Good Friday Prayer Guide

Good Friday

Opening Prayer – Psalm 31:15-16

My trust is in you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.

In your hands is my destiny;

rescue me from the clutches

of my enemies and my persecutors.”

Reflection Questions

1^st Reading – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

Jesus studied this scripture. How does the knowledge that this scripture was written long before Jesus was born affect your faith? Be specific.
Each line of the scripture can be connected to an action in the Gospel, is it easier to listen to the words spoken or easier to read them in silence?

2^nd Reading – Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

How does the tone of this scripture differ from the first reading? Do you think you need to read the first reading to have a fuller understanding of what the second reading is about or would it have the same meaning if it stood alone?
What sin do you lay on Jesus?

Gospel Reading – John 18:1 – 19:42

Who else has identified themselves as “I am”? Where have you heard this before, with whom and what is the connection?
Share a time when you were able to relate to Jesus in this scripture. Be specific about how knowing Jesus suffered with you, helped you through your own suffering.

Closing Prayer

Leader: So it may be fulfilled

ALL: Jesus was betrayed.

Leader: So it may be fulfilled

ALL: Jesus was beaten.

Leader: So it may be fulfilled

ALL: Jesus was pierced.

Leader: So it may be fulfilled

ALL: Jesus died to save all God’s people from sin and death!

Challenge for Good Friday: Death is a known known. Anything that is born, will also die. It is inevitable. Why is death difficult? Why is it something to be feared? Are there things you want to achieve before you die?

Jesus said, “It is finished”. He had completed His task. Take time today to spend talking to God about what your task is and how you will work to complete it so then at the time of your death, you too can be confident in letting go of this life and embrace the next!

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Holy Thursday Prayer Guide

Holy Thursday

Opening Prayer

I will call upon the Lord

and He shall answer!

I shall give thanks and praise

for all the Lord has done!

Alleluia!

Reflection Questions

1^st Reading – Exodus 12:1-8,11-14

Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home? What can you do to reveal him?
How do others know you are a Christian?

2^nd Reading – 1Corinthians 11:23-26

When you hear these words prayed during the Eucharistic Celebration of Mass, who do you invite to the table with you?
What do the words, “do this in remembrance of me” mean to you?

Gospel Reading – John 13:1-15

Jesus says, “Do you know what I have done for you?” He isn’t only speaking to the disciples when he says to go and do; He is speaking to you too. Identify 2-3 things you will do this Easter Season to follow Jesus’ example.
Jesus knows His disciples will scatter in fear, what do you think allows him to stay and celebrate the Passover meal with His friends and wash their feet?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Shown in hospitality;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Shown in compassion;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Shown in sacrifice;

ALL: love as I have loved.

Leader: Jesus…

ALL: you have shown me how to love!

Challenge for Holy Thursday: It is common practice for Jesus to be placed at the altar at the end of Holy Thursday’s Mass for the faithful to stay and participate in what in the Catholic Church calls Adoration. This time is set aside specifically on the Thursday before Easter during Holy Week, to practice in real time staying awake for Jesus. It is an opportunity to join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where He went to pray before He was arrested. The ritual generally lasts until Midnight and then Jesus is removed to imitate how He had been taken into custody.

Set aside an hour to be with Jesus. You choose how you will spend the time. You can sit in silence or pray the Rosary or light candles or write a prayer or draw a mandala; it is your choice how to spend this specific hour with Jesus.

Sunday, April 10th Readings

PALM SUNDAY

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Your example brings joy

but it also brings pain.

Open my heart to understand

both the joy and pain.

Help me to know You more deeply

as I experience both in the scriptures.

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50 :4-7

Define a well-trained tongue. Would you say your tongue is well trained?
Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?
From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

How have you emptied yourself to Christ this Lenten season? It is not too late.
How does your body language show respect or disrespect to God when you pray? How can you better show the reverence you say you have with your words, through your body language?

Luke 22:14-23:56

What have you done to reject God in the last month, week, day, hour? What was the “benefit” we received?
When did you last serve another person? How did you serve them? What was your motivation? What was their response?
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?

