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Bible Study for Ordinary Week 23

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:55:18 +0000

9/5 – Genesis 6:5-22, Genesis 7, and Genesis 8:1-22 – Has the violence on the earth diminished? What am I doing to reduce or end our violence against one another? How do I spread the forgiveness of God?
9/6 – Genesis 9 – How do I respect the gift of life in everything God has made? How do I respect my own life? Do I recognize that I too am bound to all God’s creation?
9/7 – Genesis 10:1-32 and Genesis 11:1-26 – How are the nations of the world divided against each other? How can people reunite to establish worldwide peace and justice?
9/8 – Genesis 11:27-32, Genesis 12-13 – How has God called me to leave something and start over? Who has supported me by believing in me?
9/9 – Genesis 14-15 – What demands has God made of me? How much do I trust God? How much do I value my relationship with God?
9/10 – Genesis 16 – Have l ever tired to hurry God? What was the result? Have I ever given God a new name?
9/11 – Genesis 17 – What relationships have transformed my life? Have I been given a new name? When have I laughed at the extravagance of God’s promise?

May your study bring you fulfillment and peace! As the month of September begins this week, it brings the beginning of school as well. Let us turn to the beginning of our Scriptures and begin from the beginning to hear the word of God in our lives!

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 22

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:29:22 +0000

8/29 – Genesis 29:21-35 and Genesis 30:1-13 – Who comes to mind when I have good news to share? Do they know how important they are to me? Prayer starter: Holy One, I want to take a few minutes to remember what gives me comfort and support in the dailyness of my life, and to thank you!
8/30 – Deuteronomy 33:1-29 – Is there some enslavement or desert-like isolation in my life? What am I doing to get free? Prayer starter: Ineffable Yahweh, teach me to turn to you in my distress and to be confident that you will help me.
8/31 – Isaiah 30:8-26 – Where do I situate myself in relation to the culture of 24/7 light, noise, activity, and entertainment? Prayer starter: Lord, you who are present in stillness and peace, help me to organize my life and myself so that I can enjoy the pleasure of your company.
9/1 – Psalm 33:1-22 – Who or what is really God in my life? Prayer starter: Holy Unnamable One, teach me your way, and how to walk beside you faithfully.
9/2 – Psalm 34:1-22 – What are the people, places, or things to which I turn for refuge, to be safe? Prayer starter: Lord, my shelter and my refuge, being with you sometimes seems easier than thinking about you. It is more important too. Help me to be present to you.
9/3 – Sirach 31:1-11 – What is my “relationship” to money and wealth? Is it at my service? Am I at the service of it? Prayer starter: Most Generous One, make my heart large, my hands open, with what I have. Help me to be generous with those who have less than I.
9/4 – Psalm 106:1-13 – “Human sacrifice:” the use (manipulation) of other human beings to get what I want. When have I been guilty of this? Prayer starter: Holy One, help me to remember and respect the sovereignty the dignity of each person with whom I interact. Enable me to resist the urge to push for my own purposes.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 21

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:55:10 +0000

8/22 – 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 – How can we revive our Christian feast of Easter as an empowering celebration of life and freedom regained? Prayer starter: Blessed are you Lord, king of the universe, for your mighty deeds throughout the ages to set your people free from bondage and oppression.
8/23 – 2 Chronicles 32:1-23 – In times of great adversity, do I trust in the “Greater One” who abides in me and cares for me? Prayer starter: Jesus, Son of God, you are my Lord and my Savior and I trust that no one or anything “will be able to separate me” from your love.
8/24 – 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 – Do I take time to express my gratitude to God for personal achievements and blessings received? Prayer starter: In times of success let my heart, O Lord, be humble and always be grateful to you for the gift of life and its enjoyment.
8/25 – 2 Chronicles 34:1-33 – Who and what has helped me to discover or rediscover the word of God? Prayer starter: Lord God, you have spoken in many and various ways by the prophets: and ultimately by your Son. Help us to be fully receptive to their words and make them bear fruit.
8/26 – 2 Chronicles 36:1-19 – What lessons shall I remember from the Chronicler’s vision of the history of Judah and Jerusalem? Prayer starter: O Lord, remember the city and the people of your covenant. Make them anew a city and people of joy and peace.
8/27 – 2 Chronicles 36:20-23 – Are we a people of hope in the midst of huge challenges facing our Church? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, Lord, who delivers the captives and who holds plans for the peace of Jerusalem.
8/28 – 1 Kings 10:1-10 – How open am I to the insights and perspective of other cultures, especially those that are very foreign to my own? Prayer starter: Lord of all nations, open my mind to what is not familiar, to the hard won insights and wisdom of all the great religious traditions.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 20

