The Lord’s Prayer is one of the central prayers of the Christian faith, and reminds believers what to pray for and seek from God. Many view the act of prayer as just selfishly seeking things for our life, or haggling with an almighty figure for the best deals for what they need. But prayer is more than just asking for what comes to mind, but receiving those things which inspire and direct us down paths where goodness and charity can make the most miraculous impacts. Out of what you ask for and need on a daily basis, how do you see your Heavenly Father directing you by his generous answering's?

Jealousy is an ugly trait to have, because it can make us act out in superficial and petty ways. It is simply seen as desiring what someone else has, but deeper down it is feeling like we are not often good enough compared to others. We have dreams and desires we want to see fulfilled, but lack the talent to make them come about. Or we have the talent, but lack the imagination of what we can work toward. What is the one thing you want most within life, or have been working toward for so long, and what does that desire tell you about what you have and still need?

In a world of uncertainty, lack of trust, and other instances of societal instability it is very easy to give into pessimism. In assuming things will never change for the better, it is very easy to become jaded. But life is not tied to what others, or what we, decide to do and where to go. We are provided the lens by which we can examine the world, and see for ourselves, what is most important in the middle of it all. In your own doubts, pessimism, and despair what have you seen as vital to keep going in life? And what do you think your part is in helping that purpose come to life for those around you?

As of late, the meaning of service to others has changed. From how you can benefit others, to how others can benefit you. Others are seen as carriers for our values and expectations, as ways for us to feel good about ourselves. But we ignore how unrealistic expectations, lack of compassion, can burden others unnecessarily. Which causes us to ignore what others can do, and how God has already called them to act for goodness and righteousness where they are. How can we as Christians, as a nation, demonstrate mercy to others and to the world? How can easing the burdens of others be an act of service which serves God first and foremost?

In a world that is constantly changing, in constant flux, we desire on some inner level a sense of continuity and assurance. A knowledge that no matter what things will be alright, and will not stop our desire to experience a better world. But that desire does not come out of our worship of human opinion, or our vilifying and demonizing others who are contrary to our convictions. What assures us is the supreme power of God to keep us going in the midst of hurt and disappointment. Who or what has let you down recently, and does that disappointment show you who is more worthy to be trusted?

“You are what you eat” is a cultural axiom which has more meaning today than we realize. You are what you consume and listen to, and your identity risks being taken and twisted to fit someone else’s plans and designs. We cannot avoid danger and fear in this life, but we do not have to let those things determine who we are or how we should act. What is it you fear the most today, how do you think entertaining that fear has changed you, and what do you believe is necessary to walk away from those uncertainties?

As the church prepares to transition into a new season on its calendar, we seek to understand our place within God’s timetable. For most of the year, we have focused so much on God’s miracles and interventions within our sinful world. But by the rejuvenating power of God and the new creation in our midst, we ask about our place within it. What do you believe your place is within the New Eden, and how do you think God is setting you up now to enter into this promised paradise?

The Day of Pentecost is considered the birthday of the church, the day the Holy Spirit sealed the believers with a common purpose and mission. But in our confusing world, we often get lost among the various issues, policies, ideologies, and expectations of others. The gift of the Holy Spirit preserves us to remain constant in our witness and service toward others. Out of what you have and have been gifted in your life, how does that gifting enable you to serve God more today than before?

We celebrate Ascension Sunday, commemorating the act of Jesus going up into heaven to sit at God’s right hand, and the final Sunday of the Easter season. But the act of Jesus leaving us for heaven has a more desperate meaning because of recent tragedies and their impacts. The cry of, “How long, O Lord?” and “Come, Lord Jesus!” fill us with a sense of frustration of God’s timing the face of evil. How should we act when faced with impatience toward God, and how does God answer those cries when we give them?

The Resurrection of Christ is an event which seems absurd and outrageous to many people. It seems impossible because we do not comprehend the example and presence of God which brings to life those realities. In the midst of struggle and tragedy, it is the ability to be present and grant life which assures and heals us of the wounds we acquire from the world. How is God healing you right now, or where is healing within the tragedies we all face?