1. Sunday, March 23, 2025 (Third Sunday of Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 23rd readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032325-YearC.cfm

Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance.

 

Read together this Gospel, Luke 13:1-9 and discuss the following questions together.

1. In today's story, Jesus tells us to repent. To repent is to be sorry for something you've done wrong. Why is it important to repent?

2. What does it take to make a plant grow? What are some things you have to do to take care of it?

3. Jesus shares a parable about nurturing a fig tree that is not bearing fruit. What is Jesus teaching us in this parable?

4. What could be some reasons the fig tree hasn’t produced figs?

5. What all could the fig tree represent?

 

 

* Family Activity

Shadow Art

Take a disposable cup and cut out the bottom of the cup. Cover the top of the cup tightly with plastic wrap. Using Sharpies, draw different shapes, animals, landscapes, etc., on the plastic wrap. Find a clear space on a solid, lightly colored wall; if you don't have one, hang a light-colored sheet or blanket up. Use a flashlight on the bottom of the cup and project your drawn image onto the wall. Tell a story about your different characters or retell the parable of the fig tree in today's Gospel. Make shadow puppets to interact with your drawings as well.

 

*Family Challenge

As a family, go to the sacrament of Reconciliation this week.

 

*Fun Facts

During Lent, those preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil participate in three rites called the Scrutinies, which happen on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent. The Scrutinies and the readings for these Masses offer a special chance for personal reflection and self-examination for those preparing for baptism.

 

End in Prayer

 

Prayer for those in Religious Life

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Heavenly Father,
in Your wisdom, You have called certain women and men to a life of special consecration. In prayerful observance of a lifestyle of poverty, chastity, and obedience, they are witnesses to us and show us that, as St. Paul says, "our true citizenship is in heaven." Give them, Lord, the grace of joy and perseverance as they live their holy vocation.

Surround those feeling called to join a religious order with your peace. Guide their steps and connect them with the order that best uses their charisms and gifts. Help them find a community through which they can serve You and the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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2. Blessing Board

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This is an opportunity to remember the importance of blessing those who are sometimes hard to love. Through this activity, your family will have an opportunity to grow in faith with one of the hardest things Jesus asks us to do! 

 

Begin with this prayer

Jesus, we know you forgave those who were mean to you. It is hard to follow your example. We ask for you guidance and forgiveness as we try to live out your love. Amen. 

 

Read these Scripture passages  

Romans 12:14-18:  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.    

Luke 23:32-34  Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 

Pass out slips of paper

Ask each person to think of someone or a situation where it is hard to show love; hard to pray for that person; or hard to bless them. As people think of things, have them write or draw a symbol of what they are thinking.  

 

Have some kind of small board  (bulletin board, white board, magnet board…)  

Have each person post their image facedown on the board so that no one can see it 

 

On 3 x 3 slips of paper write the Scripture references you read (i.e. “Luke 23:32-34), and write these words on the other slips of paper: FORGIVE, BLESS, LOVE, PRAY. Post these papers on the board facing out.

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Discuss these questions

• Why is it so hard to forgive, bless, love, and pray for these people or situations? 

• How can this board help us remember to try to handle these people and situations differently?

Display your board in a prominent place for all to see.

 

End with the Our Father

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3. Sunday, March 30, 2025 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 30th’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearC.cfm

Jesus teaches about forgiveness in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

 

Read together this Gospel, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Why was the father so happy that the younger son returned? Why wasn't the father angry with the younger son?

2. Does the reaction of the older son surprise you? Why or why not?

3. How does this parable challenge you?

4. How does this parable help you examine your relationships with others?

5. What, if anything, should you do now?

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*  Family Challenge

This week, intentionally pray for someone you know who has fallen away from the faith.

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* Family Activity

Gospel Memory Match

Create a simple matching game using words or images from today's Gospel. Write words or draw pictures on index cards. Each family member can make three (or more) sets of cards that have a word, simple phrase, or picture. Collect and shuffle all the cards. Place them face down on a table or the floor. Have one person select two cards, and if they are a match, they keep them and select another two. If they do not match, flip them back down, and the next person selects two cards. Play continues until all the cards are matched. The person with the most cards wins.

