Opening Game for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
Start this I am With You lesson plan on the Advocate by playing Sculptionary (see the complete instructions). Use some words from today’s gospel. For example: Jesus, Father, love, Holy Spirit, peace, afraid, rejoice. If you think it will be too difficult, you can give them copies of the reading and explain that the words being sculpted are in it.
Follow up with a few questions:
- Which of the words were the easiest to sculpt?
- Which were the most difficult?
- Which member of the Trinity do you have the most difficulty understanding or relating to? Why?
Let’s pause for a moment and take a deep breath. You see, we’ve just emerged from the game, Sculptionary, where we played with words like “Jesus,” “Father,” “love,” and “Holy Spirit.” It’s easy to sculpt words on paper, but sculpting our understanding of the Holy Spirit? That’s a bit like shaping clouds – intriguing, yet somewhat elusive.
Think about it: Jesus walked on this very Earth, just like you and me. We can wrap our heads around that. And hey, parents, we’ve got them too. We can relate to the whole parent-child dynamic. But then there’s the Holy Spirit, this enigmatic force that’s not quite like anything else. It’s like trying to catch a glimpse of wind – you can feel it, but it slips through your fingers.
We’re venturing into the realm of the unknown here, where understanding feels a bit like searching for your keys in the dark. But hey, don’t fret – we’re diving into this challenge together. Let’s keep our curiosity caps on and tackle the intricate puzzle of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
John 14:23-29 (Jesus promises the Holy Spirit) – the Gospel Reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter – Year C
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”John 14:23-29
Discussion for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit in today’s gospel. He also speaks of the Father. It is really impossible to understand any one person of the Trinity as a separate entity. They are completely joined to each other.
The Father is the Creator. Everything flows from Him, including Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This does not make them less than God the Father, but they proceed from Him as a gift to us. The Father is beyond us and our limited human minds cannot comprehend him.
Jesus is the Incarnation of the Father, his creative force manifest in the world. In Jesus, God freely becomes human and is complete solidarity with us. He even dies like us. But because he is completely God, death cannot bind him. Jesus is one of us. And he continues to live among us in the Eucharist.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. You can think of the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son. It is so strong that it is a person of the Trinity. This is the love which made Jesus completely obedient to the Father and able to trust in Him 100% And the Spirit is given to us, so that we can remember what Jesus has told us about the Father.
The Spirit dwells within us. It is a part of each of us. The Holy Spirit is manifested in our unique gifts, talents, characteristics, and even our weaknesses. The Spirit helps us know and understand ourselves, and it turn that helps us know and understand God. The Holy Spirit it God living inside of us and inviting us into the divine life of the Trinity.
While making a home in us, the Spirit teaches us and inspires us. We might feel a nudge sometimes to do the right thing. That is the Holy Spirit. We might feel compelled to try a new type of prayer. That is the Holy Spirit. We might gain new insight from a Scripture reading we have read many times before. That is the Holy Spirit.
So the Holy Spirit teaches us each personally. That is what Jesus promised in the the gospel passage we just read. In every moment of our day, the Spirit is with us, guiding us and showing us how to be disciples of Jesus. We just need to be aware and pay attention.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
These reflection questions will help youth explore the themes of the I Am With You lesson plan in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt the Holy Spirit nudging you to take a particular action? It’s like that subtle feeling of someone tapping on your shoulder, guiding you in a certain direction. Share your stories and let’s uncover the ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives.
- Think back to a time when the Holy Spirit provided you with new insights or perspectives on a familiar situation. It’s like suddenly seeing a well-known path in a brand-new light. How did that shift in perspective impact your understanding of the situation and your choices?
- What steps can we take to be more attentive to the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives? Life can get pretty noisy, but the Holy Spirit often speaks in whispers. How can we create space amidst the chaos to tune in to its guidance and wisdom?
- Can you recall a moment when you were faced with a challenging decision and turned to the Holy Spirit for guidance? Sometimes we’re at crossroads, and having a reliable compass can make all the difference. Share how leaning on the Holy Spirit’s guidance influenced your decision-making.
- In what ways can we foster a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis? It’s like nurturing a friendship – investing time and effort. How can we cultivate this relationship so that the Holy Spirit becomes a constant companion in our journey?
- When you look at your unique gifts, talents, and even weaknesses, how do you see the Holy Spirit’s influence? It’s like that secret ingredient that makes you, well, you. Let’s explore how the Holy Spirit shapes and molds us, turning our imperfections into strengths.
Challenge for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
This week, let’s work on building a deeper bond with the Holy Spirit. Each day, take a few moments to talk to the Holy Spirit, just like you would with a close friend. Think of it as a way to refresh your spirit and get ready for the day ahead. During these moments, share your thoughts, worries, and joys. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and support. This simple practice can help you feel more connected and peaceful.
The Holy Spirit is always there to help you, especially when you face tough decisions. By setting aside time each day to speak with the Spirit, you’ll find it easier to navigate challenges and make better choices. The Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and strength you need. Remember, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is your constant companion, ready to guide and comfort you. This daily practice can make a big difference in your life and help you grow in faith.
Prayer for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
To end our lesson, let’s pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit. This prayer helps us invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and lives. It is a way to ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. When we pray, we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. This prayer can be a powerful tool to help us feel more connected to God. By praying together, we remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to support and guide us every day.
Conclude by praying the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
More Resources for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
See more resources for this lesson plan at https://young-catholics.com/16336/i-am-with-you-lesson-plan-holy-spirit/