7Minutes4Jesus

 

Trinity

Sunday

 

(7th June 2009)

 

 

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

SILENCE

WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE READING

MEDITATION

BY HEART

INTERCESSION

COVENANT PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 28:16-20

…Jesus came up and spoke to them.  He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.  And know that I am with you always; yet, to the end of time…

Questions for Meditation

 

1.      Who is Jesus speaking to?  When did he say these words to them? 

2.      What are the 4 things that Jesus is asking them to do?  How are they supposed to baptize?  In whose name? 

3.      When was the first time that Jesus taught his disciples about the heavenly Father in the gospel of Matthew?  (see 5:16). 

4.      The first time the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the gospel of Matthew is in 1:18.  What is the event that is described? 

5.      Describe the baptism of Jesus.  Do you find the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?  What did God the Father say?  What did Jesus do? What did the Holy Spirit do?     

By Heart: for Reflection

What is the difference in referring to God as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier as opposed to Father, Son and Holy Spirit?  When we address God as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, we are referring to God in terms of what God does.  It is purely functional.  On the contrary, when we address God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are referring to God in terms of who God is.  This is relational. 

-          Do we relate to God on the relational level or functional level?

-          Do we relate to God because of who he is or because of what he does?

It is easy to relate on the functional level even in our own relationships.  But God is relational and not functional.  He wants to have a communion with us – a personal and real relationship.  Thus, through our baptism we have become the children of God, the members of the body of Christ and the temples of the Holy Spirit.  The liturgy of the Church celebrates what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has done in salvation history.  But Trinity Sunday is special because it is a celebration not of what God has done but of who God is.       

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end.  Amen

 

 

Intercessions:

1.      For leaders of the Church, that they may reflect the image of the Trinity in their life and ministry

2.      For peace in the world, that leaders of nations may strive for unity amidst the diversity of race and religion

3.      For parents and children, that the Holy Spirit may be the bond that unites them in love for one another

4.      For the sick and the suffering, that they may experience the love of the heavenly Father

5.      For all of us, that we may strive to be more relational rather than functional to one another. 

6.      For those who have died this week, that they may be united with God in the company of the saints in heaven

 

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.  Amen