 

End in Prayer

by Brother Roger Schutz, founder of the Taizé Community 

You were in me, Christ,  

you were always there,  

and I was not seeking you. 

When I had found you,  

so often I forgot you.  

But you continued to love me.                     

From the depths of my being, 

a fire was rising to take hold of me.  

I was burning for you to be everything in my life.  

I was calling you:  you, the Christ, are the only way; 

I have no other.  Amen.
 

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4. Acts of Kindness

 

Begin with prayer

God of goodness, we come together as a family to reflect on your call to serve. We know it’s easy to get so preoccupied with our own life that we miss opportunities to help those we encounter every day. Help us to see you in every person that crosses our path. Amen.
 

Watch this kindness video

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljQ8eOrii7w

 

Discuss these questions

• Did this video make you recall a time when you did a random act of kindness?

• How about a missed opportunity?

• In what ways would your day be better if you were always looking for a way to serve others? 

 

Read aloud Acts 2.42-47. Reflect on the reading by answering the following questions: 

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread  and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.   

 

Discuss these questions

• What struck you in this passage?

• How is this passage challenging?

• How is it easy? 

 

50 Acts of Kindness

Discuss these 50 acts of kindness with your family. How can you do these 50 things within the next couple of weeks? Mark the ones you participated in.

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50 Acts of Kindness  

Hold open a door for someone (even if they aren’t right behind you) ____ 

When a compliment comes to mind, say it ____ 

Greet a stranger you pass ____ 

Say hi to people you pass in the hallway ___ 

Say thank you and please ____ 

Pick something up for someone  ____ 

Tell someone you love them ____ 

Say a prayer for someone in need ____ 

Do something to help a person in need  ____ 

Call a friend you haven’t spoken with in a while ____ 

Say you are sorry, and mean it ____ 

Tell a teacher, coach, boss, or director that you appreciate them ____ 

Go to the grocery store for your parent ____ 

Send your grandparent(s) or aunt/uncle an unexpected card ____ 

Clean out your closet of clothes you don’t wear anymore and drop off ___ 

When you go shopping ask yourself do you “need” or “want” an item ____ 

Buy fair trade ____ 

Ask your clerk at a store or waitstaff at a restaurant how their day is going ____ 

Take time to ask your child/parent(s) how their day went ____ 

Mend a broken relationship ____ 

Recycle ____ 

Refrain from gossip ____ 

Pick up a trash (have a plastic bag with you always) ____ 

Write a letter to a legislator about an issue you care about ____ 

Volunteer at a local organization for one hour  ____

Organize a meal for a local shelter ____ 

Judge less ____ 

Smile at everyone  ____ 

Greet friends and family with a hug ____ 

Make eye contact when you talk to people ____ 

Plant a tree ____ 

Find out where your clothes are made ____ 

Go a day without eating meat ____ 

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth ____ 

Get to know the names of your neighbors ____ 

Sit by someone who is alone at lunch ____ 

Buy from local merchants ____ 

Share what you have ____ 

Fix it, even if you didn’t break it ____ 

Help someone with their work/homework ____ 

Honor elders _____ 

Talk to your mail carrier ____ 

Help carry something heavy ____ 

Turn off your cell phone and be present to those you are with ____ 

Learn about a different culture and/or religion ____ 

Look at the moon and imagine someone else, somewhere else looking at it too ____ 

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes ____ 

Go on a social media fast for one week ___ 

Stand up to an offensive comment made ____ 

 

End with prayer

Listen to the song, “Go Make a Difference”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPdMg6Kkf7k

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5. Sunday, April 6, 2025 (Fifth Sunday in Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, April 6th readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm

Jesus does not condemn the woman caught in adultery.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 8: 1-11 and discuss the following questions together.

1. What does Jesus say to the people who have accused the woman caught in adultery? 

2. What do the accusers and the crowds do?

3. What does Jesus say to the woman?

4. The woman in today's Gospel story was caught doing something wrong. How do you think she felt when the leaders brought her to Jesus?

