Week 1: Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)
A REFLECTION FROM PAUL BENZ, LIRS Ambassador:
Hope.
My Hope is that Refugees throughout this country and world be met with met with kindness, hospitality, generosity, and love.
My Hope is that we can see more clearly act more boldly and prevent the situations that cause forced migration.
My Hope is that we might say yes confidently to the question from the song, "Would you Harbor me, Would I harbor you?"
As well as a clip from The Enduring Hope of Jane Goodall:
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PRAYER:
God of Hope,
We hold tight to the promises you have made to us.
Help us to let go of anxieties and trials that distract us from deeply trusting in you.
Help us to see you in the subtle signs all around us: a smile, a helping hand and a simple act of kindness.
Help us to see you in the love, justice and compassion that overcomes all forms of inequity, indifference, and selfishness. Send us out into darkness to search for and serve those who need you most.
Jesus, we are grateful for the messengers of hope in our lives. Grant us resilience to be bearers of hope and light.
Amen.
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Activity
Tissue Paper Wreath
The circular wreath represents the eternal life, a visual reminder of our hope in God.
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Glue
- Green and Red Tissue Paper
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Instructions:
Carefully cut the center out of the plate. Rip the green and red tissue paper into approximately 1-inch pieces. Glue the green and red tissue papers to the wreath. Add a ribbon bow to the top of the wreath.
