Ruth (Part Three): Generosity
By Levi Warren
Begin with prayer
Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting. Take a moment in silence, in the presence of Jesus and each other. Have one person read James 1v2-5 over the group and then pray to ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together.
Debrief the most recent teaching and discuss the following prompts
- What did you take away from the teaching, and what has God been doing in your life this past week because of it?
- Think about a time when someone sacrificed their own time, money, or resources to provide for you in a moment of need. How did that make you feel? How did God use that person’s generosity to impact your life?
- What are some ways you’ve been able to practice generosity or justice with your finances/resources? How has that affected your walk with Jesus?
Talk over this coming week’s Practice
Over the next two weeks, once again set aside time to read or re-read through the entire book of Ruth at least once. Remember, it can be read in small chunks utilizing Lectio Divina, whole chapters at a time, or all in one sitting. Discuss as a group what day and time each person plans on reading Ruth.
Optional Practice for Parents:
This summer, as our church makes its way through the Scriptures in teachings and Practices, parents are invited to engage their children with the Scriptures by reading with them. Feel free to use age-appropriate Bibles or Bible stories for your kids. If you already have a rhythm, consider how you can add something to it – if your rhythm is to read with your child(ren) in the evenings, consider one morning in the week you could read a Bible story with them. If you don’t currently have a routine, think about one time a week you could read the Scriptures with them.
Close in prayer
End by having someone pray the Lord’s Prayer over the group by reading it out loud.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6v9-13