First Conversation

Getting Ready

This conversation focuses on our life as individual followers of Jesus. As you read passages of scripture or spend time in meditation or prayer, invite God’s Holy Spirit to lead you into new understandings of what it means to be a follower of Jesus in our own time. Take time to reflect on the language of the Baptismal Covenant, inviting God’s Holy Spirit to you guide you to those words or commitments of the Covenant that have the most relevance for you and your life at this time. In the words of Hymn #390 from The Hymnal (1982), take some time to “ponder anew what the Almighty can do” in your life during this Easter season.

A Prayer

“Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

A Collect For Vocation in Daily Work – Page 261, Book of Common Prayer (1979)

The Conversation

Alone, or together with others, consider the following questions. If you will be in a group with others, begin with prayer, and then take time to listen as each person present speaks their own responses to these questions. Avoid discussion or debate, although you might ask another person a question or two in order to better understand their response. You may want to jot down your own responses in a journal. If you join together with others, you might also want to jot down some of the words and images that you hear from them.

Questions:

  • How might God be calling you to live more fully into the faith and promises of our Baptismal Covenant?
  • How might God be calling you to go out into our world in love and service?