Epiphany 5 B (February 5): Clues for Coping/Prayer

Bible readings:Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11,20c, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39.

About the Images:
Right: This image comes from Image bank - http://www.imagebank.org.uk . This is an excellent free image site and well worth bookmarking.
Left: We all need clues for coping with the heat. We had a record number of days over 43C in 2009 (that's about 110F). This photo is of my husband, Joe, giving my car some tender loving care so it copes - even if he doesn't :-).

Listening Song: On The Wings of An Eagle
By Russell Morriss on the soundtrack of The Dish (pictured at left). This goes well with the Isaiah reading.

Drama: The Things You Do To Get a Decent Meal
Found in Mega Drama 3, Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178, page 52, (pictured at the right). This is based on the gospel reading.

Discussion: In age groups
What sort of things add stress to our lives these days?

Story: Alive and Present
By Steve Goodier and found at http://sweetpovertyflats.savingadvice.com/family-ramblins/ This talks about the objective in life being the journey, not the goal.

Story: Sharpen your Axe
Found in Hot illustrations for Youth Talks, Youth Specialties Inc, ISBN 0310402611, 1994, pages 180-181 (pictured at left). This story is about the importance of prayer and staying in touch with God.

Prayer:
Give people the opportunity to find a quiet resting place with God by presenting the Isaiah reading (either as a data projection , a series of overhead transparencies or as a printed leaflet - use both words and pictures) while playing some reflective music. Watermarks on the album Watermarks (pictured at right) or The First of Autumn on the album A Day Without Rain (pictured at left), both by Enya, both work well and are about the right length. Encourage people to watch, read and listen, and hear what God is saying to them.