Prayer Blog

Sunday, June 27th Readings

13th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the beginning and the end.

You are the alpha and the omega.

You are the day and the night.

You are life and death.

Let me seek you in all things and at all times!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

  • The scripture says, “by the envy of the devil”, for what does the devil need to be envious?
  • What clarity do you find in this scripture about your purpose to live and the reason God created you?

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

  • Explain, “whoever had much did not have more, and whoever has little did not have less.”
  • How does this scripture explain the feeling of empathy? Does it inspire you to help other? What can you do right away?
  • How does the abundance of God make you feel?

Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

  • Jesus simply needed to be present to heal. Are there situations in your life where all you really need to do is be there for another person?
  • This woman “encounters” Jesus. What does that mean to you? Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus?
  • When have you touched Jesus? Describe the experience.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an experience when you knew God was on your side.
  • Share an experience when you knew the devil was envious of your words or actions.
  • If God created man to be imperishable, how do you explain feelings of being defeated or broken down? Where do you see abundance in your life? How can you share it?
  • What are the qualities of humankind?
  • Are any of the qualities of humankind the same as the qualities of God?
  • What qualities of God do you wish you had?  What keeps you from having those qualities?
  • Draw a picture of yourself in God’s image. 
  • How does knowing God made all things change how you look at a person? An animal? An insect? A spider? A landscape?
  • Have you ever been on the receiving end of abundance given freely?
  • How does God’s presence impact you? Be specific.
  • How many times do you think a person must encounter God before they are a believer and follower?
  • Is there something that always lifts your spirits? Maybe a song or a special treat or hearing someone speak with voice full of helium?
  • How come people say God provides? How does God pay my rent?
  • Describe how you’d act in a room with extremely wealthy people. How is it different from the question below?
  • Describe how you’d act in a room full of people in deep poverty. How is it different from the question above?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could find you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could see you!

Leader: Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could touch you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could hear you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could know you!

Leader:  Lord, you created me…

ALL:  so I could share you!

Challenge for the Week:  Have you ever gone to serve a meal or sat down for a meal at a shelter? Reflect this week on that experience (or those experiences). Think about how you felt, what you saw, whom you met and the circumstances which brought you to that place. Society would say you were in a place of poverty, is that what you saw? Perhaps. If your experience is anything like the ones I have had, you may have seen the world’s definition of poverty but not God’s. Some of the most generous and grateful people I have ever met are ones I have met by working in a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter. When we reach out to others with our abundance of time, talent or treasure, we don’t expect to be touched in return by God’s grace but believe me it happens!

Sunday, June 20th Readings

12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

You are the maker of all things;

You do not make junk.

Change my mind;

rid me of all worry and stress.

Allow me to let go;

and let you direct my life.

Guide me through your Word;

so I may live more for others than myself.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Job 38:1, 8-11

  • What is God trying to teach Job in this scripture? What lesson does God want you to learn?
  • Are you going through a storm in your life right now? Identify the source of the storm; was it self-made, man-made or created by God?

2Corinthians 5:14-17

  • How has the love of God called you into action? 
  • Define what it means to you to be a “new creation”?

Mark 4:35-41

  • What in your life causes you to be paralyzed with fear? How do you overcome fear?
  • The disciples were there together; who do you turn to when you see a storm coming? 

General Questions for Journaling

  • What do you do when you see a storm coming? How do you feel?
  • When you see a storm coming how do you react? Push on? Pull back? Simply hold on?
  • Do you believe God sets limits? What do you believe God limits?
  • Have you experienced a storm where you know God was with you?
  • Have you experienced a storm where you questioned God’s presence?
  • Reflect on who or what you live for; is it in honor of someone or something, it is for your own good, is it for Christ’s glory, or something else?
  • Are there things in your life which you missed out on experiencing because of fear? Do you have any regrets? What do you think God wants you to do about the things you regret?
  • Where do fears come from? How do they start? Do you believe fears are something each person is born with or are they something a person develops?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Be the calm in the storm when I am going down…

ALL:  Come to me!

Leader:  Be the gentle water washing away my selfish thoughts…

ALL:  Wash over me!

Leader:  Be the filter which keeps my thoughts and actions pure…

ALL:  Cleanse me!

Leader:  Be my floodgate to hold me back from temptation…

ALL:  Surround me!

Leader: Be the waves which drive my actions…

ALL:  Consume me!

Leader:  When I pursue you…

ALL:  I am overwhelmed by your loving presence!

