Before the Session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Poster paper (to make a “graffiti wall”), markers
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)
Context
Read aloud Matthew 21:1-11 then share the Bible Background Video.
In today’s session, the group will place themselves in the Palm Sunday event as a means of finding those places where Jesus needs to enter into their own situations.
Reflection
Before the meeting, set up a “graffiti wall,” using large pieces of paper and markers that will not bleed through them. Invite the group to think about our country or the larger world, calling to mind current situations we are facing and the places where these things are happening..
Ask people to close their eyes and choose one situation or place upon which to focus and encourage them to spend a few minutes silently imagining some facets of Jesus’ coming into that situation and place, by considering:
- What happens?
- What does Jesus do?
- What do the people do?
Say: “The word ‘hosanna’ means “save us or help us.” It can also be a shout of praise.” Direct attention to the poster paper, inviting the group to write a group prayer to God, with individuals writing sentences of supplication (that start with the words ‘save us’ and or ‘help us’) and praise on the poster (graffiti style) that pertain to the situation or place of each person’s focus. Encourage the group to fill up the paper. When the paper is filled, or the group is finished writing, invite everyone to sit down and contemplate the written prayers and pray as you play Ludovico Einaudi – “Due Tramonti” in the background.
As an alternative, you can invite volunteers to take turns praying a sentence of their choosing from the poster out loud as you go around the circle several times and reminding the group that It is okay for different people to pray the same sentence Pray together for the length of the song, then close by reading Matthew 21:7-11.
Close with prayer.
Writer: Joy Yee