Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 46

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2  Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

3  though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

4  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

5  God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

6  The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

8  Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has wrought desolations in the earth.

9  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire!

10  “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the Earth!”

11  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Crossing of the Red Sea

Exodus 14 - 15:21

1.     Where did the LORD tell Moses to camp? What did Pharaoh think of the movements of the Israelites? God’s plan seemed to be irrational, but in the end God’s glory would be revealed. Have you ever been criticized by the world for following God’s plan? Have you experienced criticism in your life because your faithfulness to God seemed irrational to the world?

2.     Pharaoh had one of the strongest and most advanced armies of his time. What was the Israelites’ response when seeing Pharaoh’s army? What did they say to Moses? Even after just witnessing the plagues and being freed from Egypt, did the Israelites respond faithfully to God when they found themselves in peril?

3.     What was Moses’ response to the people? How can you be a voice of hope and faith to your family? Your parish? Your coworkers?

4.     In Exodus 14:14 Moses says, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” The Israelites wanted to retreat and thought it would have been better to remain in Egypt. What are different ways men respond to difficult situations?  When have you had to be still and allow God to fulfill his plan in your life? How can you be more faithful and trusting in God’s work?

5.     The LORD made his power known by the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. His strength and glory were evident in the defeat of the Egyptians. How has the LORD made himself known to you? Where have you seen God’s glory win against evil in this world?

6.     When the Israelites were safely on the other side of the Red Sea what is the first thing they do? How does this inform your response to God’s blessing? How do you praise God with your family?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will lead my family in praying vocal thanksgiving to the LORD.
2.    I will spend fifteen minutes before bed recalling God’s blessings of that day.
3.    I will share with a member of my family, a coworker, or a friend, how God has been blessing me.
4.    I will list any difficulties in my life and bring them before God in Adoration.
5.    I will “be still” in prayer and invite God to enter my heart with his will.
6.    I will read the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt to my children and then I will share with them how God is still active in the world today.
7.    I will plan a praise and worship event in my home or at my parish and invite other families to attend.

Previous Resolutions - Exodus 12-13

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.