5. What lesson is Jesus trying to teach the scribes and Pharisees? How does this lesson apply to us?

6. Jesus forgives the woman and tells her to sin no more. Do you think the woman changed her ways after she encountered Jesus' mercy? Why or why not?

 

*  Family Connection

There are few people that we know better than the members of our own family. We know one another's strengths and abilities, and we also know one another's limitations and weaknesses. Like the Pharisees in today's Gospel, we may be tempted to focus on the faults and sins that familiarity with one another can sometimes reveal. As family members, however, we also have the ability to see one another's faults and sins within the context of the whole person. When we can keep this perspective, we are more likely to look upon one another with compassion. Family life, then, presents us the opportunity to see one another as God sees us, not with judgment and condemnation for our weaknesses and failings, but with mercy and compassion. When we learn to withhold judgment for the faults we know are there and seek the best in one another, we help one another to experience the depths of God's compassion, mercy, and love.

As you gather as a family, observe that when we know people well we know their faults as well as their strengths. At times, we can be tempted to focus on the faults we see in others. Discuss what your family life would be like if you always focused on one another's faults. Observe that in today's Gospel, Jesus refuses to focus on the sin of the woman brought to him for judgment.

Observe that we can help each other to grow in God's love by refusing to focus on one another's faults and sins. In this way, we can help one another to see ourselves as God sees us: with understanding and compassion.

 

*  Family Challenge

Jesus forgives the woman in today's Gospel. 

This week, forgive someone who has wronged you, whether they are sorry or not.

 

*  Fun Facts

Some religious brothers and sisters are active in the world, and others are cloistered. Individuals who are members of a cloistered order do not interact with others outside of their convent/monastery. They are called to spend their life hidden from the world for the sake of intimacy with God and prayer on behalf of others.

 

End in Prayer

Run to the Father

As a family, listen to the song "Run to the Father" by Matt Maher, Cody Carnes, and Ran Jackson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiNckhkjOLU 

 

Reflect on the lyrics, what they mean to you, and how they relate to today's Gospel.

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6. Sunday, April 13, 2025 (Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion)

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Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, April 13th readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041325.cfm

From the cross, Jesus speaks words of forgiveness and promises that the good thief will be with him in paradise.

 

Read together this Gospel, Luke 22:14—23:56 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Within a week of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowds turned against him. How do you think Jesus felt? Share a time when you've had a friend turn against you.

2. This coming week is called Holy Week. Why is this the most significant week of the whole year?

3. What does it mean to do something "in the name of the Lord"?

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*  Family Connection

Stations of the Cross

Design and create your own Stations of the Cross in preparation for Holy Week. You can post them around your house or outside. Have family members draw different stations.

 

*  Family Challenge

Pray the Stations of the Cross throughout this week. 

Pray a few stations or all of them each day.

 

*  Fun Facts

The palm branches blessed at Mass today are taken home and often displayed. Next year, parishes will collect them before Ash Wednesday to be burned to make the ashes we receive.

 

End in Prayer

Litany of the Way: Prayer for the Journey

As we enter into Holy Week remembering Jesus' journey to the cross, we can see that everything he did revealed God's unending love for us. Pray this litany together, reflecting on some of those instances from Scripture.

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As Jesus sought the quiet of the desert,
teach us to pray.

As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples,
teach us to love.

As Jesus promised paradise to the thief on the cross,
teach us to hope.

As Jesus called Peter to walk to him across the water,
teach us to believe.

As the child Jesus sat among the elders in the temple,
teach us to seek answers.

As Jesus in the garden opened his mind and heart to God's will,
teach us to listen.

As Jesus reflected on the Law and the prophets,
teach us to learn.

As Jesus used parables to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom,
teach us to teach.

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1. Sunday, April 27, 2025  (Second Sunday of Easter)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, April 27th’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042725.cfm

Thomas believes because he sees Jesus.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 20:19-31 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Jesus dies on Good Friday, and now he is alive. Imagine being in the room with the apostles when Jesus appears to them. What was their reaction?

