Refract on Sunday's Reflection
Second Sunday of Easter
April 27, 2025
John 20:24-29 (NRSV, Anglicized)
Refraction questions
Think of a time when you felt stuck in unbelief. What helped you move forward in faith—or what held you back?
- Reflect on how faith sometimes calls us to take a step even without full understanding.
How does Thomas' response ("I will not believe") mirror some of your own experiences with skepticism, fear, or disappointment?
- How do you balance healthy doubt with faithful trust?
What is a “threshold experience” in your life right now—a place where you are between the familiar and the unknown?
- What would it look like to trust God enough to take the next step?
When you think about the invitation to move the story forward even without seeing the ending, what feelings or fears come up for you?
- How might God be inviting you to live in the tension of “assurance of things hoped for” and “conviction of things not seen”?
What is one concrete next step of faith you feel called to take—personally or as part of this faith community?
- What support, prayer, or encouragement would help you take that step?
Prayer prompts for this week
Prayer for Moving Forward:
God, when I feel stuck in unbelief, help me trust that you are still working. Strengthen me to take the next step, even when the path is unclear.
Prayer for Courage at the Threshold:
God of new beginnings, I am standing at a threshold between the familiar and the unknown. Give me courage to step into the future you are preparing for me.
Prayer for Peace with the Unfinished Story:
Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, I may never see the whole story unfold, but I believe you are writing something beautiful. Help me to trust you with the chapters I cannot yet read or understand.
Prayer for Taking the Next Step:
Jesus, show me the next step of faith you are calling me to take. Give me strength to move forward, even if it’s a baby step, trusting that you are leading the way.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." — John 20:29
