Adult Forum |
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The Adult Forum meets on Sundays at 9:00am in Wilkinson Hall |
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Advent 2019 - The Collects
December 8, 2019
As a reminder, here is a description of the general format of a collect:
The collect for the second Sunday in Advent:
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
For next week: Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Advent 2019 - The Collects
December 1, 2019
A “collect” is a prayer that is used in liturgy, often at the start of a worship service. It usually reflects the themes of the given Sunday and generally follows a set format:
The collect for the first Sunday in Advent:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.
Note that the “armor” of light comes from today’s epistle (Romans 13:11-14) and the gospel lesson (Matt. 24:36-44) describes future judgment. In this sense, the collect “collects” the themes of the readings.
Themes in this collect include: light, humility, judgment, eternal life.
For next week: Read the collect for the second Sunday in Advent:
Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Select Psalms
November 17, 2019
Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
Which of these psalms spoke to you?
Were there any that troubled you?
What connections did you see between these psalms/prayers and other prayers we have read this fall?
Remember the types of prayers that are described in the Book of Common Prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition. Which of these are prominent in the psalms?
For next week: Write your Thanksgiving prayer (or any kind of prayer that is important to you right now!). Or, if you prefer you can find a prayer someone else has written that is meaningful to you right now.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Isaiah and Simeon
November 10, 2019
Isaiah 12
This prayer comes right after a description of a future messianic age, when all will be at peace.
This prayer of praise occurs after Simeon has been told he will not die until seeing the messiah. When he sees the baby Jesus in the Temple, he holds Jesus and expresses this prayer.
For next week: Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Jeremiah and Jonah
November 3, 2019
Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2.
In all the passages, Jeremiah and Jonah have experienced significant hardship—how are their prayers different? Does either surprise you?
In Jeremiah’s case, God has called him to be a prophet, and he has suffered for his prophecy. Imagine you are God hearing these prayers—what are different ways you might respond?
In Jonah’s case, he has disobeyed God and has been punished by being swallowed by a fish. Again, what are the different ways God might respond to these prayers?
What might we learn about ourselves through reading these prayers? About God?
For next week: Read Isaiah 12; Luke 2:29 – 32
What kinds of prayers are these?
When have you been moved to pray in this way?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Abraham, Moses, David
October 27, 2019
Today we will look at prayers of Abraham, Moses, and David (Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14; 2 Sam. 7:18 – 29).
A few notes about these passages:
Gen. 18:16-33: In this passage, God has just made a covenant with Abraham, promising land and descendants and asking that he and his family travel to the land of Canaan.
Exodus 32:7-14: This passage takes place right after Moses has been on Mt. Sinai receiving the law from God. Moses has already descended once in chapter 24 to share the commandments, and he has returned to the mountain for more instruction from God. While he was away the second time, Aaron and the people have constructed and begun worshipping a golden calf, directly violating the first commandment.
2 Sam. 7:18-29: David says this prayer right after God has made a covenant promising that David’s descendants will always rule Israel.
For next week, read Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2.
In all the passages, Jeremiah and Jonah have experienced significant hardship—how are their prayers different? Does either surprise you?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Hannah and Mary
October 13, 2019
When we read the prayers of Hannah and Mary, we can see they have similar language and themes. Their situations, though, are very different. Hannah is barren and has been praying for a child, while Mary is a virgin who finds herself pregnant!
Let’s think about each of these separately first:
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10)
Mary (Luke 1:46 – 55)
And now, thinking of the prayers of both figures:
For next week: Originally I did not think I would be in town, but my plans have changed! So, we will discuss today what we would like to focus on next week.
For 10/27 we will look at the prayers of Abraham, Moses, and David (Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14; 2 Sam. 7:18 – 29).
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Jesus in Gethsemane
October 6, 2019
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:32-42; Matt. 26:36-46
Take a few minutes to think about a time you have prayed as you have faced a challenge you knew you could not change.
Let’s listen to Michael Crawford singing “Gethsemane” from Jesus Christ Superstar. What do you think of this interpretation?
For next week, we will read prayers of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10) and Mary (Luke 1:46 – 55). Think about the following questions:
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
The Lord’s Prayer
September 22, 2019
The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matt. 6:7-13 and Luke 11:1-13
Correction: The original schedule ended on Nov. 17, but we will also meet on Nov. 24, which is the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
We will not meet next week (9/29) due to the 150th Celebration of Consecration of the Church.
For Oct. 6, we will read about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42; Matt. 26:36-46). Here are some questions to consider:
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Introduction
Why do you think we pray (especially if we believe that God is all-knowing)?
Think about our worship service – what types of prayer do we find there?
