prayers

Sunday, April 2nd Readings

Palm Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I call out in prayer,

          what do I say?

Do my words express my trust in you?

When I live out each day,

          what do I say?

Do my actions show I trust you?

Let me be more aware of how I hurt you.

May I work to let my words and my actions,

          express my love and trust in YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

  • From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
  • How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
  • Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?  Explain.
  • What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

  • How do you show love? Do you love others with conditions? What can you do to love others more fully?
  • What are you selfish about? With whom are you selfish? Are there people in your life whom you do not share openly? Why?
  • What qualities of Jesus do you admire the most? How do you relate to these traits?

Matthew 26:14-27:66

  • Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope? Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?
  • If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most? Why?
  • Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now. 

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

Challenge for the Week:  This week make the commitment to sacrifice some of your time and do something uncomfortable.  It might be something simple like making small talk with the person in line with you at the store or offering to purchase the coffee of a stranger.  You might consider taking some of the “me time” you work to create and volunteer.  Perhaps you could make time for someone you have been avoiding or someone who has been sick or is alone.  Too often, we get wrapped up in ourselves and we begin to complain about things that we really shouldn’t complain about.  Look around this week and sacrifice yourself for the sake of another who is going through something much more difficult than you.  It will help you gain perspective and prepare your heart for Holy Week!

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, 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, March 19th Readings

4th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

        my life will be muddy at times

        and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

        so you can wash me clean

        and I can live like you live!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

  • Have you ever questioned how God handled something? What can you learn from Samuel’s doubt of God choosing David to be King about your own doubt?
  • David was working in the field when God called upon him; where were you when you first felt God call you?
  • How do you feel anointed by God this Lent?

Eph 5:8-14

  • Saint Paul says to “live as children of light”, how can you do this?
  • Share an example of how being rooted in Christ produces “good fruit”.
  • Share an example of how being disconnected from Christ causes darkness.

Jn 9:1-41

  • The Blind Man is thrown out of the synagogue for defending Jesus, have you ever been thrown out because of your belief? What caused this division? How did you react? Was it resolved?
  • Reflect on how Jesus used clay to cover the blind man’s eyes and heal them. What has Jesus covered with clay or mud in your life that needs transformation?

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel you hear the story of a man born blind.  Take time this week to think about the life of this man.  Prior to meeting Jesus, what do you think a typical day looked like for him?  When he met Jesus, he listened to Jesus and followed what Jesus told him to do.  Then the people in the village saw that the blind man had changed, and the blind man told everyone about Jesus.  He even stood strong in his belief when faced with opposition from the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and doubted the blind man, trying to discredit his character publicly.  After being ridiculed and pushed aside, Jesus came to give comfort.  What lessons can you learn from the blind man?  Is there a particular area in which you have trouble meeting Jesus, listening to Jesus, following Jesus, telling others about Jesus, standing up for Jesus, allowing Jesus to comfort you?  Let the blind man’s story give you strength, guidance and wisdom as you continue your journey through Lent.

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, March 5th Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord

Let me remember

          that each day is a blessing

And within each day

          there are thousands of blessings

It’s a blessing when the sun shines

          and also a blessing when it rains

Teach me to be grateful and recognize

          for all of the blessings you give me.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 12:1-4a

  • Would you respond in the same way as Abraham to God’s request?
  • How are you a “blessing” to others? How can you be more of a “blessing” to others?
  • How are you being sent out this Lenten season? What mission do you have to be a witness of your faith?
  • Abram has such an intimate relationship with God, how does your relationship with God compare?

2Timothy 1:8b-10

  • Identify the “hardships” of the Gospel. What are some of the things God asks you to do which you find difficult?
  • What does Paul say about the hardships expected for those who follow Christ? What does he say of joy?
  • Are there burdens you carry because of you are a Christian?