Challenge for the Week:  Make the decision to let go of control of ONE THING in your life and allow God to take over.  Focus on that ONE THING in prayer, not asking God to do what you want Him to do in the situation but to truly hand it over to him.  Imagine that ONE THING as an onion; as you start let go of your control over the situation, allowing God to take charge, think about each layer of the onion being peeled away.  As you pray to allow yourself to let God take over, you might also imagine yourself as that onion; allowing God to shed the weight of the worry, anxiety, stress you carry because of that situation.  This process takes time; it takes attention and lots of practice!  If you aren’t patient, you can end up with a smelly onion which only makes the situation worse; however if you allow God to take over your situation the onion will become nothing and the situation won’t seem as daunting.

Sunday, June 13th Readings

11th Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

God,

You created me from the dirt

        with the Holy Spirit.

I become a new creation

        through the Sacraments.

You gave me eternal life

        by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

May I stay rooted in these truths,

        bearing good fruit for others.

Help me to grow in you,

        following the path you set out for me.

Be my guide, my comfort and omy peace.

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 17:22-24

  • How are you able to provide “shade” or “shelter” to others through your connection to God?
  • If God can make a tree bigger or smaller or make one bloom or wither; what does this say about what He can do for you?

2Corinthians 5:6-10

  • What does it mean to “walk by faith and not by sight”? What does it look like?
  • Share an example of someone you know or of a personal experience of living by faith and not by sight.

Mark 4:26-34

  • How is God like the farmer in the parable? Where do you see yourself?
  • Do you give the same attention to detail as the farmer did to his crop as you do to your own spiritual life?
  • Do you tend to the work of your job the way the farmer tends to the crop?  If so how does it feel?  If not, what does it mean?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Share an example when you were able to live out the “least become great and the great become the least”.
  • When did Jesus model the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Who other than Jesus in the bible practice the “least to great and great to least” attitude?
  • Where do you go for “shade”? What are some examples of when you need it? How does it feel when you find it?
  • Are there people whom you “shade” or offer protection? Do you do it naturally or did they ask for your help?
  • When would you say you “lose” your courage? Where does it go?
  • What helps you gain or re-gain courage when you need it?
  • Share an example or two of people whom you look up to who show or have shown great courage and how they inspire you.
  • When do you feel the most courageous? Be specific.
  • When do you feel the least courageous? Be specific.
  • What pleases God? How do you know?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Life begins as a seed,

ALL:  in the darkness.

Leader:  It is nourished and fed,

ALL:  and begins to sprout growth.

Leader: It soaks up the rain and the sun,

ALL:  which is given freely.

Leader:  Branches bend and sway,

ALL:  but the roots are strong.

Leader:  Over time it becomes a new creation,

ALL:  offering shade, shelter and support.

Leader:  Feed me Lord,

ALL:  plant and sow seeds of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness in my life.

Challenge for the Week:  Jesus used parables to help the disciples and other followers understand faith, love and the Kingdom of God.  In each parable, there is deep symbolism to explore.  This week, try to find a symbol which richly describes your faith and spirituality.  It might be something that has been passed on for generations in your family, it might be a gift you recently received, it might be something you or someone you know made especially for you.  Whatever it might be, there is deeper meaning to it than others can see.  As you search, remember the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ…the bread and wine are simply food and drink to some but the Catholic faith teaches and believes them to be the body and blood of Jesus, Savior and Lord.  Also, the mustard seed, so small and meek but within it there is the predisposition to become a giant tree.  After seeking out your symbol, try to write out a parable/story/reflection about it.

Sunday, June 6th Readings)

Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of salvation.

You are the blood shed for sin.

There is no one who loves more;

        who would sacrifice for the sake of all.

Make me your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

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

Hebrews 9:11-15

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

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

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

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

Sunday, May 30th Readings

Holy Trinity Sunday

Opening Prayer

Creator God,

You give the heavens and the earth

There is beauty all around

May I always recognize the goodness you give.

Savior God,

You came into this world as a child

You worked and healed and bled

May I always give thanks for the sacrifice you made.

Spirit God,

You bear witness to the truth

You give confidence and security

May I always call on you, a constant companion.

Amen.

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

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

Romans 8: 14-17

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

Matthew 28:16-20

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer – inspired by Psalm 33

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me trustworthy!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me working for justice!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me being kind and generous!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

ALL:  find me giving hope!

