Sunday, March 22, 2020

Begin with prayer

Have someone lead a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together.

Debrief the teaching

If you are in a Community of seven or more, divide into small groups of 3–4 people each (ideally the same gender).

Spend a few minutes catching up on life…

Then talk through the following debrief questions:

1. On a spectrum that moves from fearful, to neutral, to outraged, where have you most found yourself these last few weeks?
2. Do you find yourself able to “mourn with those who mourn,” to acknowledge and care for the hurt and fear in the world, or are you more detached?

Suggestions for Your Time of Prayer

Your community can use this time to seek God’s Spirit in listening/imaginative prayer. Invite one person in your community to read through the following prayer prompts while everyone sits quietly and listens to God’s Spirit. The reader can present one prompt, then wait about three minutes in silence before reading the next.

1. Father, in the language of the Psalmist, “search us and know our hearts.” You are our Father. You know us better than we know ourselves. Enable us to look deep within and tell us, where are we afraid? Are we angry? Are we cold and indifferent?
2. Father, you know our fear, our anger, our indifference. What do you have to tell us about these things?
3. Father, speak peace over us and into the deep places of fear, anger, or indifference. Tell us how to take hold of your peace.

Amen.

Spend a few minutes sharing any stories or encouragements from your time of listening before you close in prayer.