05.13.08
Small Group Plan - May 11, 2008
“O Worship the King”
Small Group Plan
May 11, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
Everyone worships! God wired us with a craving, a built-in appetite to worship. And so the question is not “DO” we worship, but WHO or WHAT? It might be a person or a position. It could be a career or a car. It could be money or “stuff.” But if it’s not God, then it’s wasted. Because only God can meet the needs that worship uncovers.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What activity or responsibility took the greatest amount of your time this past week?
· What is your favorite name for God?
· When have you felt closest to God? How did it happen?LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Psalm 100:1-2
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
· What images come to mind when you read the words “shout for joy?”
· What age group among us today would find this easier than other? Why?
· What age groups among us today would find this more difficult? Why?
· How do the words “shout” “gladness” and “joyful” help to compliment and define each other?
· If you were to imagine yourself in heaven praising God, how would it differ from you praising God right now on earth?
Psalm 100:3-5
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
· What six reasons are given that inspire our praise of God?
· Which reason most motivates you to worship and praise?
· Why is thanksgiving a public community event?
· What does it mean to “know that the Lord is God?”
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Using the words and thoughts of Psalm 100, share with each other your own personal experience with God.
· What are the emotions of Vs. 1, 2 and 4?
· How does this Psalm encourage and inspire you?
· How does it challenge you to change?
· What most restricts your free expression of praise? Where did this feeling of restriction come from?
As a group, take a few moments of silence to reflect on what is going on in your lives. Then read the following personalized version of Psalm 100 a line a time with silence between the lines to give everyone confident thoughts for silent praise, reflection, and decision.
I know that You Lord are my God …
I know that You made me and that I am Yours …
I know that You have gathered us together as Your people …
I offer You my God both praise and thanksgiving …
I know that You Lord are good and that Your love endures forever …
I know that You are always faithful to me …
I pledge my faithfulness to You.