21. Significant and Wonderful (We Make the Road by Walking)

King David and the prophet Nathan

Engage

1.  What one thought or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?

2.  Share a story about a time when you felt you experienced a miracle, or when you prayed for a miracle that never came.

3.  How do you respond to the literary approach that looks for meaning in miracle stories?  Can you apply it to some other miracle stories?

4.  If you could have a magical power, what would it be, and why?

Activate

5.  Keep these two miracle stories in mind throughout this week, and see if they bring new insights to situations you face.

Meditate

6.  Hold in silence the image of an empty ceremonial stone container being filled with water that is transformed to wine.  Hear the sound of water filling to the brim.  See the water change in color, and taste the change in flavor as it becomes wine.  Hear the sound of people celebrating in the background.  Sit with the words empty, full, and transformed.  See what prayer takes shape in your heart.

We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation ~ by Brian D. McLaren, 2014

20. Join the Adventure! (We Make the Road by Walking)

Engage

1.  What one thought or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?

2.  Share a story about a time you went through some hardship or temptation that prepared you for a later opportunity, or a time when you missed an opportunity because you were unprepared.

3.  How do you respond to the idea that you can be captivated by the expectations of your loyal fans and intimidated by the threats of your hostile critics?  Which is a greater danger for you?

4.  What's something you can't do right now that you hope you will be able to do someday?  What will you have to learn in order to do that thing?

Activate

5.  This week, write the word disciple in prominent places to remind yourself of Jesus' invitation to you.

Meditate

6.  In silence, imagine Jesus calling your name and saying two words:  Follow me.  Allow that invitation to stir a response in you at the deepest part of your being.

We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation ~ by Brian D. McLaren, 2014

19. Jesus Coming of Age (We Make the Road by Walking)

Engage

1.  What one thought or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?

2.  Share the story of your baptism or some other initiation experience you've had.

3.  How do you respond to this explanation of John the Baptist and baptism?  In breaking with tradition, what kind of challenges do you think he encountered?

4.  When you think of a dove and a lamb, what do you think of?

Activate

5.  This week, look for every chance to "grow in wisdom" by listening, learning, and asking questions.

Meditate

6.  Imagine God asking you, "What one thing would you like me to do for you?"  As Solomon asked for wisdom, hold one request up to God in silence.  Then, receive God's message to Jesus as a message to you by saying these words, silently or aloud, one time or several times:  "[Your name], you are my child, whom I dearly love.  In you I find pleasure."  Finally, make these words your own:  "I am [my name], your child, whom you dearly love.  In me you find pleasure."

We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation ~ by Brian D. McLaren, 2014

18. Sharing Gifts (We Make the Road by Walking)

Posted on January 6 (Epiphany), represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12).

Engage

1.  What one thought or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?

2.  Share a story of a meaningful encounter you've had with a member of another religion.  Who might be today's Magi — people from other religions (or no religion) who honor Jesus without wanting to leave the religion into which they were born?

3.  How do you respond to the idea that members of different religions can see one another as neighbors with whom to exchange gifts rather than as enemies or competitors?

4.  What was one of your favorite Christmas presents that you received or that you gave?  Why was it your favorite?

Activate

5.  This week, look for someone of another faith to spend some time with.  Get to know them.  Learn about their tradition.  Ask them what they value in their heritage, and answer any questions they ask about yours.  Perhaps tell them the story of the Magi.

Meditate

6.  In silence, think of the different religions in today's world.  Hold in your heart the idea that each has gifts to give and each can receive gifts, too.  Conclude your meditation with a prayer.

We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation ~ by Brian D. McLaren, 2014