Gifts of the Spirit Handbook
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the gifts ofthe Spirit The Gifts of the Spirit a contemporary resource pack First published in the United Kingdom in 2009 Pauline Books & Media Slough SL3 6BS, UK www.pauline-uk.org notes and creative ideas Copyright © Pauline Books & Media UK 2009 All rights reserved. Scripture quotations — Christian Community Bible contents © 1999 Bernardo Hurault, Claretian Publications Used with permission introduction 3 Images and materials on this CD ROM are for educational and pastoral use only, not for com- wisdom 4 mercial distribution in any form. Reproduction by any means, including electronic transmission, right judgement 6 is prohibited without permission in writing from the publisher. courage 8 understanding 10 Text written by Matthew van Duyvenbode knowledge 12 Consultants — Alice Murphy and Sue Cooper reverence 14 Edited by Maria Rosario D Agtarap fsp wonder and awe 16 my gift 18 Designed by Mary Louise Winters fsp music discussion starters 20 BOOKS & MEDIA www.pauline-uk.org Middle Green, Slough SL3 6BS – UK T 01753 577629 F 01753 511809 E [email protected] Pauline Books & Media is an expression of the ministry of the Daughters of St Paul. introduction Everyone wants to love and be loved. The difficulty is in knowing how. When love goes wrong, real damage can be done to people. But when love works it is spectacular. It is a many-splendoured thing. And this resource pack lays out some of those splendours to help people find true love in their life, a love that will last and set them free. The fireworks and other big emotions we experience in loving are to be treasured and enjoyed. But that sort of love is the icing on the cake. It is in the daily nitty-gritty of life that we touch the richness, the depth and true value of love. The kind of love we really want is the kind that is there the for us day in and day out. In this pack Pauline Books & Media has attempted to suggest some of the ways to find that love in life. Falling in love is the exciting part. Loving everyday is where the work begins. The Gifts of the gifts Spirit package presents ways to give love a chance. St Paul said the best of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit is love, that’s because in love all the other gifts of come together. God bless your ministry with the young (and not so young) as you help them know what living the faith is all about. Spirit Gerard Conroy 3 >> Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, >> I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, >> and made them known LUKE 10:21 >> to the little ones. << wisdom The Snapshot wisdom practicing wisdom This picture seems unlike what we might expect wisdom to look like. Two voices harmoniously in tune with one another, responding to what they anticipate the Our Christian faith affirms that we are other to do next. Look at the energy within the shot – the strumming hand, the all made saints (‘holy people’) when we voice of praise, the sound and the lights. Somehow this doesn’t seem like a per- commit our lives to following Jesus. In our formance – more like a prayer or an act of worship from deep within. Catholic tradition, Saints are people who Who or what am I in tune with in my life? Who leads that tune? were particularly in tune with God in the What gifts do I have to bring to this world? way they lived out their lives. Throughout What gifts would others say I have to bring to this world? history the Saints are noted for a wide va- The Insight Do I share these gifts with enthusiasm and energy? riety of reasons, from the insights of their Live as if you were to die Not all talents and gifts are noticeable from the outside – where can you see writing to courageous acts and mystical tomorrow. Learn as if you ‘hidden’ gifts in others? experiences. One theme that is common were to live forever. How might you exercise your own ‘hidden’ gifts today? throughout all the Saints, though, is their MAHATMA GANDHI demonstration of the gift of wisdom – a Wisdom is far more about true understanding of God’s ways. attitude than about age or The Word 1 When you are confirmed, you might experience. Embracing the Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I praise you, choose a name of a particular character gift of wisdom teaches us Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the Bible or a Saint who exempli- from the wise and learned, and made them known to the little ones.'. to approach life with open fies something about being in tune with Luke 10:21 hands — treasuring the God. It might be that you consider what This verse speaks of God’s wisdom being different from human wisdom giftsLive that God has given us, “ they stood for to be valuable. Perhaps you as if you were to die tomorrow — in other words, it is not about what other people deem intelligent or using them to their fullest influential, but what God wants to achieve in your life. identify with part of their life story. Or it potential, and recognisingL e a r n ” might be that you would like to be more thatas ifthey you stem were from to him. live forever like them in character. Whatever your Wisdom is practical — it is an reason, don’t let it be a one-off occur- >>energetic Make us know the shortness and of life free response that we may gain wisdom of heart. << The Word 2 rence that you think about this person. Try PSALM 90:12 to God’s goodness. Wisdom Make us know the shortness of life to remember them as you go about your in this sense is about being in that we may gain wisdom of heart. Psalm 90:12 daily life – perhaps by carrying a picture of tune with God’s hidden song This verse may seem slightly stark, but what it expresses is the desire to see them in your wallet or purse (do an image — actively cooperating with the world with God’s perspective. If you are nervous about sharing search on the net and pick one that most his purposes and his plans. “your gifts with the world, try praying this Psalm, asking the Holy Spirit to appeals to you). However you choose to ” be reminded of your Saint, use the oppor- bring you that perceptive wisdom. tunity to ask Jesus to help you become in tune with him in the way that inspires you about them. 4 © 2009 PAULINE BOOKS & MEDIA www.pauline-uk.org wisdom | The Word | the 24/7 life If you would like to discover more of what the Bible says about the gift of wisdom, try reading one or more of these passages and consider the points One of the best ways to reflect on being in tune for reflection: with God is to keep a journal or diary of your prayer and life. It might sound a bit unnatural for you, but it genuinely is a positive step towards Genesis 22:9-14 recognising the patterns and differences in which The sacrifice of Isaac your life with God is moving. Begin each note • Abraham waited his whole life for the birth of Isaac, and now God seems with the date, and a short sentence or two about to ask Abraham to sacrifice him. what you have been praying about. Perhaps you Do you think Abraham is wise to obey God? might comment about anything that has struck • What does this story tell us about cooperating with God? you from the Bible, or from conversations over the When else do we see somebody willing to offer their only son? • previous day. You might also write down some What does this say about Abraham being ‘in tune’ with God? prayers when you are finding it challenging to Isaiah 42:16 concentrate. Every so often, flick back through God will lead us in new ways your journal, and map out how your journey with • What does this verse say about being open to God’s wisdom? God has been. Where are the high points and • What do you consider is your greatest ‘blind spot’? where has it been a struggle? Which prayers have >> Draw close to God and God will draw close to you << • What kind of characteristics do we need to possess to be in tune with been answered, and which others continue to be God’s plans? thea important priority? thing is After a while, you may well begin to see t o b e a b l e themesat any moment recurring or questions that persist. You Luke 6:12-13 to surrender Jesus prays willwhat then we be are able to discuss these with a trusted forfriend, what we could a priest or youth leader. • Where did Jesus pray? Is he with other people? Where do you go to pray? b e c o m e • If even Jesus needs to pray, what does that tell us about our lives? • Jesus prays before he chooses his disciples – an important decision. a prayer for wisdom Do you pray before you take action? • Proverbs 1:7 has this classic statement about wisdom: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.' Holy Spirit Can you see a connection between prayer and the exercise of wisdom ? fill my life with your gift of wisdom help me to see the world with your perspective a w e and to offer you freely and w o n d e r all the gifts you have given me >> I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.