Matthew 17:1-9

  • “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” was spoken to Jesus at His baptism too, what are the similarities in these two passages? Why would God say the same thing again? What significance does it hold?
  • How does this scripture relate to a situation in your life? Are you standing still in a decision and need to get off the mountain? Are you blinded by injustice or indifference and unable to move?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How is God calling you out of your comfort zone?
  • Are there limits to what you will do for God? On where you will go? How does this affect your relationship with Him?
  • How can you be Christ to another person? Plan to be intentional with your words and actions when interacting with others for an entire day.
  • If it is God’s grace that has saving power, how do you experience it in your life?
  • Have you heard God speak to you? When was it? Where were you? What did you do when you heard it? Who did you share the experience with?
  • What do you wish for in your life? What do you wish for the life of your children? Your parents? Your friends? How are your wishes for them the same? How are they different?
  • What good does wishing do?
  • How do you take God with you when you travel? Do you have a specific ritual? A special prayer?
  • Where has God been on your Lenten journey so far? Is He within reach or still far away?
  • Describe what it feels like to be blessed by God? By others?
  • Share your memories of being physically blessed (through sacrament or prayer).
  • How have your words or actions shown God and others that you trust and follow in God’s ways? Share a specific example from the past week.
  • When have you experienced grace this week? Did you receive it directly from God or through another person? Explain.
  • Have you leaned on God for strength this week? For what reason? Did you receive it?
  • How has Jesus touched your life today? 
  • Are you open to allowing Jesus to use you to touch the life of another?
  • When have you been to a place where you were completely at peace? Did you want to set up a tent and stay forever? Share.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, come journey with me

ALL:  on the path before me;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  when the road gets rocky and steep;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  through fields of wildflowers;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  across rivers, streams and oceans;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  into the mud and muck;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  to places indescribable;

Leader:  come journey with me

ALL:  and show me your amazing love!                    

Challenge for the Week:  The Gospel this week reminds me that God’s timing is perfect.  If you are given what you want at the exact time you want it, you are not prepared (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) to receive it nor are you mature enough to understand it.  It is similar to when a couple finds out they are pregnant.  If the baby showed up at the moment of conception, they would not be prepared for that child.  They wouldn’t have the physical things a baby needs and even if they had been praying for a child, they wouldn’t be completely prepared to care for the child.  God gives the time necessary to prepare for the blessings He has planned.  This Lenten season, God has blessings beyond measure in store for you, however, there are hardships you must encounter along the way, sacrifices made and you might even have to get a little uncomfortable (imagine being comfortable when you are 8 months pregnant).  This week instead of whining or complaining about a sacrifice you are forced to make or something that didn’t go your way, remember that it is a blessing (not in disguise but a true blessing) and trust God will deliver when you are ready.

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 your copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 26th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As I awake to each new day,

          may I be aware of the breath I take.

Before I even open my eyes,

          may I inhale deeply the life You give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

          let me count the blessings and

          be fully aware of the love You have for me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

  • How is your relationship with God? Is it different than the way God intended it to be?
  • What do you try to hide from God? What do you hide from others? 
  • Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

Romans 5:12-19

  • Paul says to be grateful for the sin of Adam. Why do you think he says this? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think?
  • Is there a difference between sinning against God and sinning against your neighbor?
  • How have you sacrificed or given to another for them to have life?

Matthew 4:1-11

  • Jesus fights the devil in the desert, how can you draw strength from this reading in your struggles?
  • Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
  • What desert places have you encountered? Are you in the desert now?  How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The gift of freewill gets humans into a lot of trouble. Is there a time when you knew the will of God but you ignored it like Adam and Eve?
  • Why do you think God gave humans free will but not the other creatures?
  • If God didn’t give humans free will, what do you think the world would be like?
  • How do you hide your sinfulness from others? Are you honest with yourself about your faults and failings?
  • Sometimes when a person fails, they become discouraged and give up because the weight of sin can be paralyzing. What can you do to help you remember that Jesus already bore your sins? How can you free yourself or others from the burden of sin?
  • Describe a time when you felt you were in the desert. Describe a time when you felt you were in the wilderness. How did those experiences similar? Differ? Where was God in these experiences?
  • Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them? 
  • What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad? By what do you measure?
  • Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
  • How does sin weigh you down? 
  • How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
  • What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why? (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me remember…

ALL:  I am clay.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I am created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  I am clay!

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for 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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 19th Readings

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I feel beaten

          and alone,

When it seems all is lost

          or forgotten,

Let me cling to YOUR spirit.

Allow me to gain strength

          through your love.

Come.

