Exploring 6 themes using the Faith Asking Questions — Saint Francis College (stfran.qld.edu.au) short course we will go deep with the curly ones that often crop up in faith life.
The themes are:
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Religion & why it makes a difference...
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The Creator and being created...
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Who am I and what am I here for?
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Evil and what to do about it...
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Grace and learning to forgive, learning to hope...
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Life, Death and What comes next?
Within each theme there are a range of questions, 27 in total, which will help us develop our discussion: SFC+SC+FAQs++27+questions.pdf (squarespace.com)
HHO was invited to do the Anglican Theology and Practice Certificate as part of a pilot in 2024.
This course can be one of the 4 modules undertaken as part of the certificate for this year.
More info if you'd like to do the course in 2025: What is the ATPc? — Saint Francis College (stfran.qld.edu.au)
A prayer
Most gracious God, as we explore faith questions together fill us with your peace, hope and love,
so that we may share an experience of transformation together through this study
and be bound together in your Church to the service of your Kingdom.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and saviour. Amen.
Give thanksgiving.
I begin by giving God thanks for all the things I’m grateful for today. I allow my mind to wander as I reflect on the ways God has blessed me on this particular day. I allow big things and small things to arise—everything from the gift of my faith, to the gift of my clothes, to the easy commute to study online today.
Ask for the Spirit.
Next, I want to look at the moments in my day when I did not act so well. However, before doing so, I ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit so that the Spirit can lead me through this difficult soul-searching. Otherwise, I’m liable to hide in denial, wallow in self-pity, or seethe in self-loathing.
Review and recognize failures.
I look back at my day and ask the Lord to point out to me the moments when I have failed in big ways or small. I take a sobering look at the mistakes I’ve made this day.
Ask for forgiveness and healing.
If I have sinned, I ask God to forgive me and set me on the path to faith again. If I have not sinned but simply made a mistake, I ask for healing of any harm that might have been done. I ask for help to heal and move on. I also ask for wisdom to discern how l might better handle such tricky moments in the future.
Pray about the next day.
I ask God to show me how tomorrow might go. I imagine the things I’ll be doing, the people I’ll see, and the decisions I’ll be mulling over. I ask for help with any moments I foresee that might be difficult. I especially ask for help in moments when I might be tempted to fail in the way I did today.
To help me remember the five steps, I like to use a 5-Rs mnemonic:
- Relish the moments that went well and all of the gifts I have today.
- Request the Spirit to lead me through my review of the day.
- Review the day.
- Repent of any mistakes or failures.
- Resolve, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well.
26 Those suffering abuse
Loving God,
whose Son was both victim and victor,
we cry to you for those who suffer abuse,
especially those who suffer abuse in the Church
Be with them in confusion and pain.
Heal the wounds of body and mind;
break open the prisons of fear, self-doubt and despair;
and strengthen them to face the future with faith, hope and courage.
Reach out to them with your love,
that they may be made whole in body, mind and spirit,
through the healing touch of the suffering Christ. Amen
27 Those suffering abuse
God, our redeemer and sustainer,
we pray for survivors of violence, abuse and neglect.
Give your power to the powerless,
your fullness to the empty of spirit.
Heal their wounds, free them from fear,
and restore them to true health.
Grant this through Jesus Christ,
the crucified and risen Saviour
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
28 Those who abuse
Judge of all the earth,
God of justice,
we bring before you all who abuse others.
Turn the hearts of the violent from the way of evil.
Fill them with a hatred of the damage they do,
so bringing them to true repentance
and amendment of their lives,
for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.