The Way, The Truth, The Life

Encounter

Enter into God's presence. Take a moment to pause and breathe slowly. Inhale deeply, hold, now exhale. Repeat as needed to slow your pace and/or clear your mind.

Open up your Bible and read John 14:1-7.

Jesus's opening words to His disciples hit us now a little differently than I'm sure they hit the disciples when Jesus first spoke these words. John 14 begins Jesus's final address to his disciples before He is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. Take a moment to reconsider how this passage may have been received by His disciples initially versus in the days that followed Jesus's death?

What Jesus said was vitally important for His disciples as they experienced His death, but it is also really important for us too!

Reflect

Sometimes life seems to get in the way of living life. The past several weeks have seemed that way to me, and with all the unexpected weather events and all that has come along with them, this week has been emotionally and physically draining. Sometimes, we have these seasons of life that can last a few weeks, a few months, and in some cases, a few years. In these seasons, we experience waiting - when our questions seemingly don't get answered, our hopes aren't yet realized, and we find ourselves assessing whether or not we're living well. The passage we just read from John 14:1-7 is all about how well we're living and what we're living for; it's about living faithfully and trusting Jesus in the midst of our waiting.

This Sunday we will examine this passage in depth, learning how to live faithfully to God by consuming Jesus, finding closeness with Jesus, and living in community with Christ's Church.

Spiritual Practice

Prayer is one of the hallmarks of Christian faith in Jesus. Sometimes though, we feel inadequate, ill-equipped, or unworthy to pray. I find that when I am feeling that way, I can find a way to pray by using the prayers of those who have come before. I invite you to pray through this prayer found in the Book of Common Prayer used primarily by the Episcopal Church.

This is Form III of the Prayers of the People:

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;

That we all may be one.

Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;

That your Name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;

That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;

That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;

That our works may find favor in your sight.

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;

That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;

May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

Silence

Praying for The Way, The Truth, and The Life with you!

Pastor Matt

Gather

Questions for discussion:

1. In what ways did your perspective about the John 14:1-7 passage change when you considered that these were some of Jesus's final words to His disciples before His crucifixion?

2. If your perspective changed, why? What about your understanding of Jesus's words impacted you?

3. How is it with your soul?

4. In what ways can you reach out to those in your community in your family and/or friends to share some of your life with them?