Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 68:24-35

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

24 Thy solemn processions are seen, O God, the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary

25 the singers in front, the minstrels last, between them maidens playing timbrels:

26 “Bless God in the great congregation, the Lord, O you who are of Israel’s fountain!”

27 There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zeb’ulun, the princes of Naph’tali.

28 Summon thy might, O God; show thy strength, O God, thou who hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to thee.

30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample under foot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.

31 Let bronze be brought from Egypt; let Ethiopia hasten to stretch out her hands to God.

32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; lo, he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies.

35 Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!

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.

Nehemiah Enforces God’s Law

Nehemiah 12-13

1.       What are some of the elements of the public celebration of the dedication? How does celebration strengthen unity, purpose, and authority?

2. How does Nehemiah address Jewish compromises regarding God’s house and God’s worship? What does he demand? How has your influence increased the glory of God’s house and God’s worship?

3. How does Nehemiah use his authority to address the compromises of Jewish practices regarding the Sabbath? How is your example of honoring the Sabbath? How have you used your influence and authority to increase obedience to God’s Sabbath law?

4. How does Nehemiah use his authority to oppose sexual immorality? What has helped you to grow in knowledge and obedience to God’s plan for sexuality? How have you used your influence and authority to increase knowledge of God’s plan for sexuality, and to increase fidelity to God’s plan for sexuality?

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 build a holy place (altar, shrine, grotto, prayer place) at home and invite other families over for a dedication of this holy place.

2. I will schedule a Feast for friends to celebrate a Holy Day at our home.

3. I will plan a praise and worship event in my home or at my parish and invite other families to attend.

4. I will take a full Sabbath day of rest.
5. I will discuss with my wife how our family can better “remember the sabbath day”.

6. I will pray a Rosary each day this week interceding for freedom and protection from sexual immorality for my family and myself.
7. I will plan with my wife how we will educate our children in sexual morality.



Previous Resolutions - Nehemiah 3

Prayer Partners

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