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Week 3 — Week of March 4: A Place of Worship
Scripture: John 2:13-22 Symbol: Coins Discussion & Activity: As you read the Scripture, pass coins from one person to another. While this may be a familiar story for you, it may also feel out of place. We are used to this being part of what we consider during Holy Week. In the Gospel of John, it is placed early in Jesus’ ministry. Luke 19:46 contains this verse: “And he said, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.’” |
We often have interesting reactions to money. On the one hand, money helps us obtain shelter, food, and things we need for living. It enables us to take care of the poor, feed the hungry, and give so that others may come to know the love of God. On the other hand, money can also end up being the source of worship instead of God. Jesus is reminding us that the purpose of the temple isn’t for the exchange of goods. It is for worship of God.
Do you have a place in your home that helps you worship God? Maybe it’s the table where you place a family Bible. Maybe it’s a chair near a picture that reminds you of God. Maybe it’s a worship center where you have placed a cross. If you don’t have a place in your home that reminds you to stop and worship God, together decide on a place that will help you do so. Put something in the place you’ve selected to remind you of God: a Bible, a cross, a picture of Jesus, or a poster of a Bible verse.
Decide on a project -- either through your church or that you can do on your own -- that helps those in need. Collect money for the remainder of Lent to give to this project. Make a container in which to place the money you will donate.
Take time for family members to say how they are doing with what they have added to and given up in their life.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help us in our worship of you. Help us have places where we can recall the stories of your love, think about your son, Jesus, and all that he taught us, and give thanks for the world you have created. Help us see ways to aid those in need. Amen.
Do you have a place in your home that helps you worship God? Maybe it’s the table where you place a family Bible. Maybe it’s a chair near a picture that reminds you of God. Maybe it’s a worship center where you have placed a cross. If you don’t have a place in your home that reminds you to stop and worship God, together decide on a place that will help you do so. Put something in the place you’ve selected to remind you of God: a Bible, a cross, a picture of Jesus, or a poster of a Bible verse.
Decide on a project -- either through your church or that you can do on your own -- that helps those in need. Collect money for the remainder of Lent to give to this project. Make a container in which to place the money you will donate.
Take time for family members to say how they are doing with what they have added to and given up in their life.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help us in our worship of you. Help us have places where we can recall the stories of your love, think about your son, Jesus, and all that he taught us, and give thanks for the world you have created. Help us see ways to aid those in need. Amen.