FORMATION
FORMATION 2004
THEME NO. 7
“Confidence”
Call to Prayer
Leader:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen.
Opening Prayer
Leader:
Blessed are you Lord God of all creation, for you care for us with steadfast love and guide us through your Word.
All:
Strengthen us, O gracious God, now and always, that through our reflection on your Word, we may learn your way ever more clearly and witness to your love through care of your people and praise of your Holy Name. Blessed are you, God, forever. Amen.
Word of God
The Gospel according to Luke 12: 22—32
The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully
He said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?
"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you--you of little faith!
"And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
"Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the scripture text. Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.
The Sharing
Take 10 minutes now to share your insights from the reading of the Word of God.
Closing Prayer
Leader:
Let us pray.
All:
Gracious God, in this time of prayer and reflection on your Word,
we have been reminded of how we are called to serve you and your people with faith and confidence. Strengthen us in our efforts to remain faithful to your purpose in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
You are encouraged to continue the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ in the weeks between meetings. For your reflection, further Scripture texts relating to the Theme "Confidence" are included here.
Matthew 3: 13—17; Matthew 8: 5—13; Mark 10: 46—52; Luke 8: 22—25; Acts 2: 22—39; 2 Thessalonians 2: 13—17.
