(Luke 17:1-6) Prayer – O Jesus, make me your faithful disciple. Imagination – (Picture Jesus instructing his disciples.) Context: This gospel contains three separate sayings of Jesus concerning discipleship. First, a disciple should never give scandal. Second, a disciple should correct another and forgive him whenever he is sorry. Third, …
(John 6:37-40) Prayer – O Jesus, prepare me for the moment when you come to me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples) Context: Besides proclaiming salvation, the parables warn us of judgment and call us to repentance. This parable has the cutting edge of urgency. This parable shows hostility toward …
(Luke 13: 10-17) Prayer – O Jesus, stretch out your hand. With your power set me free. Imagination 🙁Picture Jesus in the synagogue.) Context: In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is about to proclaim that God’s Kingdom is open to all. He starts with the most humble, curing a stooped woman in …
(Luke 12:16-20) Prayer – O Lord, do not allow my material possessions to ruin my faith. Imagination – (Picture Jesus with His disciples.) Context: A person asked Jesus to gain him his rightful inheritance. Jesus refuses to accept this task. Jesus wants people to avoid greed. Owning property is irrelevant …
(Luke 11:29-32) Prayer – O Lord, I seek no sign or wonder. I seek only you. Imagination – (Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.) Context: Although Jesus’ enemies asked for the sign, Jesus addresses this teaching to the crowds. He cites two Old Testament examples of foreigners having a change …
(Luke 10:25-37) Prayer – Give me a loving heart, O Lord, like your own. Imagination (Picture Jesus with His disciples) Context The lawyer’s question was common in Judaism, ‘How far must my charity extend? Who is within that circle?” Jesus’ parable uses the usual set of three persons. Logically, after …
(Luke 9:46-50) Prayer – Lord Jesus, give me a humble and accepting heart. Imagination: (Imagine Jesus reprimanding his disciples.) Context: These two stories reveal two sins of disciples – ambition and exclusivity. Ambition seeks prominence within the community. Exclusivity excludes those outside the community. Jesus quickly corrects both. Gospel Text: …
Prayer: O Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross to save me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching Nicodemus) Context: This gospel contains the famous John 3:16 verse about God so loving the world. It explains that God’s motive was to save, not to condemn. However, anyone who rejects this light …
(Luke 6:6-11) Prayer – O Jesus, you have come that I might have life. Imagination: (Picture Jesus in the synagogue curing the man’s withered hand.) Context: Although Jesus heals the man’s withered hand, the healing seems secondary to the confrontation. This reveals the unbelievable lack of compassion of many hearts. …
