LIVING THE RESURRECTION
We are in the midst of the 50 days of Easter… and looking for signs of (new) life… so ask one another:
“Where did you see signs of life this week?”
Learn-By-Heart Verse for the Week (NIV Translation):
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Acts 16:25
This Week’s Scripture Passage: Acts 16:16-34
Read the scripture passage and then ponder these questions as a family (simplify for younger children – or rephrase as you need to)…
1. Paul and his friend Silas were wrongfully thrown in prison. They were healing and preaching in Jesus' name, but got in trouble with the authorities. Have you every been unfairly accused of being wrong (like a sibling blaming you for something broken, or a co-worker blaming your for a missed deadline... or someone speaking poorly of you because of your faith in Jesus)? When that happened, what did you do?
2. Even though Paul and Silas had been unfairly locked behind bars, they did not spot praising God. In fact, the scripture says that at midnight, they were "praying and singing hymns to God." What do you think compelled them to do that?
3. In the book THE CIRCLE MAKER, author and pastor Mark Batterson encourages people to "pray through" challenges and to circle our hopes and dreams in prayer. He and his church "prayed through" the challenges of finances and city ordinances and circled in prayer their vision to open a Christian coffee house on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The 8th Grade students from Ascension Lutheran School, along with Pastor Steve and Pastor Chamie, visited this coffee house on their trip last week. They were inspired by the ministry that takes place there. What is happening in your own life right now that may require you to "pray through"? What hopes or dreams might you need to "circle in prayer"?
4. In this Easter season, how is "praying and signing hymns to God" part of resurrection-living?
2. Even though Paul and Silas had been unfairly locked behind bars, they did not spot praising God. In fact, the scripture says that at midnight, they were "praying and singing hymns to God." What do you think compelled them to do that?
3. In the book THE CIRCLE MAKER, author and pastor Mark Batterson encourages people to "pray through" challenges and to circle our hopes and dreams in prayer. He and his church "prayed through" the challenges of finances and city ordinances and circled in prayer their vision to open a Christian coffee house on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The 8th Grade students from Ascension Lutheran School, along with Pastor Steve and Pastor Chamie, visited this coffee house on their trip last week. They were inspired by the ministry that takes place there. What is happening in your own life right now that may require you to "pray through"? What hopes or dreams might you need to "circle in prayer"?
4. In this Easter season, how is "praying and signing hymns to God" part of resurrection-living?
And the “Easter-season” question…
Ask one another around the table a version of the “Easter-season question”… “Where did you experience joy in life this week?” or “When did you feel fully alive?” or “When did you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised?” or “Where did you see new life?”
Book study…
An invitation to adults… do you ever wonder what “resurrection” means in your daily life? Why does Easter make such a difference? How do we live fully? You are invited to read Living the Resurrection by Eugene Peterson... and later this month we will talk about the book.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the example of Paul and Silas who prayed and sang in the midst of a challenge.
Thank you for their example of grace.
Help us to "pray through" our own challenges.
Help us to "circle in prayer" the dreams you have for us.
May we sing your praises everyday.
Thank you for their example of grace.
Help us to "pray through" our own challenges.
Help us to "circle in prayer" the dreams you have for us.
May we sing your praises everyday.
Amen.
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