General Questions for Journaling

Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?
Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
Name qualities of a humble person. Do you have any of these qualities? Do you know anyone who does?
What gets in your way when you try to give your time to Jesus in prayer? What distracts you?
If you believe Jesus is the King of Glory, how do you show your obedience to Him?
What are some changes which cause anticipation? What are some changes which cause anxiety? How are they the same? How are they different?
Is there some discomfort when standing up for what is right? Explain.
What do you say is the opposite of love? Hate? Fear? Distrust? Selfishness? Or something else? How does the opposite you choose affect your definition of love?
When was the last time you defended your faith to another? Where is the line of defending and being hypocritical?
Are there areas in your life where you have fallen asleep? How might God be calling you to wake up?
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?

Closing Prayer

Leader: At dawn

ALL: YOU bring the sunrise to wake me.

Leader: In the morning

ALL: YOU clear the fog and give me a new day.

Leader: During the day

ALL: YOU are in each person and thing I see.

Leader: In the evening

ALL: YOU bring the night to slow me down.

Leader: At bedtime

ALL: YOU give me comfort as I rest.

Leader: Each day

ALL: YOU are with me to begin again!

Challenge for the Week: Choose a scripture passage (limit to 3-5 words) from this weekend’s readings to focus on this week. As Holy Week approaches it is easy to get wrapped up in the ritual and movement, forgetting the meaning behind all of the pomp and circumstance. Use the scripture passage you chose to connect in a deeper way to the experience of Jesus, of the people around Him and the situation at hand. Seek to find a connection to an experience or situation you are currently or recently have been dealing with and then determine how God is leading you to conversion through this experience or situation. What will your scriptural mantra be this week???

Sunday, April 3rd Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help me

to remember that it is YOU who makes all things NEW!

Teach me

to let go of past mistakes and begin fresh with a new perspective.

Open me

up to try new paths instead of the same one over and over.

Guide me

with grace, showing kindness and mercy even when I do not follow.

Lead me

to be the person I am meant to be, no matter how many times I do wrong.

Thank you Lord,

for making all things new, including ME!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 43:16-21

What keeps you from believing God has a plan for you and has created a safe passageway for you just as He did for the Israelites? How do your actions confirm your belief or disbelief?
How do the events of the past (those of the Old Testament and/or the events of the past 3-6 months) affect how you live out today? Share specific examples.

Philippians 3:8-14

How can you accept loss? What does that look like?
St Paul is determined; he has his eye on the prize. What is your goal? What steps do you take each day to achieve your goal? Are there others whom have a similar goal? How can you help one another reach your goal?

John 8:1-11

Do you condemn others? What causes you to do so? Is it jealousy? Is it because you think something is unfair? Is it out of fear of the unknown or what you don’t understand?
Where are you called to be merciful like Jesus in this Scripture? Who needs you to reach out to them?

General Questions for Journaling

Where in the Bible does God abandon someone? Where in the Bible does God leave anyone alone? How does this knowledge affect you?
When have you felt like God has left you alone or abandoned you? What was the situation? How did you overcome?
How has God shown His presence to you today?
Have you ever searched for God from the moment you come into consciousness in the morning until the moment you doze off to sleep at night? What would that day look like? How would you describe it?
How does God re-create each day? Do you think today is different than yesterday? Why or why not?
Each day God offers us a new beginning; what things of the past do you need to leave in the past so you can begin again?
How do your sins feel? Describe how it feels when you sin and how you are changed; how it affects your behavior, your thoughts.
What is the most important relationship in your life? Why?
What does it mean to live your live forward? What does it mean to live in the past? Where do you see yourself on the spectrum?
Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to show them mercy? Who is it and what do they need you to do?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, YOU are forever good

ALL: to me, even when I sin against you and others.

Leader: Father, YOU are forever kind

ALL: to me, especially when I experience hurt.

Leader: Father, YOU are forever generous

ALL: to me, even when I call on you for help.

Leader: Father, YOU are forever merciful

ALL: to me, especially when I turn my back to you.

Leader: Father, YOU are forever faithful

ALL: to me, and I am grateful for your examples of goodness, kindness, generosity, mercy and faith!

