus knew He was going to have to leave but the disciples didn’t understand. Share a time when you had to leave someone in your life. How is it similar to different to Jesus’ leaving?
  • Explain how Jesus is the way the truth and the life. How do you live your life witnessing to this truth?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Brainstorm examples of people in your community who feel neglect. Where can they find help? 
  • Do you belong to a community of faith? How does this community help to build you up?
  • Where do you see the good works of the community in action? What do you do to help the cause?
  • How does it make you feel when you see a need in the community not being met? Are you empathetic? Sympathetic? Do you feel the need is too big or is out of control? Do you feel helpless and unprepared to be able to change the situation? Seek God’s wisdom to help you find out what you should do to help.
  • How is God’s love shown to you through these readings? Are there examples of this type of love in your life today? Where do you see God’s love at work in your community?
  • How do you deal with loss? What is your reaction to death? What helps you to carry on? How can you practice hope in your faith?
  • What do you do to help grow faith in yourself? 
  • What do you do to grow faith in others?
  • What does it mean to you to be obedient in faith? Is it different for everyone? Why or why not?
  • What did you pray for last week? Are you asking God into your prayer or telling God what you want?
  • Where do you get your value? Who or what gives you value?
  • When do you feel the most valued? 
  • What makes you valuable?
  • What sacrifices did you make this week? Did you make them joyfully or complain?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Comfort someone who needs comfort!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Teach through your words and your actions!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Build bridges, not walls!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  Serve others through love!

Leader:  Go!

ALL:  You have been chosen!

Challenge for the Week:  When Peter says you are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”, what is he really saying?  What are these words supposed to inspire you to do or to be?  In the Catholic Church, these words are a part of the ritual prayers prayed at Baptism.  Each person, infant thru adult, are baptized into the faith as priest, prophet and king, making it clear to each individual person, you are one in Christ.  How do you live your baptism today?  Do you live your life knowing you are chosen?  How does living in Christ make you royalty?  Is there something you could do to help make the world, the community, your family, more holy?  These are not just words, they are your mission!

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 30th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Shepherd

You give me what I need each day

          May I be grateful and have my fill.

You lead me on the path of goodness

          May I accept your mercy and follow.

You call my name to come to you

          May I listen to only Your voice in my life.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

  • What emotions do you feel as you read these words? Imagine being there. How do your emotions change?
  • Peter’s advice is to repent. Knowing Peter’s story, how do these words impact you coming from him?
  • Peter is calling everyone to action. What do you feel called to do after hearing his words?
  • Define conversion. How does conversion work? Is it a onetime thing or a lifelong thing? What does it mean when applied to your life? Have you undergone a conversion of some kind? What was the result of it? Do you need to undergo another conversion? Why or why not? 

1Peter 2:20b-25

  • How does this reading remind you to seek God’s grace instead of revenge? How can this be applied to a situation in your life right now?
  • What do you learn about God’s love in this passage? How does it make you feel? How can you help others see this type of love in your life?
  • Jesus had no sin but suffered death to take sin away; write a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus that your sin is wiped away through his death.
  • Jesus already suffered for your sin, what sin(s) do you hold onto because you think you still need to suffer guilt and shame?

John 10:1-10

  • Who in your life provides the shelter and protection the Shepherd shows to the sheep in this passage? Who do you provide this depth of security for in your life?
  • Are there people you know who need some type of shelter (physical, emotional, spiritual) which you can help lead them to the shepherd?
  • When you see Jesus face to face, do you think you’d have the patience to wait for the gate to be opened or would you want to jump the fence?
  • If Jesus is the gate which you must enter, how does a person pass through? Give examples.

General Questions for Journaling

  • What “cuts you to the heart”? Are there things that hurt so deeply you are called to do something? When was the last time you were called to action because you were “cut to the heart”?
  • Where in your community do you see a need for a change? Is there something you can do to help make a change?
  • Where do you see corruption in the world? In your community? Within yourself?
  • Share a time when you felt convicted of a wrongdoing.
  • Think of a time when you tried to do the right/just thing and your efforts were not rewarded in a positive way. Why do you think good people suffer? Consider some of the reasons a person might have to go through suffering in order to bring about good.
  • Describe a suffering Christian. Do you know anyone who fits the description?
  • When confronted with violence, is violence ever the right response? How does your anger get in the way of following Jesus’ example not to retaliate?
  • Who are the people in your life whom you go to for shelter?  Advice? Counsel? Do they know the Shepherd?
  • What changes in the language when one says they “were” baptized and they “are” baptized? Which are you?
  • When did you last testify to your faith? How did you? Explain how you felt and how others reacted.
  • What qualities does a shepherd have which you want?  How will you develop these qualities?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you refresh my soul

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you guide my path

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you walk beside me

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you protect me from harm

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you wrap me in mercy

ALL:  and give me all that I need.

Leader:  Lord, you are my Shepherd

ALL:  and you give me all that I need.

Challenge for the Week:  I invite you to go into deep meditation with the words and phrases of this Gospel.  Take time, perhaps one per day, to take the phrase and sit with it; carry it with you as your daily mantra to mull over. How do these words affect you, what do they tell you, where can they help you make a conversion in your life?  The Good Shepherd:  Calling by Name; Recognition of Voice; Following the Shepherd; Not Following Strangers; Shepherd as Gate. God’s Word can change 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!