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:55:32 +0000

8/15 – 2 Chronicles 10-12 – Do I feel for divisions among churches and religions and how can I contribute to reconciliation and dialogue? Prayer starter: Lord and Father of all, forgive us our divisions between nations, cultures, and religions and gather us to live as the one family of your beloved children.
8/16 – 2 Chronicles 14-15 – In what circumstances have I felt that, Without God, “no mortal” can prevail? Prayer starter: Lord, let me rely on you in times of trial and distress so that your love and your mercy may prevail.
8/17 – 2 Chronicles 19:1-11 – To what extent do I make judgements on others with a true sense of justice and in “the fear of the Lord?” Prayer starter: Lord, teach us the ways of justice and righteousness that we may honor you and show deep respect for everyone’s dignity.
8/18 – 2 Chronicles 20:1-37 – Do we care and pray enough for peace in the world or are we getting resigned to rumors of war? Prayer starter: Lord of power and might, your plans and you thoughts are for peace. Help us to get rid of our weapons and to bring silence to all rumors of war.
8/19 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-23 – Who are the unclean and the outcasts of today that are secluded from society and from our worshipping communities? Prayer starter: Lord, you sent your own son to gather unto you all those whom we have marginalized or even rejected. Help us to overcome all our prejudices and to eradicate any form of discrimination among us.
8/20 – 2 Chronicles 28:1-27 – Would I be willing to act as a compassionate neighbor to someone in need, even if a rival, or an enemy? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, help us to recognize you in the least of our brothers and sisters who come to us with material or spiritual needs, and to welcome them as we would welcome you.
8/21 – 2 Chronicles 29:1-36 – How can we receive the spirit of freshness in our liturgies? Prayer starter: Lord, never let us be locked up in passivity when it comes to worship. May we always celebrate you with due fervor and with joyful hearts.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 19

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:55:55 +0000

8/8 – 1 Chronicles 29:1-30 – Other than material good, what is the spiritual legacy I would like to leave to my dear ones? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, for the life and death of David and for the rich and enduring tradition of music and psalms he has initiated and inspired.
8/9 – 2 Chronicles 1:1-17 – How do I value human qualities of wisdom and understanding? Prayer starter: Give us, O Lord, the wisdom we need to fulfill our day-to-day responsibilities and to find enjoyment in every aspect of our lives.
8/10 – 2 Chronicles 2-4 and 2 Chronicles 5:1 – How can I offer God a proper dwelling place in my life? Prayer starter: Lord of heaven and earth, let our eyes and our hearts be touched by the beauty of places dedicated to your name, and let us never forget that your true sanctuary is the heart of every human being.
8/11 – 2 Chronicles 5-6 and 2 Chronicles 7:1-10 – How can we make of our churches a place where the glory of God is fittingly proclaimed? Prayer starter: Every time we come to praise you, O God, in a building dedicated to your glory, let our hearts be open to the
needs and the cries of the poor.
8/12 – Romans 8:1-17 – When I come to the house of God, what do I expect most: comfort, challenge, quiet, healing, or conversion? Prayer starter: We thank you Lord for listening and for attending at all times to our needs and our prayers.
8/13 – 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 – Do I show real and sincere interest in genuine wisdom from whatever horizon or culture? Prayer starter: Lord, open our hearts to your wisdom revealed in Scripture and that you have given through sages from all ages, horizons, and cultures.
8/14 – 2 Chronicles 9:13-21 – What do I learn about the value of my own life in hearing the judgement of the Chronicler on Solomon? Prayer starter: Lord you are the one that called every one of us to life. Help us to appreciate this gift of yours and to live up to your expectations of us.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 18

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:55:40 +0000

8/1 – 1 Chronicles 11:1-47 and 1 Chronicles 12:1-41 – Have I been able to recognize God’s will in the consensus of a community? Prayer starter: Lord, help us experience your presence and discern your will through the aspirations of our communities.
8/2 – 1 Chronicles 13:1-14 – Do we, as a believing community, show enough enthusiasm in celebrating our God? Prayer starter: Lord, you are highly to be praised. Let our lives be a joyful tribute to the many gifts we receive from you.
8/3 – 1 Chronicles 15:1-29 and 1 Chronicles 16:1-43 – Are we a people of praise? How can we improve the cheerful character of our gathering as a community? Prayer starter: Let our lives play the music you have written for us, O Lord.
8/4 – 1 Chronicles 17:1-27 – What are my favorite places and moments to connect to God’s presence? Prayer starter: Help us, O Lord, to find and enjoy your presence everywhere, at all times, and in everyone we meet.
8/5 – 1 Chronicles 21:1-30 – Have there been occasions in my life when it was hard to discern what was genuinely inspired by God? Prayer starter: Lord of mercy, help us to discern between good and evil and to always choose what is right in your eyes.
8/6 – 1 Chronicles 22:1-19 – Do I consider the house of God to be a shrine of peace and a meeting place for peacemakers? Prayer starter: Lord, every time we come to worship you, help us remember that your ways have nothing to do with blood and violence and are ways of peace, justice and mercy.
8/7 – 1 Chronicles 28:1-21 – How can we set and transmit our values and ideals to the next generation? Prayer starter: We thank you Lord for calling us to keep journeying toward the Promised Land of your Kingdom.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 17