Challenge for the Week: Where do you see God walking with you on your journey? Are you walking together side by side or are you lagging behind? Have you stumbled and refuse to get up and move or is God carrying you? What terrain are you travelling? Are you on flatland? Going through the desert? Climbing a mountain? Swimming/wading/drowning in the deep waters? Take time this week to figure out where you are on your journey with God. Use your own words to describe and even possibly draw a picture of what it looks like. Whether you write the words or draw the picture, put the date on it and place it in your bible so you can find it later and reflect on how it compares to where you are at that moment of time. God gives you all you need to succeed; you simply need to train your will to remain accountable.

Sunday, March 27th Readings

4th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Let me come to you,

when I am weak and weary.

Teach me to reach out to you,

when I don’t know the way.

Allow me to cling to you,

so you can help me find my way

through the darkness.

Lead me to the fullness of life,

you promise and died to give me.

YOU, are all I will ever need!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Joshua 5 :9a, 10-12

How does God care for the Israelite’s? How does He care for you today?
The Israelite’s were guided to the Promised Land. How can you relate your life to the journey of the Israelite’s? How is it similar? How is it different?
The Promised Land was home to the Israelite’s, how do you define home? What is home for you?

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

What do you give to Jesus to make Him righteous? How do your words or actions give Jesus “wings” or a “leg to stand on”?
Read this scripture again and imagine you are in a courtroom. How does it play out in your head? Can you find forgiveness?

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

What message does Jesus send with this parable? Can you list at least three life lessons Jesus is trying to teach?
Where do you find yourself in the parable at this point in your life? Are you working hard, doing what you are supposed to be doing like the Older Son? Are you squandering away the gifts God has given you like the Younger Son? Can you find it in yourself to welcome the sinner home with open arms like the Father? Are you a bystander, a witness? Be honest with yourself.
Identify how the Father and the Son’s in this parable have changed because of the experience. Can they return to how they were? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

How is Lent like the Israelite’s wandering in the desert? What was their final destination? How is that like your Lent/Easter?
Like Passover, what traditions do you hold in your life as important? What makes them important?
Where did your traditions come from? Are they hereditary? Are they cultural? Are they religious? How do these traditions form you? What makes them so sacred?
Make a list of at least ten things that you use/consume that come from the earth. Can you also make a list of ten ways you work to conserve/protect the earth?
What can you do to learn from God about how to forgive and forget?
Is it easier to give forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Why?
Does Christ live within you? How do you know? Can others tell?
What characteristics of Christ do you see in yourself? Reflect on these gifts and determine what purpose God has for you to use them!
How do you rejoice when you find something you have lost?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Each time I turn my back on you,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I ignore your Words,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I whine and complain,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I go in the wrong direction,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I say the wrong thing,

ALL: Lord, you welcome me home!

Leader: Each time I sin, Lord,

ALL: you welcome me home!

Challenge for the Week: Make a list of the synonyms for the word, forgive. How many can you come up with? Try this week to use these synonyms in your life through word and action. Where can you “restore harmony”? Is there a “hatchet” you need to “bury”? Once you have used all of the synonyms on yourself in your own life, see what injustices there are and where you can help to “reconcile” in your community. Aim to use each synonym you come up with at least once, get out there and “patch things up”!

Sunday, March 20th Readings

3rd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

You planted me in the garden of life starting as a tiny seed; tucked away in the darkness.

You gave me Your Word to feed me.

You gave me good works nourish me.

You gave me Your Spirit to sustain me.

Slowly I emerge, struggling to break through, reaching each day toward the SON!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

Put yourself in the place of Moses, what do you feel? What do you do? How are you called to action? How are you called to conversion?
Can you see evidence of the trinity in this scripture?

1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

What spiritual food and drink do you consume?
What evil do you desire?

Luke 13:1-9

A gardener needs to pull weeds, cut off dead branches and prune to generate new growth; when have you seen new growth in your life from pulling, cutting and pruning?
How is God like a gardener to the world? To you?

