Sunday, January 24, 2021 - How do we listen for God?

Theme - Curious Questions of God: How do we listen for God?

Prayer

Luke 9:28-33                                                                      Common English Bible Translation

About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes flashed white like lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus’ departure, which he would achieve in Jerusalem. Peter and those with him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw his glory as well as the two men with him. As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it’s good that we’re here. We should construct three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” but he didn’t know what he was saying. (Question: What are the most confusing things that you’ve witnessed in life?)

Luke 9:34-37

Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe. Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!” Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen. The next day, when Jesus, Peter, John, and James had come down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. (Question: What do you think it means to listen to Jesus?)

Luke 9:38-43a

A man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to take a look at my son, my only child. Look, a spirit seizes him and, without any warning, he screams. It shakes him and causes him to foam at the mouth. It tortures him and rarely leaves him alone. I begged your disciples to throw it out, but they couldn’t.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and crooked generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon threw him down and shook him violently. Jesus spoke harshly to the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. Everyone was overwhelmed by God’s greatness. (Question: How have you experienced receiving and giving healing to others?)

Luke 9:46-48

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Aware of their deepest thoughts, Jesus took a little child and had the child stand beside. Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever is least among you all is the greatest.” (Question: How have you been welcomed and then welcomed others in your life?)

Luke 9:57-60

As Jesus and his disciples traveled along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Human One has no place to lay his head.” Then Jesus said to someone else, “Follow me.” He replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. But you go and spread the news of God’s kingdom.” (Question: What excuses do you struggle with around listening to God?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining – 192 GTG

Spirit of the Living God – 288 GTG

Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness – 291 GTG

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah – 65 GTG

I, the Lord of Sea and Sky – 69 GTG

Quotes by author Linda McCullough Moore

“When God does speak to us there will be hints of confirmation: other people, circumstances, results from our obedience, fruits of that industry, and, sometimes more quietly, nudges that will not leave us – particularly nudges that are counter to our own inclinations; ideas that will not let us be; offers that we can’t refuse.”