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9. A bicycle made for two - Jesus in tandem
Aim: To sense the awareness of Jesus alongside us on our journey
Things you will need:
- Pictures of a bicycle
- Two bicycle wheels
- Helmet
- Maps
- Lunch box / bag
- Vase of daisies or dandelions
- Picture of the Laughing Christ (source unknown)
- Postcards depicting historical and contemporary images of Christ
- Pens and paper
- CD: Quiet, reflective music
Welcome, introductions, explanations
Suggested focal point: A gathering of the above
Gathering music: A piece of quiet, reflective music
Centring exercise:
Session 1 - Input
Invite the group to think about their experiences of
bicycles:
- Can you ride a bicycle? If so, recall the moments of utter joy
when you removed the stabilisers, or helping hands were withdrawn.
- Dwell on different kinds of bicycle: old-fashioned ones, perhaps
with baskets; mountain bikes; motorbikes; bikes that have a
carrier for children; people using a bike for work etc; bikes for
balancing on rocks etc.
- Think of the tandem with one person steering and giving
direction, the person at the rear adding pedal-power and energy.
- Invite stories and memories from the group.
Suggestions for prayer and reflection:
- Imagine you're on a "bicycle made for two" with Jesus -
you on the front and Jesus behind you. Be brave, think imaginatively.
- How does that feel?
- Where do you take Jesus? Do you take him to places that bring fun
and relaxation? Is it the pub, park, beach, cinema or whatever? Do you take
him home or to meet your friends and those close to you? Where do you
take Jesus? Is it to safe or unsafe places in your life?
- Imagine you take him to your local Church and he sits with
you:
- How does that feel? Do you feel comfortable, excited he's there,
or is it uncomfortable?
- What does Jesus make of the rituals, language, symbols etc?
- Reflect on moments in your life which were like that - you taking
Jesus to the places you want to go.
- Imagine you've now swapped places, Jesus on the front, you on the
back.
- How does that feel? Are you uplifted, overjoyed, or does your
heart sink?
- John 1.39 has Jesus inviting his followers to "Come and
see". Let Jesus in your imagination take you to different places -
exciting, unpredictable, unusual places and routes, along roads less
travelled.
- Does Jesus take you to fun places or to serious situations, or
perhaps both?
- Does Jesus take you to Church?
- Reflect on moments in your life where you simply trusted God and
found yourself taking a different route in life, moments when
despite any anxieties you trusted the one alongside you.
- Jot down thoughts, feelings, reflections, images or simply draw
your experiences. Be brave, have fun!
Sharing:
Session 2 - Suggestions for prayer and reflection
- With Jesus in tandem, to whom has he taken you in your journey of
life?
- Recall people and situations you've met along the way.
- What did you bring as a gift to each of the people or situations?
- What did you receive in return?
- Are you trusting Jesus with your life right now?
- What happens when you meet rough terrain in life, find yourself at a
cross-roads, in a cul-de-sac, meeting a sharp bend, or confronted by a
hill that looks like a mountainside?
- Who do you lean on, and how?
- Who, and how, do you thank when the journey is smooth and good?
- Do you take time to enjoy the views?
- With Jesus in your life can you let the wind blow freely through
your hair?
Sharing:
Worship:
A time of silent reflection on the day, concluding with a piece of
quiet, reflective music.
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