General Questions for Journaling

Where do you find holy ground? What is your definition? What makes it holy?
When have you witnessed something holy? Where were you? Did you know it was holy at the time or was it revealed to you in retrospect?
Is God’s voice clear and consistent or distant and hazy? What words do you use to describe God’s voice in your life?
In what ways do you care for the earth? Do you do it out of obligation or another reason? Be specific.
How do you encourage or discourage others to care for the earth?
How does care for the earth relate to your faith?
What are some of the qualities you value in friendship? Who are the people whom you spend the most time? What do you have in common with them? What keeps you connected?
Where does God/Jesus/Holy Spirit fall in line with your friends? What value do you place on your relationship with each of the members of the trinity?
Are there some friends with whom you want to reconnect? What do you need to do to reestablish these relationships? How can God help you do this?
God wants us to tend to one another; what can you do to fertilize others around you?
How do you cultivate your faith? What work do you do to keep your faith from producing bad fruit? Share examples.
How do you rate yourself as a giver of grace, mercy and forgiveness?
How do you rate yourself as a receiver of grace, mercy and forgiveness?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call us by name…

ALL: Here I am Lord!

Leader: You wait patiently for our answer…

ALL: Here I am Lord!

Leader: You walk with us through the desert…

ALL: Here I am Lord!

Leader: You sit with us during the storm…

ALL: Here I am Lord!

Leader: You carry us when we turn away…

ALL: Here I am Lord!

Leader: You call us each to fulfill a purpose…

ALL: Here I am Lord; find me READY!

Challenge for the Week: In the first reading we see Moses’ conversion, his turning from the old ways and beginning anew with God. When have you experienced a conversion? During Lent each person is called to a conversion of self, turn away from sin and toward the Gospel. You should be letting go of a bad habit or trying to practice a new life-giving habit. Check in this week on how you are doing so far this Lent. Have you made progress in developing a deeper relationship with God, yourself and others? Can you see evidence of a conversion happening? It is not too late to make this Lent a meaningful one…make sure you are on course for having a productive Lent!

Sunday, March 13th Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

Bring on the new day!

Allow my spirit to be awakened!

No more will I suffer, for YOU are my Lord!

I will keep your commands!

Your promises you keep!

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Have you questioned your ability to achieve what God requests of you? Share an example.
What does God ask for you to sacrifice for a relationship with him?
God gives Abram the stars to represent his promise. What has God used in your life to represent his promise to you?
What covenant does God make with Abram? How do the terms of the covenant affect you?

Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1

Do you know people who “shine”? Describe what this means.
According to this scripture, what must you do? How can you better prepare yourself to achieve this?
How do you know if something is glorified? Does it look, smell, taste, feel different?

Luke 9:28b-36

God’s voice comes from the cloud in this scripture, where else has God’s voice come from? Where have you heard God’s voice?
How does being on a mountain top change one’s perspective? Share a time when you have been on top of a mountain, what did you see, what did you feel?
Why do you think people in the Bible go up to the mountain to pray? What is the significance? What should we learn from this action?
Why is it good for the disciples to be there on the mountain? Why is it also good for the disciples to come down?

General Questions for Journaling

What is the difference between righteous and self-righteous? Can they lead you down the same path? Why or why not?
Does darkness come suddenly or does it creep up on you? Share an example. Then compare the situation to your faith life.
Have you ever been afraid of the dark? What about the darkness frightened you? Describe the feeling you get when you come out of darkness into light.
Do you trust God 100%? What keeps you from trusting God at all times, and in all things? Be specific and honest with yourself about what keeps you from trusting God all the way.
Are you blinded by other things in your life? What are some of those things that can blind you from God’s goodness?
Would you describe yourself an being 1)led blindly through life by God, 2)a consultant with God on your path in life, 3)going through life ready to face whatever comes your way.
Make a list of at least five things that boost your spirits. What happens within you when you get excited about something?
How do you come to know Jesus better? Write down all you know about Jesus. Do you know anyone who needs to have this information?
Where have you seen God in everyday situations?
How do you know God is real?
What earthly things are keeping you from Jesus?
How do you imitate God?

Closing Prayer

Leader: As the day comes to a close and darkness fills the sky…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: When I surrender to the silence of the night…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: In the birds who chirp their welcome to a new day…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: As I say my prayers and pause for a response…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord.