2. Why do you think Thomas needed proof that Jesus was alive?

3. What are some reasons some people don't believe in Jesus today? How can we help people to know him and love him?

4. Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit and gave us the power to forgive sins. How do you offer forgiveness to your friends and family? How do you seek forgiveness for yourself?

 

* Family Prayer

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

St. John Paul II declared the Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday in 2000, when St. Faustina Kowalska, to whom Jesus revealed the Divine Mercy image, was beatified. Jesus told Sr. Faustina, "Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy." This day is a chance to reflect on God's mercy in our lives. Many people pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. every day.

 

You are encouraged to pray it today, on the feast of Divine Mercy.

 

Here is how you pray the chaplet using a rosary:

 

To begin:

• Sign of the Cross

• Our Father

• Hail Mary

• Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Repeat these next two steps five times:

• On the Our Father bead: Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

• On each of the 10 Hail Mary Beads: For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

After the fifth decade, conclude by reciting three times: 

• Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

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*Family Challenge

In honor of the feast of Divine Mercy, pick one of the Corporal Works of Mercy to do this week. The Corporal Works of Mercy are kind acts by which we help others with material and physical needs. They include the following: feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, bury the dead, give alms to the poor.

 

*Liturgy Link

During the Sprinkling Rite, the priest sprinkles holy water on the congregation using an aspergillum. The aspergillum has two common forms: a brush and a silver ball on a stick. Which kind of aspergillum is used at your church?
 

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2. Time to Grow

Plant a container garden together to celebrate spring as a time to grow new things and to practice working together to create something new. 

Needed

Needed Five gallon container, soil, watering can, plants or seeds, trowel, gardening gloves, Bible =

Read the Scripture 

Read The Parable of the Sower from Mark 4:3-9 aloud together. Discuss these questions: What is this parable about? Why did some seed grow and some die? Why is it important to be smart about where and how seeds are planted?

Pray

Holy Creator, you planted each of us in this world. Help us show the care you give to us to everyone we meet. Amen. 

Plant

Decide what you want to plant in your container garden and gather supplies. You can start from seeds, or for faster growth, get some starter plants from your local nursery. 

Plant your container garden. Place soil in the container, add the seeds or plant, fill the rest of the container with soil, then add water. Be sure to place containers where they will get enough light and water them regularly. 

Come back together and read Mark 4:14-20. Talk about these questions: What kind of sower does Jesus want us to be? How can we plant God’s love in each other and in our friends and family?  

Pray together

 Holy Planter, you have planted the seeds of your love in us. Help us learn to sow those seeds – in our family, in our friends, in the community and in the world. Help our garden grow, and remind us every day to treat each other with the same care that we give this garden. Amen. 

Care for your garden as a family, and enjoy the things you grow together. 
 

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3. Sunday, May 4, 2025 (Third Sunday of Easter)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, May 4th’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050425.cfm

Jesus appears to the disciples for a third time after his Resurrection and shares a meal with them

 

Read together this Gospel, John 21:1-19  and discuss the following questions together.

1. What exactly is Jesus asking Peter to do?

2. When were you especially aware of your failings? Did you experience forgiveness for these failings?

3. What is God asking of you?

4. It took a little while for the apostles to realize Jesus was with them. Share a time when you realized that Jesus was near to you.

5. If you had breakfast with Jesus, what would you talk about?

6. How would you respond to Jesus if he asked you, "Do you love me?"

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*  Family Challenge

In the Gospel today, Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep. Think of someone who needs company or lives alone. Invite him or her over for dinner sometime coming up or visit them at their house.

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* Family Activity

Even though stores have put away their Easter bunnies and baskets, the Church is still fully in Easter Season (and will be for another month!). How can you live out the Easter Season in your home this week? 

Christ forgave Peter today and gave him the opportunity to mend the hurt which had been caused by Peter’s denial. Is there someone you need to forgive or a hurt which you need to mend? 

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End in Prayer

Prayer Journaling

Sometimes it takes time to understand the meaning of the Gospel. Journaling is a great way to unpack the words and talk to God.

