Cloud of Witnesses Study Guide

Sermon study guide
Cloud of Witnesses
November 5-November 10
We are all a part of the Cloud of Witnesses. How do we show that to one another, to the community, and to the world? I encourage you to read and let these questions challenge and encourage you this week. You can also respond or use the website for conversation as well.
Blessings! Pastor Melissa
www.sheridannorwayum.blogspot.com


Monday, November 5, 2007
Prayer:
Eternal God, we praise you for the great company of all those who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labor. We praise you for those dear to us whom we name in our heats before you. Especially we praise you for those whom you have graciously received into your presence. To all of these, grant your peace. Let perpetual light shine upon them; and help us so to believe where we have not seen, that your presence may lead us through our years, and bring us at last with them into the joy of your home not made with hands but eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spend some time reflecting on those who have gone before us in the faith. Think about why they have been important in the Christian faith and important for you specifically.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007
“A cloud of witnesses That would see them through the years Cheer them with a smile And pray them through the tears A cloud of witnesses that would see them to the end, And shower them with love that never ends A cloud of witnesses.” ~Cloud of Witnesses by Mark Schultz

We are all a part of the cloud of witnesses. How have you witnessed to God’s grace in your life? Have you cheered people with a smile? Have you prayed for people through tears? Have you showered people with love?


Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ephesians 1:11-23. "In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance . . . I pray that . . . you may know what is the hope to which he has called you."
What is the hope that we have been called to? How have you witnessed to that hope today
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Prayer:
God of love, we thank you for all with which you have blessed us even to this day: for the gift of joy in days of health and strength and for the gifts of your abiding presence and promise in days of pain and grief. We praise you for home and friends, and for our baptism and place in your Church with all who have faithfully lived and died. Above all else we thank you for Jesus, who knew our griefs, who died our death and rose for our sake, and who lives and prays for us. Amen.

Where has God blessed you in your life? How have you been a witness to that blessing? If you haven’t been a witness, why not?


Friday, November 9, 2007
Prayer:
Almighty God, your people of all the ages live and praise you without ceasing. In our communion with you, we have communion with generations past and generations yet unborn. Before your throne we are one with a great multitude which no one could number, and in praising you we join with those from every nation. Grant to your church on earth that as we celebrate the triumph of your saints in glory we may profit by their example and enter with them into the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do you praise God without ceasing? Do you have inexpressible joy? How have you been a witness to that praise and joy?


Saturday, November 10, 2007
“When shall I see that happy placeAnd be forever blessedWhen shall I see my Father's faceAnd in His bosom restI am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised LandI am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land.”
~On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand performed by Jars of Clay

We look forward to when we see God’s face and we hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Where have you been a good and faithful servant? What of God’s work have you done that you will be able to rest from?