Dwell in my soul.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

  • How is holiness described here? How is your personal holiness connected to others?
  • To love others as Jesus loves is a tall order. Are there people in your life with which you hold a grudge? Feel contempt toward? Consider unworthy of your time or attention?
  • How does it feel when you carry a grudge, hatred, or revenge with you and into your relationships?

1Corinthians 3:16-23

  • Can a person deceive themself? Can they lie to themself? Share an example.
  • If God dwells in you, you are the tabernacle. How do you treat your body as the temple of God? How do you honor God within yourself?
  • How do you treat the “temple of God”? What can you do to take better care of yourself knowing within you dwells God?

Matthew 5:38-48

  • Jesus said the “old” law was to seek justice, “an eye for an eye” but the “new” law says to “turn the other cheek.” This is easier said than done but have you done it? Reflect on a time when you were able to “turn the other cheek”, how were you able to do this?
  • What makes it difficult to turn the other cheek? Name the feeling. Where does it come from?
  • Consider your actions toward someone who has hurt you. What are the feelings you feel when you are around that person or when you know you know you will need to interact with them? What steps can you take to transform those negative feelings into more positive ones?
  • Spend time reflecting on how Jesus lived out this Gospel message in his final days on earth. What can you take from this example and apply to a situation you are experiencing at this time in your life?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does it mean to be holy? How can you be holy like God is holy? Where do you start?
  • Where do you see God’s holiness in your life? What signs of heaven do you find here on earth?
  • Is there someone whom you are in conflict with right now? What stands in the way of reconciliation?
  • What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your sin or your potential?
  • Imagine your heart is a garden, what condition is your garden in? What do you need to do so God can grow more abundantly in your heart? What do you need to weed out? What do you need to plant?
  • Knowledge you can measure through testing to show how much you know. How is wisdom measured?
  • On a scale from 1-10, identify the wisdom within. How do you rate? Do you know anyone whom you’d rate at a 10?
  • Who taught you about taking turns or how to be fair?
  • How does it feel when you don’t get your turn?
  • Are there situations in your life right now that are “not fair”? How do you deal with them?
  • Is there something in your life (a sin) which tempts you? How often do you give in? What helps you to resist?
  • Have you ever been able to find peace in an unfair situation? Share.
  • When was the last time you gave more than was required or asked for? What was the situation? Why did you give more?
  • Are there people in your life who have hurt you? Have you forgiven them for that hurt? What did you do or what do you need to do in order to let go of the hurt and allow forgiveness to work?
  • Identify where evil lurks in your life. How do you identify it? How do you feed it? What can you do to resist evil?
  • One of the hardest things for humans to do is to let go and forgive. Is there someone who is waiting for your forgiveness? What can you do to begin to work on forgiving that person?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Holy is the word of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the WORD!

Leader:  Holy is the flesh of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BODY!

Leader:  Holy is the blood of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the BLOOD!

Leader:  Holy is the cross of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is the CROSS!

Leader:  Holy is the peace of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is His PEACE!

Leader:  Holy is the name of Jesus,

ALL:  Holy is His NAME!

Challenge for the Week:  Pray, Pray, Pray.  Pray for yourself, pray for those you love, pray for friends and family who are sick or have asked for prayers and don’t forget to pray for those who have hurt you or who persecute you?  This does not mean to pray for them to stop hurting you, rather to prayer for their soul; pray for their conversion; pray their hurt may be healed; pray they seek God.  It is not easy to pray for good things for those who hurt you or persecute you.  It is human instinct is to wish them harm, but remember Jesus says in the Gospel this week you must love your enemies.  Consider also how you can show love toward those who hurt you.  Turn to the Bible to find examples you follow.

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

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, February 12th Readings

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

Give me the eyes to see you!

          I want to choose you,

          I want to run to you,

          I want to love you,

                   but I find it difficult at times

                   to embrace what I cannot see.

Fill me with the faith to choose you,

          even when I cannot see!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 15:15-20

  • Why do you think God trusts humanity with free will? Are you able to tell the difference between good and evil all of the time?
  • Do you believe God sees all things? If so, what would he say about your actions this past week? Today?
  • Is it enough to simply say you choose God? Why or why not? How do your words and actions show you choose God?

