We are providing questions that tie back to the preceding Sunday's primary reading and sermon each week. Feel free to think about these on your own, to discuss with a family member or friend, or to use these within your small group.
Lord of Hopefulness - Romans 8:18-28; Matthew 5:1-12
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe:Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace:
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Text: Jan Struther, 1901-1953 Text © Oxford University Press 1931.
These lyrics talk about how God is with us all day long, in the morning when we wake; in the afternoon, when we work; even at night when we go to bed. God’s presence brings hope.
1. Where do see God’s presence activity in your life throughout the day?
2. God promises a future of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption- all realized through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Where do you see signs of that future in your daily life? In the community? In creation?
3. Hope does not always come as we expect- where do you see signs of hope?
4. How have you experienced receiving and sharing hope?
