Opening Prayer and Reflection
Lesson 2
Gathering Questions
Share a time when you felt “called” to do something- maybe a time when you had to stand up for a friend, volunteer for a project or cause, or go somewhere new.
Who is someone that you can go to that is your “person”, your “second” or your “ride or die friend.” What makes that person special to you?
Share a time when a parent, teacher, coach, mentor wanted you to do something you REALLY didn’t want to do, but it turned out to be the right thing and you later realized it.
Opening Prayer
Supplies: Candle (optional)
As a family/group- have one person read the “leader” parts, and the rest of the family/small group respond in the following call & response prayer below adapted from Psalm 136:1-9. Instruct the person leading the prayer to read the leader part and have the rest of group respond with the response “For God’s love forever!”
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Leader: O give thanks to the God of gods, O give thanks to the Lord of lords
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Leader: Who alone does great wonders and by understanding made the heavens
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Leader: Who spread out the earth on the waters and made the great lights
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Leader: Who made the sun to rule over the day and the moon and stars to rule over the night
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Leader: O give thanks to the God of heaven
All: For God’s love lasts forever!
Alternate Opening Prayer
Gracious God, we know that you are good and that you love endures forever! We give thanks, for we know that you are the Lord of lords, the one who does great wonders throughout heaven and earth. You are the creator of all things and for your creation, we give thanks!
Bless this time together that we might be reminded of your love for us, a love that lasts forever! Amen!