Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 63

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

1  O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where no water is.

2  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

3  Because your merciful love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

4  So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

5  My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,

6  when I think of you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

7  for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.

8  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

9  But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;

10  they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals.

11  But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall glory; for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

   Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

   As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Abram and Lot

Genesis 13

1.       How are God’s promises to Abram already being fulfilled in Genesis 13:2? What have been the sources of Abram’s wealth? What role does wealth play in Abram’s life? What role does wealth play in your life?

2.       How does Genesis 13:6-7 describe the influence of riches on the relationship of Abram and Lot? How might this inform a Patriarch’s intentions about family and business?

3.       What does Genesis 13:8-9 reveal about Abram’s character and priorities? How might a Patriarch follow his example?

4.       Where does Lot choose to dwell? Where does Abram choose to dwell? What is the judgment of the author of Genesis? What attracts a Patriarch to rural environments? Urban environments? What risks are there? What environment do you believe is better for raising offspring?

5.       After Lot separates, how does God expand his promises to Abram? How does God keep Abram’s eyes on a “bigger picture” than his own life span? How does communication with God help you see a “bigger picture”? How are you training your offspring to communicate with God? How do you help your offspring to “raise their eyes” and see a “bigger picture”?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will spend 15 minutes in Adoration giving thanks to God for the material resources that presently support my life.
2.    I will discuss with my wife the creation of a financial plan for our family.
3.    I will pray with my wife about the influence of wealth on our relationship.
4.    I will examine my family for any sources of strife, and I will seek counsel on taking one step to resolve that strife.
5.    I will consult my father and give him the opportunity to share wisdom about wealth and family.
6.    I will plan with my wife how to train our children in the acquisition and responsibility of wealth.
7.    I will schedule a “retreat day” for my wife and I to pray and examine the “bigger picture” of our marriage and our family.
8.    I will read and discuss a passage of the Bible with my family.
9.    I will lead a family Rosary in thanksgiving for our blessings.
10.    I will read the Catechism on prayer #2623-2649 (Blessing, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, Praise).
11.    I will teach one of my children how to grow in personal prayer (perhaps in Petition, Intercession, Blessing, Thanksgiving, Praise).

Previous Resolutions - Genesis 12

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.