Prayer makes a tremendous difference in one’s life.

~ Tom Harpur,
Prayer: the Hidden Fire

Our lives today can be quite stressful, demanding, and loaded with responsibilities. People of all ages may not feel they have enough time to just be or enough time to renew their emotional and physical energy. Which is usually easier for you, helping others or taking quiet time for yourself? Why?

In the gospel reading people will hear how Jesus was renewed through the ministry of another and by taking time for solitude and prayer. Hopefully through the reading and session materials people will move beyond hearing this reading as simply another healing story and explore the profound significance of being lifted up by God’s love. Pray that you and others will recognize the importance of taking time for renewal and restoration that will provide strength and support for lives of discipleship.

Prayer leads you to see new paths and to hear new melodies in the air. Prayer is the breath of life which gives you freedom to go and stay where you wish and to find the many signs which point out the way to a new land… Praying is living.

~ Henri J. M. Nouwen, With Open Hands

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage.

• “Ministry of Service,” Adult “Digging Deeper” resource sheet provides discussion around the Greek term “diakoneo” and diaconal ministry.
• Option: use the paraphrase “Jesus Helps Eunice Feel Well” based on Mark 1:29-31 and Psalm 147 (p. 61) from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

Some of the many options for following Jesus’ example to pray and serve:

• Ages 3-5: role play and/or poster engagement, and/or paper doll chain
• Ages 6-8: prayer wheel or footprint reminders
• Ages 9-11: prayer ribbons or prayer wheel or serving projects
• Multiage: diorama or prayer wheel or serving projects
• Ages 12-14: art meditation or prayer box or serving projects
• Ages 15-18: poetry meditation or prayer spirals or serving projects
• Adult: discussion, reflection on a poem and/or service projects

• Listen to the song “Pulsing Spirit” (#7) and “May You Find Peace” (#19) on the Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD or available as an mp3 download)
• Art Meditation: Jesus demonstrated the importance of balancing a life of service with time for prayer. What are your favourite quiet places and times to be alone with God? Look at the poster “Day 38 Aurora Borealis” combined with a breathing meditation (Ages 12-14 resource sheet) or play a recording of meditative music softly in the background.

February 12 – Healing Presence

(focus: Mark 1:40-45)

The themes running through the scriptures this week are: seeking and finding healing in unexpected places; the recognition that healing is a gift not a reward; that God’s love does not discriminate, and the role of passion in ministry. Pray for each person in your group by name, that each will experience and know deeply God’s care, compassion, and healing love.

Become familiar with the material for Lent which begins on February 26:

• Look at the Planning-Overview section on the website for the Season at a Glance (for Encore) chart, as well as registration forms, attendance charts , lectionary bookmarks, and the Age 3 Supplement.
• The stories we encounter in this Lent and Easter take us on a labyrinth journey, moving us into the heart and out to the universe. God’s promises of presence, grace, peace, friendship, and joy are viewed from every perspective.

For SeasonsFUSION (which inspires worship in a setting for all ages) see the FUSION blog and sign up to receive the SeasonsFUSION tip of the week.

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