Introduction
Kick of the discussion with prayer followed by this week’s reading and discussion questions
You can use the kick off prayer below (or do your own), and give time for others to pray into the night together.
Example kick off prayer: Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.
Passage: 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Col 3:1–4.
Discussion
- When you are alone, maybe in the car or as you go to bed, what is on your mind? What are you thinking about?
- What do you think drives what is on your mind?
- Is there any relationship between what you seek and what is on your mind?
- When Paul says to seek and to set your mind on things that are above, what comes to mind? What are "things that are above"?
Share with one another and pray for one another. Pray for God to speak into your direct questions and circumstance. Ask the Holy Spirit for a gift, such as a word or image, that can be used to build up someone in your group.
Habit of Grace
Habit of Grace: Fasting
Please share your experiences in fasting and what you think of it as a means of grace?
Why would you decide to fast or not fast?
Practice
Consider making fasting a weekly habit in you life. It's great to find a buddy to share this experience with.
Discuss, pray and encourage one another. If you have any questions on fasting or would like to discuss more, reach out to one of the elders.