Welcome to the individual order of meeting.
Fellowship Rhythm – Who are the people you are journeying with?
Grace PrayerBecoming PresentInputQuestionsTrainingBlessingGroup Order
Grace Prayer
By God's grace I work on healthy relationships with others and live as part of a community.Becoming Fully Present
May the light of God illumine the heart of my soul. May the flame of Christ kindle me to love.May the fire of the Spirit free me to live this day, tonight and forever. (Morning and Night Prayer (Philip Newel)A beautiful story of friendship, commitment and healing…Read (or listen) to this story twice. First from the perspective of the friends and then from the perspective of the man on the mat.
A ‘Fellowship of the Mat’ (Adapted from NieuCommunities “Fellowship of the Mat”)
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them,“Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”
“I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes.”
― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth
“You are blind and I am deaf and dumb, so let us touch hands and understand.”
― Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam
SOMETHING MORE
- An excellent article on PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Lectio Divina and Gospel Contemplation).
- A selection of quotes on COMMUNITY AND GROWTH from Jean Vanier.
- A BLESSING FOR FRIENDS.
Reflection Questions
What strikes you about these friends? What do you think the man on the mat must have felt that day? Would you say that you have friends (like those above) that are committed to your healing? Would you say that you are the type of person that is committed to your friends healing? Is it not interesting that the text says, "Seeing THEIR faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” What do you make of this?Training Exercise
Think about your 'fellowship' (those you are committed to) and ask yourself whether any of these people are committed to your healing. If you can identify someone committed to your healing then consider thanking God for them and thanking them personally. If you cannot identify someone committed to your healing how can you become more committed to the healing of those you are in 'fellowship' with?Blessing for the week
May God send you friends that are committed to your healing. May God give you eyes to see these people for the wonderful gift that they are. And may God give you an open heart to receive this gift when it is given. AmenGroup Order of Meeting
We cannot live the Jesus life in Isolation - form a group and use this ...You can download this week’s Order of Meeting HERE.