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READ: Jesus told many stories which we call parables. One day Jesus told the story of a poor woman whose husband had died. The woman was badly treated by an unkind judge who would not listen to her and did not follow God’s ways. The woman wouldn’t quit! She kept coming back to the judge, day after day, pleading her cause. Because she would not give up, we call her persistent or even tenacious! Eventually the judge is so frustrated and bothered by the woman, he gives in and makes the right decision. He doesn’t change his mind because he has become kind or had a change of heart, but because the woman would not give up. (Luke 18:1-8)
After he told this story, Jesus said to his disciples, “If an uncaring judge can finally make the right decision for justice, rest assured that God who wants the best for you and for the world will hear the cries of those who are mistreated and long for justice. Don’t lose heart. Trust that our loving God will act with compassion.” WONDER: I wonder how the woman felt when the judge did not listen to her? I wonder if the woman came alone to the judge? I wonder how the woman felt when the judge changed his mind and helped her? I wonder how the judge acted the next time someone came and asked for help? I wonder how you feel when someone listens to you? PRAY: Loving God, thank you for always listening to us. Help us to be kind and caring when others need our help. Amen. EXTEND
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The prophet Jeremiah wrote to people who had been forced to leave their homes and make a new life in a far-off land called Babylon. Jeremiah encouraged them to find goodness wherever they were and not to spend their lives wishing they were somewhere else. He wrote, “Build houses and make yourselves at home. Put in gardens and eat what grows where you live. Marry and have children. Raise your children and bless them as they create families of their own in this new country you live in. Make yourselves at home there. And make sure you do what you can to help that country thrive. And don’t forget to pray for Babylon, too. When things go well for that country and its people, good things will come to you, too.” (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7) WONDER: I wonder how it felt for the people to leave their homes behind? I wonder if you’ve ever had to move from a place you called home? I wonder how it feels to move to a strange place? I wonder what makes a place feel like home? PRAY: Dear God, thank you for the place we call home. We pray for our neighbors, for those who help make our neighborhood safe, for those who care for us, and those who help make our neighborhood better. Help us be good neighbors, too. Amen. EXTEND
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One day the disciples came to Jesus. They were worried they might not have enough faith to follow him. They demanded, “Increase our faith.” Jesus listened to them and told them that the amount of their faith wasn’t the problem. “If you had trust in God the size of a tiny mustard seed, that would be enough. It’s not how much trust you have, but how you live with that trust. Your faith will show through in how you live. (Luke 17:5-6) WONDER: I wonder why the disciples thought they didn’t have enough faith? I wonder what it feels like to trust someone? I wonder what it feels like to have trust in God? I wonder how much faith is enough? PRAY: Dear God, help us to see you in our world. Give us hearts big enough to love the world. Give us words to share your love with the world. And help us trust that what we can do will change the world. Amen. EXTEND
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Weekly Faith ConversationsUse these guides as conversation starters with your family. A short retelling of the scripture passage is offered, or you may want to look the story up in your own bible or in a children's bible. The wondering questions are written to open up faith exploration with children and adults. Archives
November 2022
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