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Hope: Trusting in God's loving plan
The virtue of hope enables us to trust in God’s promise to share his life with us forever. It makes us confident in God’s love and care for us.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
1 Thessalonians 1:3
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:18
Ephesians 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:31
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Simple Circle Activity
Begin the Circle with a Prayer
One word check in: Name something you are looking forward to this school year.
Question 1: What does it mean to have HOPE?
Question 2: Have you struggled to find hope in a difficult time? Have you felt discouraged)
One word check out: Favorite activity to do outside!
End the Circle with Prayer
Circle Prompts for the virtue of Hope:
What is hope?
How do we put this virtue into practice in our daily lives?
Why is it important that we have hope and never lose it?
What are your hopes for the school year? your future? your family? your self? the world?
Has it ever been difficult for you to be hopeful?
What does God hope for us as Christians?
How can you tell a person is hopeful?
Why do we need the virtue of hope?
God is almighty, merciful and good. The supernatural gift of hope helps us to trust in God’s promises, opening our heart to His mercy. Hope ensures the desire written on our heart by God to attain the glory of Heaven promised by God to those who love Him and do His will. We trust that God will give the grace we need to attain it. Hope leads us to persevere in prayer, even when all reason for hope seems absent. (cf. Romans 4:18-21) Hope offers to us joy and courage which sustains us in times of trial. Hope allows us to live, grow and persevere in faith. When we need the gift of hope, the most important thing we can do is ask for it: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (Psalm 34:6).
What does the Bible say about stress and worry? God knows us and knows we have worries. There is over 30 bible verses on worrying.
1). Recognize that worry doesn’t help you. (Matthew 6:25, Luke 12:25)
2). Take your thoughts captive. (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5)
3). Trust God to take care of things. (1 Peter 5:7)
4). Put your focus on God, not circumstances. (Isaiah 26:3. 2 Corinthians 4:18)
5). Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phillppians 4:6-7)
6). For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? (NAS)
7). Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do NOT let your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful.
Hope helps us believe it will all be ok.
Practices to foster the growth of the virtue of hope
1.Pray the Act of Hope each morning: Act of Hope: O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
2. Think of someone who is ‘hope-filled.’ What does this person say or do that indicates that he/she is full of hope?
3. Make acts of hope. Example: When things are difficult, put your trust in God and have confidence in Him. Ask the Lord what act of hope He would like you to make.
4. How would someone know you are a person of hope?
5. What does it mean to have hope in the future? Example: You have a vision for the future based upon the fact that God has a plan for your life and that things will be better than what you are experiencing now.
Activity at Home:
Create a hope board for your house or room:
As a family, discuss your hopes for the upcoming year. Think of your personal hopes as well as hopes developed as a family to embrace your bond and connection.
Take post it notes or index cards to prayerfully select hopes for the year.
As a group decide which hopes you can help each other to achieve and what areas may be a challenge.
Post these hopes in an open spot in your home/room for reflection and support.
As a family, you may choose some bible verses or prayers that encompass God's hope. Use this prayer as a reminder of God's infinite love for you.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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