Journaling Prompts, Week of November 15

Day 1:

  • Read Matthew 25:14-30
  • Reflect on this text and write about the signs of grace and generosity that you see in the master who went on a trip. How does this text shape your understanding of God’s generosity?

Day 2:

  • Read Matthew 25:14-30
  • Reflect on this text again; today write about the personal way the master gives talents according to ability. How does this text shape your understanding of the talents God has given to you?

Day 3:

  • What talents has God given to you? Write them out.
  • How is God inviting you to put those talents to the service of God’s kingdom?
  • Write about the fears or other emotions that have been your reasons for burying your talents.

Prayer

I’m not really sure I want to admit it, God, but I am a person with gifts.

Oh, I’m not one of those super-talented, can-do-it-all, people,

but there are things I’m good at, things that might even be useful to You and others.

But, here’s the problem – if I admit it, then I have to do something;

then there are no more excuses; no more comfortable inadequacies to hide behind.

If I acknowledge the abilities and strengths You have placed in me I’m going to have actually use them;

I’m going to have to serve, and be accountable, and maybe even make commitments… and stick to them.

But, if I pretend that I’m not gifted at all, I lose something of myself, I allow myself to be less than I really am,

to experience less, to learn less, to be less alive.

So, thank you, God, for making me a gifted person, and thank you that my gifts can make a difference,

can, in some small way, help to make Your dream for my world a reality. Amen.

Days 4 and 5: Pray the above prayer and journal to further share your thoughts with God.