Lesson #18: Old Testament: Joseph

HIGHS AND LOWS:
Write down one high and one low from your week in your prayer journal.  Pastor Breen or a student volunteer will gather them in prayer.

REVIEW:  What sticks with you from the story about the 12 Sons of Israel?  (You can refer to your prayer journal for your one sentence summary if you are stumped.)

GATHERING ACTIVITY:  Turn to page 60 in your Connect Bible and do the activity described there.  (Make a copy of this for Pastor Breen if you are doing this for homework)

OUT LOUD PRAYER/LIGHTING THE CANDLE:
“Put It Down Take it Up” Labyrinth Activity:  https://goodgodideas.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/labyrinth-leave-it-with-god-or-take-it-with-you/

DWELLING IN THE WORD:  Genesis 41:14-16, 39-40, 42:1-8, 45:1-8
Read Genesis 41:14-16, 39-40, 42:1-8, 45:1-8 from the New Revised Standard version of the Bible, stopping to answer the questions below in between each chapter.  Underline things you have questions about.  Circle things you like or would like to discuss more.

Content Questions: Answer the following questions as completely as possible (group activity:  do this with your parents):

What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text?

What is my favorite part of this text?  Why?

What stories or memories does this text stir up in you?  You might remember a time when you forgave someone, or were forgiven by someone, for example.

What is God doing in this text?  What is God up to?

CONNECT BIBLE ACTIVITY:  Turn in your Connect Bible to page 66 and read that page as a class.  Then, complete the activity described in bold.  Share your work with the class (take a copy to show to Pastor Breen if you do this activity at home)

TALKING TO GOD/TAKING IT HOME
1. During this week, in your prayers, try using “Forgiving God” as your title for God. Make a special effort to emphasize “as we forgive those who trespass against us” when you pray the Lord’s Prayer this week.

2. Write a one sentence summary in your prayer journal. In this sentence, describe your answer to the question “What did you learn about in Confirmation class this week?” in as much detail as possible.

3. Who are some people in your life who need you to forgive them? Resolve to spread forgiveness this week.  You will share a little about this experience next week in class.

4. Conclude your time together with the Lord’s Prayer.