7Minutes4Jesus

 

5th Sunday

of lent

 (29th March 2009)

 

 

 “Father,

glorify

your name”

 

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

1.         SILENCE

2.       WORSHIP

3.       SCRIPTURE

READING

4.      MEDITATION

5.       BY HEART

6.       INTERCESSION

7.       COVENANT PRAYER


SCRIPTURE READING: John 12:20-33


 

…Jesus replied to them: ‘Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too…

 

 

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.      Whom was Jesus speaking to?  What does the hour refer to?

2.      In what way would the Son of Man be glorified?  Did he freely choose this way?  Was there another way that he could have chosen?     

3.      What potential does one tiny wheat grain have?  In order for the grain to fulfil its fullest potentiality, what must happen to it?  Is this inevitable?   

4.      In your opinion, why would one lose his life if he loves his life too much?  What is the purpose of Jesus using such strong words like ‘hates his life’?   

5.      What must someone do if he wants to serve Jesus?  How can we follow Jesus in our words and actions?                   

 

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

No matter how small or insignificant we might feel about ourselves, we can really make a difference in our world.  Just as a tiny wheat grain has the potential to yield a rich harvest, we too have the potential to influence and touch the lives of people around us. 

-          What are some of the daily simple examples of sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others can you think of?

-          When we do something for the sake of others, what do we gain from it?  When Jesus came and died for our sake, what did he gain from it?  What did we gain from it?   

The paradox of life through death:  Our whole lives are similarly a cycle of dyings and risings.  It is when we are prepared to die that our lives become the most fruitful.  The way to glory for Jesus and for us is death to self and dying to self very often means sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others.  Like Jesus, many heroic men and women found love for God and others as values worth dying for. 

If one has found nothing worth dying for,

then probably found nothing forth living for.

 

 

Intercessions:

1.      For all those persecuted for their faith, that they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit to remain faithful witness of the Lord.

2.      For all those who have died, that they may experience the new life of peace and happiness that the Lord has promised them.

3.      For young people everywhere, that they may be generous in answering God’s call to service and discipleship.

4.      For all those preparing for baptism, that they may open their hearts to receive Jesus and experience his unconditional love.

 

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray