Gathering & Scattering Part 2 – A Heart of Thanksgiving

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the latest of our short video talks. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Readings:

Psalm 9 verses 1-2

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you;
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

2 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 6-8
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.
 

Prayer & Reflection

Father God: We thank you for food and remember the hungry.
We thank you for health and remember the sick.
We thank you for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank you for freedom and remember the enslaved.
We thank you for Jesus and remember his sacrifice.
May these memories, and the Holy Spirit, stir us to service,
so that your generous gifts to us may be used to serve others.
Amen.




Questions to Consider

1. Do you agree that it’s good to be thankful? If yes, in what specific ways do you show your gratitude?

2. How do you feel and react if people display ingratitude for things that you have done for them?

3. Is it really true that “you reap what you sow?” Can you think of examples where that has happened, both positively and negatively?

4. The bible tells us (2 Corinthians 9:6), “the one who plants generously will get a generous crop”. What do you think that means? Can you give an example?

5. In what specific way does being generous help us to “grow together to become more like Jesus?”

6. We often say that we are grateful for what God has done for us, but are we really, or do we take things for granted? Could you list 20 things that you are thankful for?