Here is what the Book of Common Prayer teaches about prayer in the catechism:
“The principal kinds of prayer are adoration, praise,
thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and
petition.” (p. 856)
For next week, we will be reading two different version of the Lord’s Prayer. As you read, think about the following:
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Schedule
Date TOPIC Passages to be discussed
Sep. 15 Introduction to types of prayer Book of Common Prayer, p. 856
Sep. 22 The Lord’s Prayer Matt. 6:7 – 13; Luke 11:1 – 13
Sep. 29 No class – 150th Anniversary of the Consecration of our Church Building
Oct. 6 Jesus in Gethsemane Mark 14:32 – 42; Matt. 26:36 – 46
Oct. 13 Hannah and Mary 1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10; Luke 1:46 – 55
Oct. 20 No class
Oct. 27 Abraham, David & Moses Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14;
2 Sam. 7:18 – 29
Nov. 3 Jeremiah and Jonah Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2
Nov. 10 Isaiah and Simeon Isaiah 12; Luke 2:29 – 32
Nov. 17 Psalms Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
The Forum will not meet during the Thanksgiving weekend and resume on Dec. 1 for an Advent-themed session.
Advent 2019 - The Collects
December 8, 2019
As a reminder, here is a description of the general format of a collect:
- An address to God, often expressing something about God’s nature/character
- A petition
- The hoped for result of the granted petition
- Praise and Amen
The collect for the second Sunday in Advent:
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- What does the “address” section of this collect remind us about God?
- What is being requested in this prayer? Why do we need to ask for this?
- One of the Way of Love words is “listen” – how does it connect to this collect?
- The hoped for result in this prayer is “that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ…” – what might this be referring to? What does it mean to you?
- In today’s lessons we hear from two “messengers” – Isaiah and John the Baptist. Who are/were important “messengers” for you? What or who helps keep you connected to God?
For next week: Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Advent 2019 - The Collects
December 1, 2019
A “collect” is a prayer that is used in liturgy, often at the start of a worship service. It usually reflects the themes of the given Sunday and generally follows a set format:
- An address to God, often expressing something about God’s nature/character
- A petition
- The hoped for result of the granted petition
- Praise and Amen
The collect for the first Sunday in Advent:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.
Note that the “armor” of light comes from today’s epistle (Romans 13:11-14) and the gospel lesson (Matt. 24:36-44) describes future judgment. In this sense, the collect “collects” the themes of the readings.
Themes in this collect include: light, humility, judgment, eternal life.
- Which of these speak to you?
- Which do you connect most to Advent?
For next week: Read the collect for the second Sunday in Advent:
Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Select Psalms
November 17, 2019
Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
Which of these psalms spoke to you?
Were there any that troubled you?
What connections did you see between these psalms/prayers and other prayers we have read this fall?
Remember the types of prayers that are described in the Book of Common Prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition. Which of these are prominent in the psalms?
For next week: Write your Thanksgiving prayer (or any kind of prayer that is important to you right now!). Or, if you prefer you can find a prayer someone else has written that is meaningful to you right now.
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Isaiah and Simeon
November 10, 2019
Isaiah 12
This prayer comes right after a description of a future messianic age, when all will be at peace.
- What do these prayers/psalms say about God?
- What do they encourage us to do?
This prayer of praise occurs after Simeon has been told he will not die until seeing the messiah. When he sees the baby Jesus in the Temple, he holds Jesus and expresses this prayer.
- What kind of prayer is this?
- Why might this prayer have been difficult for Simeon?
- What does this prayer say about Jesus?
- How do prayers of praise and gratitude help us?
- When are prayers of praise and gratitude difficult?
- Why are they important?
For next week: Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Jeremiah and Jonah
November 3, 2019
Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2.
In all the passages, Jeremiah and Jonah have experienced significant hardship—how are their prayers different? Does either surprise you?
In Jeremiah’s case, God has called him to be a prophet, and he has suffered for his prophecy. Imagine you are God hearing these prayers—what are different ways you might respond?
In Jonah’s case, he has disobeyed God and has been punished by being swallowed by a fish. Again, what are the different ways God might respond to these prayers?
What might we learn about ourselves through reading these prayers? About God?
For next week: Read Isaiah 12; Luke 2:29 – 32
What kinds of prayers are these?
When have you been moved to pray in this way?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Abraham, Moses, David
October 27, 2019
Today we will look at prayers of Abraham, Moses, and David (Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14; 2 Sam. 7:18 – 29).
A few notes about these passages:
Gen. 18:16-33: In this passage, God has just made a covenant with Abraham, promising land and descendants and asking that he and his family travel to the land of Canaan.
Exodus 32:7-14: This passage takes place right after Moses has been on Mt. Sinai receiving the law from God. Moses has already descended once in chapter 24 to share the commandments, and he has returned to the mountain for more instruction from God. While he was away the second time, Aaron and the people have constructed and begun worshipping a golden calf, directly violating the first commandment.
2 Sam. 7:18-29: David says this prayer right after God has made a covenant promising that David’s descendants will always rule Israel.
- What do these prayers have in common? How would you categorize them?
- What kind of relationship with God do they reflect?
- What questions do they raise in your mind?
- What is your reaction to these prayers? Have you ever felt like any of these figures in your relationship to God?
For next week, read Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2.
In all the passages, Jeremiah and Jonah have experienced significant hardship—how are their prayers different? Does either surprise you?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Hannah and Mary
October 13, 2019
When we read the prayers of Hannah and Mary, we can see they have similar language and themes. Their situations, though, are very different. Hannah is barren and has been praying for a child, while Mary is a virgin who finds herself pregnant!
