Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Intermediate

Intermediate Session
Genesis 18:20-32
Luke 11:1-13

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

The topic for today’s session is prayer. To begin, invite the children to reflect on what they want and need most at this time in their lives. Provide each child with paper and a pencil and have them list their top five wants and needs in order of priority. Discuss:

• Do you ask God for what you want and need?
• When do you pray?
• How do you pray?
• When do you pray the Lord’s Prayer?

Allow time for discussion. Jesus tells us to ask God for what we need and want. God loves us and hears our prayers. Jesus taught us to pray by giving us the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In the first reading from the Old Testament listen to Abraham ask God for what he wants.
Read Genesis 18:20-32.

Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What does Abraham ask of God?
• Why does Abraham want to save the people of Sodom?
• Does God listen to Abraham?
• How does God respond to Abraham?

In today’s Gospel listen to Jesus teach his disciples to pray.
Read Luke 11:1-13.
Allow for silence.

• How does Jesus teach his disciples to pray?
• Why does Jesus tell his followers, “Ask and it will be given to you”?
• What prayer does Jesus teach his disciples?

 

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.

In the Old Testament reading today we find Abraham pleading with God on behalf of the people of Sodom. As they bargain over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham tries to understand the mind and will of God. The close relationship that Abraham shares with God is clear. Today’s Old Testament passage reveals a merciful God who listens to his people and is willing to spare the wicked for the sake of the faithful.

In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples to pray. Jesus is at prayer when his followers ask, “how should we pray?” Jesus begins teaching them by addressing God as Father, or “Abba,” a word that means daddy. This reveals the intimate connection between Jesus and God. The rest of the prayer summarizes how to live a Christian life.

In today’s Gospel passage we find an invitation to share in the intimate relationship that Jesus and God share. God is “Our Father,” and the giver of all good gifts.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What do these readings tell us about God?
• How did you learn to pray the Lord’s Prayer?
• Do you believe that God hears your prayers?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

The Lord’s Prayer: Summary of the Gospel

Jesus gave us the Lord’s prayer because he understands our needs and the longings of our hearts. The first part of the Lord’s Prayer expresses our belief in a loving God. The second part brings our needs to God. The Lord’s Prayer gives us a summary of how to live as followers of Jesus. It is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which teaches Christians how to live in the world.

• What does the Lord’s Prayer teach you about God?
• Why is it important to pray the Lord’s Prayer?
• How does the Lord’s Prayer teach you how to live a Christian life?

 

The Gospel in Life

This week bring all your wants and needs to God in prayer. Remember to thank God for all the blessings you have been given.

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition

At Home Family Guide, theme 18
Grade 4, chapters 26
Grade 5, chapters 26
Grade 6, chapters 26