The Way of Love
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
You guide us in the way of life.
Help us understand Your Commandments.
Teach us to love what is good
and choose what leads to You.
Amen.
Part One
A Gift, Not a Burden
When we hear the word “commandment,”
we may think of rules.
Rules can feel restrictive.
But God did not give the Commandments
to limit us.
He gave them to protect us
and guide us.
The Bible says:
“If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
The Commandments show us
how to live well.
They teach us how to love God
and how to love our neighbour.
They are not only laws.
They are a path.
Scripture
“If you will enter into life, keep the commandments.”
(Matthew 19:17)
Think and Discuss
Why do families and schools have rules?
What happens if there are no rules at all?
Why would God care about how we live?
Do rules always limit freedom, or can they protect it?
Allow thoughtful answers.
Part Two
Love of God and Love of Neighbour
Jesus taught that all the Commandments
can be understood in two great commands:
Love God.
Love your neighbour.
The first three Commandments
teach us how to love God:
Put Him first.
Respect His name.
Keep His day holy.
The remaining Commandments
teach us how to love others:
Honour parents.
Respect life.
Be faithful.
Tell the truth.
Avoid jealousy and greed.
The Commandments are not random.
They protect:
Worship.
Family.
Life.
Marriage.
Truth.
Contentment.
They guard what is precious.
Guidance for Adults
Present the Commandments as wisdom rooted in love, not merely obligation.
Children respond better to purpose than to threat.
Part Three
Living the Commandments
Keeping the Commandments
is not always easy.
Sometimes we are tempted
to take shortcuts.
But the Commandments help form our conscience.
They help us recognise
what is right and what is wrong.
They teach responsibility.
When we fall short,
we do not give up.
We turn to God for mercy
and begin again.
The Commandments do not replace grace.
They work with grace.
God gives the law.
God gives the strength to follow it.
The more we live by them,
the freer we become.
Freedom is not doing whatever we want.
Freedom is choosing what is good.
The Commandments show us
what leads to life.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Think of one Commandment you know.
How does it protect something good?
Now say quietly:
“Lord, teach me to love what You love.”
Remain in silence together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Learn the Ten Commandments in order.
• Reflect on one Commandment each day.
• Examine your conscience using the Commandments.
• Ask God for help to grow in one area.
Choose one and keep it steady.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat slowly:
“If you will enter into life.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.
Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Teach me the way of life.”
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for guiding us with Your Commandments.
Help us follow Your path with courage.
Strengthen us to love You
and love others faithfully.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 