1Corinthians 2:6-10

  • Can you imagine something beautiful? How does it make you feel that God created that beauty just for your pleasure?
  • Describe what it feels like to be surrounded by God’s beauty?
  • How do you see God? How do you hear God? What does God smell like, taste like, feel like? What does your heart tell you about God?

Matthew 5:17-37

  • Is there anger in your heart? How would God judge?
  • How can what you do or say contradict the truth?
  • What does the “spirit of the law” mean? How can you apply it to your life?
  • Can you love God and others without the law? Are the commandments necessary? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever done something good or something you were supposed to do and then made sure others knew you did it? How was this like OR not like the Pharisees in the Gospel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How do you know the will you have chosen is God’s will? 
  • If you believe God sees all things, why do you still sin?
  • Is it easy or difficult to choose between good and evil? How can you tell the difference?
  • Identify the ways in which the commandments help you.
  • What does fear of God look like to you?
  • How is wisdom different than knowledge or understanding?
  • How do you live out the law? 
  • How does God show you He loves you? How do you know it’s God?
  • When you think of heaven, what do you see, hear, smell, taste?
  • Describe a time when you felt the Holy Spirit “working” inside of you. When was it, where were you, who were you with, what were you doing? How do you know it was the Holy Spirit?
  • The Bible says God is a good judge. What evidence is there of this?
  • How can righteousness keep you from loving God or your neighbor. Reflect on a time when you experienced this firsthand.
  • Is it possible to live beyond the law? What would that look like?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in all of creation.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  with a rainbow.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in the commandments.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  on a cross.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  in the Word & Eucharist.

Leader:  You give Your love

ALL:  through ME!

Challenge for the Week:  Judging others is a sin many struggle with on a daily basis but did you know that even if you have been able to control judging others, you may not have controlled judging yourself?  When people judge themselves they tend to be harder on themselves than they are on others.  Spend some time this week “judging” yourself and others through the eyes of Jesus.  Consider how your vision changes.

AND/OR

How does God influence your decisions?  Do you turn to God to help you discern your life choices or are there others in your life who help you?  Allow yourself to consider the decisions you make and the process in which you make them.  Do the people whom you ask for help have your best interests at heart or do they have something to lose or gain?  How do the commandments play a role in the decisions you make?  Reflect on the 10 commandments this week and come up with questions you can ask yourself when you are faced with a decision.  Allow these questions to help you make a choice which falls in line with your beliefs and follows God’s plan for you in your life.  Give God room in your life and in your decisions to guide 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 and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 5th Readings

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father,

Jesus said,

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be consoled.

May I find comfort during the difficult seasons,

times of loss and darkness let me find You.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall have their fill.

I trust in You that justice and mercy will find it’s path,

even if I do not see it happening.

Jesus, said, blessed are you!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 58:7-10

  • How can you re-word the phrase, “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed” to have meaning in your spiritual life today?
  • Isaiah reveals in the scripture that when your works for others, God is there. In what other scripture passage do you hear this message?  What is the significance of this?

1Corinthians 2:1-5

  • St. Paul is saying there is nothing getting in the way of the word he is preaching. What kind of things can get in the way in some of your conversations with others? What do you sometimes hide behind?
  • Is there a situation in your life right now where you need be more like St Paul in this scripture and be honest?    