Create a simple prayer journal or get an empty notebook. Set aside 10-20 minutes for your family to reflect on the Gospel. Create a prayerful environment by lighting candles and/or playing instrumental music in the background. Read today's Gospel and invite everyone to listen to what God is saying to them in the silence of their hearts. After a period of quiet, invite everyone to write what they heard in their journal. At the end of your reflection time, take turns sharing your experience. Close your time in prayer by saying the Our Father together.
 

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4. Celebrate the Journey of Faith

 

Begin with prayer

God, be with us today and help us to be honest about what we believe. Thanks for never leaving us as we travel on our faith journeys. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Read aloud John 14:8-14. 

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Discuss these questions

• How could Philip know or “see” God the Father? 

• What “works” are Jesus’ followers called to do? 

• What are you praying for in Jesus’ name? 

 

Read aloud John 20:24-31. 

 

Discuss these questions

• When have you felt like Thomas did at the beginning of this story? 

• What has helped you to believe in Christ?  

 

Have adults explain what confirmation means to them and tell any stories about their own confirmation.

 

Thinking about My Beliefs Allow quiet time for family members to complete the worksheet. 

Each person is constantly growing and changing. Faith evolves over time. Write what you believe at this time by finishing each sentence.  

I believe God is…     

I believe the Bible is…      

I believe that Christians need to do more to help those who are…     

I believe that when life gets hard, I can…     

I believe that prayer…      

I believe that Christians make a difference in the world by …      

When someone asks me why I am a Christian, I say … 

 

Discuss these questions

• What did you discover about what you believe? About questions you have about being Christian?

• How have your beliefs changed since you were younger?

• Why do you think beliefs change over time? 

 

Confirmation is NOT graduation

Emphasize that confirmation is one step of the journey of faith, and that it doesn’t mean your teenager is “graduating” from church or a life of faith.  

 

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5. Sunday, May 11, 2025 (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, May 11 readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051125.cfm

Jesus describes his care for his sheep.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 10:27-30 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Who are the sheep in today's Gospel?

2. What is Jesus trying to teach us in this story?

3. Share a time when you've heard Jesus' voice.

4. Sheep know their shepherd and follow his voice. How hard is it for you to recognize the voice of God in your own life? Who has helped you hear God’s voice?

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*  Family Connection

Not only can we recognize family members' voices, we can also read the tone of their voices and know something about how they are feeling. In our relationship with Jesus, we know Jesus' voice and are called to follow. Jesus doesn't just bring us closer to the Father, Jesus puts us directly into contact with God the Father, removing all distance between us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies so closely with the Father that he tells us that they are one—not just close, but actually one. Knowing Jesus means knowing the Father.

 

Talk about some ways that Jesus brings them closer to God and closer to one another. Pray together the Acts of Faith, Hope and Love. 

 

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.  Amen.

 

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on your infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

 

Act of Love

O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of those whom I have injured.

Amen.

 

*  Family Challenge

During the month of May, the Church honors Mary, the mother of God. This week, pray the Angelus each day. The Angelus is a Marian devotion that dates back to the 13th century. This prayer is traditionally prayed at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., but you can pray it at the time that works best for your family.

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Angelus
V/. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R/. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

V/.Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
R/. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

V/.Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R/. Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary...

V/. And the Word was made flesh,
R/. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

*  Fun Facts

Some religious brothers and sisters are active in the world, and others are cloistered. Individuals who are members of a cloistered order do not interact with others outside of their convent/monastery. They are called to spend their life hidden from the world for the sake of intimacy with God and prayer on behalf of others.

 

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6. Prepared for Purpose

 

Prepare in Advance 

Write these statements on a piece of paper:

God’s great love gives you new life in Christ.

You are made by God for good works.

God has prepared this purpose for you. 

 

Read Ephesians 2:4-10 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

 

Have each person answer the following questions

• What is one thing that will happen in the next six months that you are nervous about?

• Name something you want to succeed at, but are worried you may not.

• What is the next big decision to be made in your life? 

 

After each person answers a question, have another family member read aloud the statements on the paper to him or her. 

 

End in Prayer

God, you have created us for your loving purpose. Strengthen us to trust in your faithfulness as we make decisions. Send your Spirit to help us know your will and follow your wisdom. Amen.