Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Junior High

Junior High 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, divide the large group into three groups. Divide the Lord’s Prayer into three parts and assign each group one part to examine and discuss. Invite the young people to reflect on what their portion of the prayer means to them in their lives today. Have a leader from each group write down their responses.

Allow time for large group discussion. Invite each small group leader to share their group’s reflection. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us how to live as followers of Christ.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In the reading from the Old Testament listen to what Abraham requests of God.

Read Genesis 18:20-32.

Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What does Abraham request of God?
• Why does Abraham plead with God on behalf of the people of Sodom?
• What is God’s response to Abraham?
• What does God’s response to Abraham reveal about God?

In the Gospel reading today listen to Jesus teach about prayer.
Read Luke 11:1-13.
Allow for silence.

• What prayer does Jesus teach his disciples?
• How does Jesus address God in the Lord’s Prayer?
• How does Jesus teach his disciples to pray?
• What does Jesus tell his followers about God?

 

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 today’s readings reveal about God?
• How do you address God when you pray?
• When do you pray the Lord’s Prayer?

[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 the needs and 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.

• Why is it important to pray the Lord’s Prayer?
• How does the first part of the Lord’s Prayer focus on a loving God?
• How does the Lord’s Prayer teach you how to live as a Christian?

 

The Gospel in Life

Pray the Lord’s Prayer each day this week. As you pray, reflect on each sentence and discover the meaning it has for you in your daily life.

 

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 18
Junior High, Morality chapter 12