Matthew 5:13-16

  • Personify salt, light and a city on a mountain. What qualities would each of these have?  What qualities do you emulate? Are there qualities you can cultivate into your life?
  • You can have not enough salt or too much salt, or not enough light or too much light. How does this concept apply to your spiritual life?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Good can come from suffering; how can something you have suffered through be a benefit to another person?
  • Share an example of how God is behind you doing good things for others.
  • From the time Jesus was born, he was “light”. The Shepherds and Magi found him by following the star. Simeon and Anna recognized the “light”. Even the fishermen on the shore were drawn to the “light” so that they left everything behind to follow it. How do you let the “light” of Jesus shine in your life?
  • Do you like to share? What is something you like to share?
  • Are there things in your life that you don’t like to share? Why?
  • The world has an “it’s all about ME” attitude but Jesus calls you to fill the needs of your neighbors. Consider your actions in the past week, when did you have an “it’s all about ME” attitude? What could you have done differently to have an attitude of Christ?
  • Do you hide a bad habit, negative behavior or addiction from others? You cannot hide your true-self from God. Create a strategy to bring what you hide from others to light so God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness can help you overcome.
  • Imagine God read all of your emails and text messages this past week, viewed all of the websites you viewed, and listened to the top 25 songs on your playlist. Would they reflect God’s love?
  • When was the last time you put your own agenda aside in order to help another person?  What was the outcome? Where there any benefits or consequences to your action?
  • When do you call out to God for help? What type of things do you want/need God’s help with?
  • Reflect on a struggle you have right now. Consider the struggle from another person’s point of view. How might God see the same struggle? How can your faith give you a different perspective?
  • When you look through human understanding, it doesn’t make sense that death on a cross gives eternal life. Faith says differently. Is there anything you are anxious about or causes you worry that needs the power of God?
  • What gives your life flavor?
  • How do you think God wards off gloom in your life?  Give examples.
  • What does it look like to rely fully on God for your happiness?
  • Have you ever claimed to know more than you really do?  When?  What was the circumstance?  How did the situation turn out for you?
  • How can you shine the spotlight on the good works of another?
  • Make a list of all of the things which produce light. What produces darkness?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Through compassion I give and receive;

ALL:  Your mercy endures forever!

Leader:  Through understanding, watching and waiting;

ALL:  Your patience endures forever! 

Leader:  Through good works, for myself and others;

ALL:  Your justice endures forever!

Leader:  Through forgiveness, I offer and accept; 

ALL:  Your grace endures forever!

Leader:  Through eternal life given through death;

ALL:  Your love endures forever!

Challenge for the Week: 

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, January 29th Readings

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

What do I ask for when I pray?

What is it I seek?

Do I seek Your will or

          do I expect You to do what I ask?

Do I trust You in word alone

          or do my actions reflect my trust too?

Bring me to my knees,

          humble me, 

                   so I might understand how to pray.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

  • Are there laws of God which you disagree? If so, what are they?
  • How does God keep you from telling lies or doing wrong? Explain.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

  • God makes you worthy of your call; what excuses do you still use to not live out your call?
  • How can being weak, foolish and lowly give glory to God? 

Matthew 5:1-12a

  • Which one of the Beatitudes stands out to you as one you have or can achieve?
  • Which one of the Beatitudes do you think sounds impossible to achieve?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where is happiness found? Do you feel like it hides from you at times?
  • When you read scripture, do you allow a piece of it to remain with you? 
  • God speaks to you daily, are you listening? What is God saying to you today?
  • Would you say you are living with purpose? Where would you fall on a scale from 1-10?  Explain.
  • When you leave a conversation, a meeting or the dinner table, what do you leave behind? Is it a spirit of love, friendship or peace? Or is it frustration, anger or discontent?
  • Do you allow the power of God to work in you and through you? Give examples.
  • Are there people in your home or at your workplace who need to hear that God loves them? What can you do?
  • Is there a difference between being faithful and living your faith?
  • When was the last time you sacrificed something for the good of another person in your family?
  • Have you ever sacrificed something for the good of someone you’ve never met? When? How? Why?
  • Share a time when you were singled out or rejected because of your belief in God.
  • Are there people whom you are afraid to share your faith with? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 146

Leader:  God raises me up…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God gives me comfort…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God protects me from harm…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God sustains me; my one constant…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Leader:  God is forever faithful…

ALL:  I am blessed!

Challenge for the Week:  Take the time to read the scriptures again this week.  Read them out loud so the words go out from your mouth and back in through your ears.  Allow time after you’ve read them to sit and meditate on what you read.  As you sit in silence, let the words swim in your mind, picturing each word.  Spend as much time as necessary until ONE word stands out, ONE word that does not leave you but buries itself into your heart, mind and soul.  What is that word?  Let this word be your guide this week as though it is a call to action.  How many times does it appear in the Bible and in what context?  Are there prayers written which highlight this word, if not, write one.  Is there a way to live out this word?  Make a plan to do so, perhaps inspiring others to join you.  Let God speak 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 and 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!