Leader: When I go forth to see what my day has in store…

ALL: I hear your voice, Lord,

guiding me, leading me up the mountain!

Challenge for the Week: In the Gospel, something spectacular is revealed and Jesus tells the disciples not to tell anyone. However, if you’re like me, your instinct is to share good news when you hear it. Think about it. When you get asked to the prom, when you land your dream job, when you buy a new car, all of these things are pretty exciting, and it would be really difficult to keep these things to yourself. Reflect this week on how these disciples must have felt to not be able to share what they had seen and heard while on the mountaintop. Would you have the discipline to keep this experience to yourself?

Sunday, March 6th Readings

1^st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead me through the desert places

so I may be refreshed and made new

You put before me a banquet feast to nourish

so I may be filled with Your goodness

You gave your life to show love without conditions

so I may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord for guiding me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

What do you lay at the altar of God?
How does being in the desert change your perspective?
What good comes from this desert experience for the Israelites? For you?

Romans 10:8-13

How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both? Share an example.
When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?
How do you show love to God? How do you show God’s love for others? Is it the same or different, explain.

Luke 4:1-13

The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

General Questions for Journaling

When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
How does God nourish you? Do you allow God to nourish you?
Describe what it feels like to be empty of God’s presence.
Describe what it feels like to be full of God’s presence.
Make a list of things you can bring to others between now and Easter to help you express your faith more openly.
Are there people in your community/family who are crying out but you are ignoring them? Listen for what God wants you to do.
What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
How can love be blind?
When did you first understand unconditional love?
Does love require effort? Why or why not?
How are you exercising your faith?
How does having faith give power? What does faith have power over?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to share Your love with others.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to set captives free.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to show mercy and kindness.

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL: to shine YOUR light for all to see!

Challenge for the Week: Do you have a faith story? Of course you do! Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story. Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences. Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times. Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIStory!

Sunday, February 27th Readings

8th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Give me eyes to see

the beauty in all things.

Allow me to speak

kindness with my words.

Teach me to live

so others might follow.

Let me be a vessel of THE GOOD NEWS!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 27 :4-7

What tests your faith? Is it a teaching of the church? A way a person acts? Bad things happening? How do you keep your faith strong in spite of these tests?
What is the lesson here about how to treat others? How can you put this scripture into practice today? What specific thing(s) do you need to do?
If you were shaken in a sieve right now, what fragments of yourself would remain? What fragments would fall through? What story would these tell? Is the story the one you tell yourself or the one that is actually true?

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

In what ways can a person “labor for the Lord”?
How do you protect yourself from being infected by negative, corrupt or immoral influence? Is there a way to avoid these things completely? Why or why not? What advice would you give to another person to help keep these things from spreading like a plague?
What are you going through right now that you hope is not in vain?

Luke 6:39-45

What does this scripture say about the importance of self-care and personal awareness of your words and actions? Be specific. Make a list.
What specific truth do you hear God speaking to you through this scripture?
When was the last time you let your heart lead your actions? What was the outcome?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you tell if someone is speaking truth? How would you measure truth in your own words?
Is there a time when judgment of a person is okay? Share an example.
Share a time when your first impression/judgment of a person was completely wrong.
Have you ever felt you were judged wrongly? How did you handle the situation?
Where does judgment in general come from? Do people judge out of love? From insecurity? From competitiveness or jealousy?
Right Judgment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. How does the adjective “right” change your definition of judgment?
Are there things in your life that weigh you down? Hold you back? Keep you from moving forward?
What do you hide or bury, keep out of sight of others?
Share an example of when you found light in a dark situation or something positive from a negative? How did you find it? Did you see it immediately or did it take time to realize?
Describe the feeling or your emotions and how your body changes when you find a light at the end of a long tunnel of despair.
Do you believe a person who is infected with negativity can change? Why or why not? What do you believe your role is in that person’s life?
Take time to draw your tree. Identify the fruit you produce, good and bad. What influences you and how does it affect those around you?

Closing Prayer

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for life given at conception!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the sound of the ocean waves!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the morning dew glistening in the sunrise!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for the warm hug of a new friend!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for a fiery sky at the end of the day!

