Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 45

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

1  My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2  You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you for ever.

3  Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty!

4   In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds!

5  Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.

6  Your divine throne endures for ever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

7  you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows;

8  your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9  daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10  Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house;

11  and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him;

12  the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts, the richest of the people with all kinds of wealth.

13  The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes; 

14  in many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions, her escort, in her train.

15  With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

16  Instead of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.

17  I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you for ever and ever. 

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.

A Wife for Isaac

Genesis 24

1.       What are Abraham’s priorities in acquiring a wife for his son?  How do these priorities inform a Patriarch’s priorities regarding marriages in his family?

2.       What does it mean that “the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things”?  What is the evidence of Abraham’s “blessings” in this chapter?

3.       What role does the LORD play in this arrangement?  What role do Abraham’s “blessings” play in this arrangement?

4.       Abraham's servant meets Rebekah at a well.  Compare this encounter with Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.   What two topics of conversation are strikingly similar in each encounter?  How can a Patriarch connect these two topics when helping his children consider their future relationships?

5.       In Gen 24:65, Rebekah “took her veil and covered herself.”  What is the value of a veil?  When is a woman properly “unveiled”?  How does a Patriarch honor modesty?  How does a Patriarch inculcate modesty in his offspring?

6.       This is the last story of Abraham’s life, why is that significant?  What role does this encounter between Abraham's servant and Rebekah play in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham? For what purpose are all of a Patriarch’s “blessings”?

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 have a conversation with my children about important priorities to look for in a future spouse.
2.    I will offer one form of penance every day this week for my children’s future spouse to grow in holiness.
3.    I will bless my children by treating them to something special.
4.    I will speak with someone I care about who is in a relationship that is leading him/her away from Christ.
5.    I will take my daughter shopping.  On the drive we will talk about why modesty is important.  
6.    I will pray a rosary with my family and offer up the intention for my children’s vocations.
7.    I will choose one day this weekend for our family to put away all technology and do something together as a family.

Previous Resolutions - Genesis 23

Prayer Partners

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