Let’s think about each of these separately first:
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10)
- What kinds of prayers are these?
- What do BOTH of these prayers say about God?
Mary (Luke 1:46 – 55)
- What kind of prayer is this?
- Why is this prayer surprising?
- What does this say about Mary? About God?
- Are you able to offer thanksgiving when things DON’T go the way you expect?
And now, thinking of the prayers of both figures:
- What might it mean that these prayers are said by women?
- Do any of their prayers speak to you? Why or why not?
For next week: Originally I did not think I would be in town, but my plans have changed! So, we will discuss today what we would like to focus on next week.
For 10/27 we will look at the prayers of Abraham, Moses, and David (Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14; 2 Sam. 7:18 – 29).
- What do these prayers have in common? How would you categorize them?
- What kind of relationship with God do they reflect?
- What is your reaction to these prayers?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Jesus in Gethsemane
October 6, 2019
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:32-42; Matt. 26:36-46
- What has happened directly before this scene?
- Remembering the types of prayers we discussed a few weeks ago (adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and
petition), into what category(ies) does Jesus’ prayer fall? - What are the actual prayers Jesus says? Have you ever said a prayer like these?
- The scene also includes the disciples falling asleep and unable to stay and watch as Jesus has asked—how does this impact the meaning of the prayers?
- What do these prayers show about Jesus? What do they say to us?
Take a few minutes to think about a time you have prayed as you have faced a challenge you knew you could not change.
- What does that feel like?
- What are you hoping for?
Let’s listen to Michael Crawford singing “Gethsemane” from Jesus Christ Superstar. What do you think of this interpretation?
For next week, we will read prayers of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10) and Mary (Luke 1:46 – 55). Think about the following questions:
- What are the different circumstances of Hannah and Mary?
- What kinds of prayers are these? In what ways are the prayers similar? Different?
- What do these prayers say about God?
- What might it mean that these are prayers said by women?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
The Lord’s Prayer
September 22, 2019
The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matt. 6:7-13 and Luke 11:1-13
- Under what circumstances does Jesus teach the prayer?
- In reading this carefully, did you notice anything you hadn’t thought of before?
- What, exactly, is being prayed for? Is any of this surprising? Confusing? Is anything left out you might expect to be included?
- How does this prayer fit into (or not) the categories we discussed last week?
- What does the prayer tell us about God? About ourselves?
Correction: The original schedule ended on Nov. 17, but we will also meet on Nov. 24, which is the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
We will not meet next week (9/29) due to the 150th Celebration of Consecration of the Church.
For Oct. 6, we will read about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42; Matt. 26:36-46). Here are some questions to consider:
- What has happened directly before this scene?
- What are the actual prayers Jesus says? Have you even said a prayer like these?
- The scene also includes the disciples falling asleep and unable to stay and watch as Jesus has asked—how does this impact the meaning of the prayers?
- What do these prayers show about Jesus? What do they say to us?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Introduction
Why do you think we pray (especially if we believe that God is all-knowing)?
Think about our worship service – what types of prayer do we find there?
Here is what the Book of Common Prayer teaches about prayer in the catechism:
“The principal kinds of prayer are adoration, praise,
thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and
petition.” (p. 856)
- What are examples of each of these types of prayer?
- What type do you engage in most?
- Are there other types of prayer that you engage in?
- What kind of prayer do you want to do more of
For next week, we will be reading two different version of the Lord’s Prayer. As you read, think about the following:
- Under what circumstances does Jesus teach the prayer?
- In reading this carefully, do you notice anything you hadn’t thought of before?
- What, exactly, is being prayed for? Is any of this surprising? Confusing?
- What does the prayer tell us about God? About ourselves?
St. Paul’s Adult Forum
Fall 2019
Prayer in the Bible
Schedule
Date TOPIC Passages to be discussed
Sep. 15 Introduction to types of prayer Book of Common Prayer, p. 856
Sep. 22 The Lord’s Prayer Matt. 6:7 – 13; Luke 11:1 – 13
Sep. 29 No class – 150th Anniversary of the Consecration of our Church Building
Oct. 6 Jesus in Gethsemane Mark 14:32 – 42; Matt. 26:36 – 46
Oct. 13 Hannah and Mary 1 Samuel 1:9 – 11, 2:1 – 10; Luke 1:46 – 55
Oct. 20 No class
Oct. 27 Abraham, David & Moses Gen. 18:16 – 33; Exodus 32:7 – 14;
2 Sam. 7:18 – 29
Nov. 3 Jeremiah and Jonah Jeremiah 15:10 – 21, 17:14 – 18; Jonah 2
Nov. 10 Isaiah and Simeon Isaiah 12; Luke 2:29 – 32
Nov. 17 Psalms Psalms 6, 13, 24, 30, 47, 63, 92, 96
The Forum will not meet during the Thanksgiving weekend and resume on Dec. 1 for an Advent-themed session.