Leader:  Spirit of the living God…

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

Challenge for the Week:  Explaining the Trinity to someone can be a challenge, you may not even really understand it yourself.  However, if you are called to go out to all the world and make disciples of every nation, you need, no you MUST be able to describe your relationship with the Trinity.  Spend time this week identifying who the Trinity is to you.  This might require you to do some studying to learn more about Church teaching and/or to discuss with a friend or two how they view the Trinity. 

Sunday, May 23rd Readings

Pentecost Sunday

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

        and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

        so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

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

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

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

John 20:19-23

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make faith like a blazing fire!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make joy overflow like a raging waterfall!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make love spread like fierce wind!

Leader:  Holy Spirit, come…

ALL:  make peace cover us like a dense fog!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come…

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

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

Sunday, May 16th Readings

Ascension Sunday

Opening Prayer

Lord

You know my thoughts and you still love me;

       may my thoughts be good and true!

You know my actions and you still call me your own;

       may my actions be loving and forgiving!

Make my thoughts and actions more like you

       so I may go out and speak the Gospel!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 1:1-11

  • Share a time when you had Jesus in your midst.
  • Does the message the men in white had for the disciples ring true for you today?
  • How do you know the Holy Spirit is with you? Where does it come from?

Ephesians 1:17-23

  • What do you hope for? What gives hope? Where does it come from? How does it change one’s perspective when they have it?
  • How do you know if the Spirit is near? Is with you?
  • What name do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Do they respond when you call them by name? Share an example.

Mark 16:15-20

  • What does it mean to you to be a Baptized Christian? Do you identify yourself as being baptized or having been baptized? Is there a difference?
  • Do you believe there is power in Jesus’ name? When have you experienced power in the name of Jesus? What happened? How were you changed?
  • How do you think it felt for the disciples to lose Jesus a second time? How was this time different? How was this time the same?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Describe the Holy Spirit.
  • What does your baptism have to do with the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit affect your baptism?
  • How does knowing the Holy Spirit change your perspective on life? Situations? Struggles? Blessings?
  • How do you know the Spirit is near? Is with you?
  • Where do you look for God? In the sky? In the blessings? How does this limit God’s power?
  • Do you believe in heaven? Why or why not? Do you believe this is where God/Jesus can be found? Explain.
  • Explain why God is exalted? What does this mean?
  • Give an example of someone who has grown in faith? What are the symptoms/signs that your faith has grown?
  • What characteristics does a person who is “full of faith” have? By your definition, how do you compare?
  • How does God call you to share the Good News?
  • What message are you here to share? All of the Gospel or just a piece of it?
  • What signs or miracles do you see today? 
  • Have you been a witness of a modern day miracle? Explain. 
  • Where do you believe God is most present?
  • Where do you believe God in needed most?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May my heart be filled with compassion;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my eyes be filled with acceptance;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my hands be filled with help;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my minds be filled with non-judgment;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Leader:  May my spirit be filled with generosity;

ALL:  Fill me O, Lord!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider the qualifications of a person who follows God.  What would be the job description of a Disciple?  Would the description be different from the time the Apostles walked with Jesus vs today?  Why or why not?  Do you need to work for the church, be a priest or pastor in order to be closer to God or to be a Disciple?  Do you need to spend hours in prayer and reading scripture?  Must you do good works and deeds and help those who are marginalized in order to be considered as a Disciple?  Spend time this week really considering what a person in society today has that makes them a Disciple of God. 

Sunday, May 9th Readings

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Oh, Comforter

YOU reach out to us when we are lost and alone

YOU reach us when we are deep down and sinking

YOU save us from our afflictions and hurts

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

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

Journal/Reflection Questions

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

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

1John 4:7-10

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

John 15:9-17

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

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

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through nature

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

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through conflict

Leader:  Holy Spirit, with you I am complete…

ALL:  May my love for you deepen through relationship

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

ALL:  May my love for you deepen throughout my life

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

Sunday, May 2nd Readings

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Savior

The sacrifice YOU made on the cross

        is one sacrifice for all.

May the life I live reflect my gratitude

        for all YOU have done for me.

Fill me with YOUR Spirit so when I speak,

        all will understand that I am YOUR disciple!

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

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

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 9:26-31

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

1 John 3:18-24

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

John 15:1-8

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, April 25th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

I hear your voice

        and I follow.

I am comforted by

        the sound.

It is clear.

Lord, YOU are with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 4:8-12

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

1 John 3:1-2

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

John 10:11-18

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

General Questions for Journaling

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

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I listen.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I wait.

Leader: The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I surrender.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I respond.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I rejoice.

Leader:  The Lord calls my name…

ALL:  and I am complete!

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