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:38:28 +0000

7/25 – Romans 15:22-33 – Do I dare to dream big enough? Prayer starter: Help me, Lord Jesus, to take on the light yoke of your call to greatness and not the heavy burden of my own expectations.
7/26 – Romans 16:1-16 – How do I imagine the Church of the third millennium? Prayer starter: Help me, Lord Jesus, to see the person and not the stereotype.
7/27 – Romans 16:17-27 – What are the ways God’s grace has manifested itself in my life today? Prayer starter: Carry me, O God, into the deepest part of the ocean.
7/28 – 1 Chronicles 1:1-54 – What would be my list of people who have been influential in my personal and spiritual growth? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, Lord of history, and Lord of all nations. Help us embrace our humanity and work for peace among nations.
7/29 – 1 Chronicles 2:1-55 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-24 – If I were to sum up my spiritual journey in two or three major steps, what would these be? Prayer starter: Lord, I give you thanks for these great moments in life in which I have experienced more deeply your love and your care for me.
7/30 – 1 Chronicles 6:1-32 – How do I value the “service of song” in its ministers in our communities today? Prayer starter: We bless you, O Lord, and we praise you in communion with all those who, through all generations served you in worship, song and prayer.
7/31 – 1 Chronicles 10:1-14 – Is faithfulness to God and to his Word among the criteria I use to judge the achievements of our political leaders? Prayer starter: We pray to you, O Lord, that we all be dedicated together with our leaders, to the cause of freedom, justice, and peace among us and among the nations.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 16

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:55:26 +0000

7/18 – Romans 11 – Where is the opportunity to reconcile with another offered to me this day? Prayer starter: Come, Lord Jesus. Bring the Peace you offered the apostles into my life.
7/19 – Romans 12 – Am I letting myself be transformed? Prayer starter: Help me today, Lord Jesus, to see every person I meet as you see him or her.
7/20 – Romans 13:1-10 – Did I work to build up or tear down legitimate authority today? Prayer starter: Raise up, O Lord, authoritative leaders in our Church. Help us to recognize and support those who are such leaders.
7/21 – Romans 13:11-14 – If I had only 24 hours to live, what would I do with them? Prayer starter: Kindle a fire in me, O Holy Spirit, that will set the world aflame.
7/22 – Romans 14 – What can I do today to witness to the law of love within the Church? Prayer starter: Help me, Lord Jesus, to love those whose ways are in opposition to mine.
7/23 – Romans 15:1-13 – How can I help my community incorporate more fully Paul’s blessings? Prayer starter: Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with joy and hope and steadfast love.
7/24 – Romans 15:14-21 – What are the accomplishments of my life that I am most proud of? Prayer starter: Help me this day, Lord Jesus, to embrace my vocation.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 15

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:34:00 +0000

7/11 – Romans 7:14-25 – Where have I experienced the wholeness Christ brings today? Prayer starter: Deliver me today, Lord Jesus, from all that binds me. Help me to loose that which binds those whom I will meet today.
7/12 – Romans 8:1-17 – Am I trying to see the best in myself and in those whom I meet today? Prayer starter: Abba, Father, I place my life in your care.
7/13 – Romans 8:18-30 – Where have I seen the beauty of God’s creation breaking forth today? Prayer starter: Show me this day, Lord Jesus, how I might be a source of hope to another.
7/14 – Romans 8:31-39 – Have I been caught up in Christ lately? Prayer starter: Embrace me today, my Lord and God, with your love and mercy.
7/15 – Romans 9:1-18 – Am I using Jesus to justify my prejudices toward another? Prayer starter: God of Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, remind me today that we are all children of Abraham lovingly created by you.
7/16 – Romans 9:19-29 – How “supple” have I been lately in response to God’s call? Prayer starter: I submit today, O loving potter, to your gentle touch.
7/17 – Romans 9:30-31 and Romans 10:1-21 – What expectations to the Law have you made lately? Why? Prayer starter: Open my ears, my eyes, and my heart, Holy Spirit, to the demands of Love in my life.

Bible Study for Ordinary Week 14

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:58:22 +0000

7/4 – Romans 4:1-12 – When did I attempt to include people today in my Words and deeds? When did I seek to exclude? Prayer starter: Lord, we are all children of Abraham and Sarah. Help us to trust in you now as they did then.
7/5 – Romans 4:12-25 – What is the most visible sign of my faith in Christ in my life? Prayer starter: May the power of your wind and fire, O Holy Spirit, transform the landscape of my heart today.
7/6 – Romans 5:1-11 – Have I let myself be loved by God today? Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, help me to truly experience the love of the Father today.
7/7 – Romans 5:12-20 – Which choices in my life at this time would lead me to a fuller realization of my God-given humanity? Which choices will limit it? Prayer starter: I say with the prophet Isaiah, “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”
7/8 – Romans 6:1-14 – How am I responding to the demands of Love? Prayer starter: Help me, Lord Jesus, to give myself to you as you have given yourself to me.
7/9 – Romans 6:15-23 – How did I practice what I preach today? Prayer starter: Come, Holy Spirit, and overwhelm my ambivalence with a renewed commitment to discipleship.
7/10 – Romans 7:1-13 – How have I rejoiced in my freedom today? Prayer starter: I rejoice with the psalmist who says, “Truly I am wonderfully made!”