Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, May 2
Review your notes on Sunday’s sermon. Consider your own position on
prayer in public schools. In what ways did the sermon raise questions or cause
you to reconsider your position? Read Matthew 6:1-18 and using Jesus' teachings
make a list of suggestions for how we should pray. Pray the Lord's Prayer
out loud. Why do you think Jesus prays using plural pronouns like "us" and
"ours"? In what way do verses 14-15 relate our prayer life to the way we live
and act toward others?
Tuesday, May 3
Consider the needs of the children in our church, for example, more Sunday
School teachers, after school activities, youth programs and mentoring. How
can we encourage more children to come to our church? We are planning to start
a new more contemporary worship service, how might this attract more families
with children? How does introducing children to Christian faith help them?
How would you rank this ministry to children and youth as a priority in our
church? Write a prayer for our Sunday School teachers and youth workers and
those working on our new service.
Wednesday, May 4
What do the words “proselytizing,” “witnessing,” and
“evangelizing” mean? Under what circumstances are each appropriate
and when are they misused? How do we balance our call to witness with a need
to respect other religious traditions? Pray for the courage and insight to
appropriately share your faith.
Thursday, May 5
What causes the violent incidents in which children are perpetrators? Why
is violence such a strong force in our society? Why does our culture often
see violence as the best option to solve conflicts? What can our church do
to change the climate of violence in our society? Pray for the children and
a climate of gentleness.
Friday, May 6
Write a short, simple prayer that a child from our church can learn and pray
silently at the beginning of a school day. If you have children at home, consider
praying a simple morning prayer with your children before they go to school.
Write a prayer asking for guidance and courage for the school officials and
teachers in your school system; include as many names as possible.
First
United Methodist Church 