Leader: I will give thanks to you all of my days…

ALL: for all you give; I will give thanks!

Challenge for the Week: Spend time this week reflecting on your past experiences. When you look back, you can identify those times in your life when you had to deal with something heavy or hard and maybe even had doubts on whether you’d be able to come out on the other side of the situation. Often the world says these experiences leave marks or scars on a person (physically and/or emotionally) but when looking at them from God’s perspective, you have been “refined”. These experiences of trouble, trauma, heartbreak, disappointment and even death are opportunities for you to grow. When you are open and listening to God in these moments, you can learn something about yourself and perhaps even gain insight on others. Revisit some of these times in your life to see if there are opportunities you have missed to reveal something in yourself or open you up to a new perspective on a relationship or a situation. Allow God to refine you!

Sunday, February 20th Readings

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Father

When you look at me,

You see me through loving eyes,

holy, forgiven and complete.

When I look at myself,

I see me through condemning eyes,

as a sinner and not enough.

Through your Word,

let me learn how to see me

and others as you see!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Samuel 26 :2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

How do you think those with David felt about his actions against Saul? What would you think if you were one of them?
What does David’s response say about his character? Is there something there which you’d like to see more of in people today? Be specific.

1 Corinthians 15:45-49

How do you struggle with the “earthly” and the “spiritual” within yourself?
Have you thought of yourself as “spirit-filled”? How can the thought of being “spirit-filled” change how your look at the situations you face today? How does it change how you treat others?

Luke 6:27-38

Do you give to God in the “measure” in which you want God to give to you? *(God gives 100%, 24/7 regardless of what you give)
Is what Jesus is saying in this scripture realistic? Why or why not?

General Questions for Journaling

How easy or difficult is it to put God in charge of transgressions and retributions? What is it about humans that makes them want to take matters into their own hands? Specifically identify how you relate to this.
Do you believe one person’s life is worth more than another? For example, a mother of four vs an ordained sister, or a Leader of State vs a homeless person, explain.
Have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Share a specific example so others can see God’s faithfulness too.
In your opinion, what makes a person “anointed”? What other opinions might be out there?
Can you spend quality time with people whom have different opinions and/or beliefs than you? Is this barrier too big to put aside for even a little while? Share an example.
Where do you rank respect on a scale of 1-10 in relationships? Is it different for your spouse? Your parents? Your boss? Your kids? Your friends? Your pastor? Your neighbor?
When you look at yourself do you see God? In what way?
Can you see God in others? Share examples.
Are there people whom you have a hard time seeing God? Share examples.
What measurement do you judge people against? What is the thing(s) that you judge the most? Race? Poverty? Religion? Job? Clothing?

Closing Prayer

Leader: In those moments when I feel abandoned…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when I am filled with anger…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when plans change…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when I receive the results…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when I can’t see past today…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Leader: In those moments when I lay myself before you…

ALL: Pour your gift of love upon me!

Challenge for the Week: This week consider the barriers you build in your life to keep people at a distance. Some of the barriers are built to protect you from being hurt yourself or inflicting pain on another, while others are built out of arrogance because you are not open to listening to another person’s view. Spend time this week reflecting on the barriers you have built in relationships, especially in your family. How have these become obstacles to spending time together and not just time, but quality time, when you can come together and genuinely enjoy each other. No one has the same experiences as you, nor the same opinion. Even siblings raised by the same parents have different memories of the same experience; imagine the greater scale of this scenario to include experiences in your community, the US and the world. What steps can you take to break down barriers starting in your family relationships and allow the differences bring you together instead of keeping you apart? (HINT: This just might be something that needs a bit more time than a week – Lent is coming!)

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weeklyscripturejournal

Dive deeper into the weekly readings through journaling. Each week questions are based on the scripture readings from Catholic's Liturgical Year.

Weekly Prayer

Good Friday Prayer Guide

Holy Thursday Prayer Guide

Sunday, April 10th Readings

Sunday, April 3rd Readings

Sunday, March 27th Readings

Sunday, March 20th Readings

Sunday, March 13th Readings

Sunday, March 6th Readings

Sunday, February 27th Readings

Sunday, February 20th Readings