Monday: Understanding
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God's name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, as this new week unfolds, open our hearts and minds so we can learn from our Bible story and develop true faith. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we study, and help us to live good lives that are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
James 2:14-18
James wrote to people of the Church:
My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn’t have any clothes or food, you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!
Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.” I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: What does it mean to have faith in Jesus? Who gives us this faith?
Child: How can our love of God inspire us to do good things for others?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Holy God, we want to reach out and help others but sometimes we don’t know how to best do that. Inspire us and lead us, so that we might make a difference in this world for your good purpose. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words:
May you serve God by helping your neighbor! Amen.