Resource type: Bible Study

Opening Prayer Loving God,  We thank you for our bodies and for the gift of sexuality and we ask for your guidance as we explore Jesus’ teachings in this area. In the spirit of Jesus,  Amen. Exegesis This passage has been used for centuries to make people feel bad about sex – not just bad…

Opening Prayer God of life, Who became part of a family tree- A tree of courage, story and survival,  May we find courage and life  In all of our families, In all of our stories, In all of our survivals.  We ask this because we too have stories.  We ask this in the name of…

Opening Prayer God the Holy Spirit, open the doors and the windows of my minds and hearts, that we may listen for God’s Word in these words of Scripture, and be refreshed and transformed by the fresh air that you blow through us.  In the name of the Blessed Trinity: Creator, Redeemer and Giver of…

Opening Prayer God, who brings to birth in us a love which proclaims your reign in the world, make us eager to seek that love in your holy Scriptures, and find in you the truth that sets us free. Amen Exegesis and Reflection It is hard to read this narrative without the backdrop of innumerable…

Opening Prayer Loving God, we are quick to judge others and slow to judge ourselves. Jesus’ teachings encourage us to think, but we often choose simple answers rather than struggle with complexity. Guide us as we reflect on a passage that is familiar to many, but still has much to teach us.  Exegesis This story…

Opening Prayer Lord, open our hearts to receive wisdom from you. Amen. Exegesis and Reflection According to scholars, Exodus, Genesis, Leviticus and Numbers are based on several sources and traditions and were compiled around the 6th century BCE. Exodus is the second book in the Hebrew Scriptures which gives an account of the period of…

Opening Prayer Jesus, our liberator, free us from the bonds we use to restrict ourselves and others from expressing the talents and gifts which you have given us.   Exegesis (Poem) They said I was lazy/ That I hated housework They were right. Still do. Never could see why being/ Born a woman Meant I/ Not…

Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, help us to recognise you as our friend, even when, as Martha, we are disappointed with your response to us. Help us to be aware that you love us always. Amen. Exegesis You know you’re my best friend Even though we don’t always agree. You, me, my sister and my brother/The…

Opening Prayer ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46. 10) Spend a few minutes quietly becoming aware of God’s presence within and all around you. Then when you’re ready, pray that God will give you light to see by as you read and reflect on the text. Exegesis The writer is skilled…