12.30.07
Small Group Plan - December 30, 2007
“Preparing for 2008”
Small Group Plan
December 30, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
If I were dying I would want someone to be reading scripture to me, praying with me, and reminding me that everything I believe about Jesus is true. That would give me calm and confidence as I faced an unknown experience.
Well, 2008 is an unknown experience for all of us. And just as the early disciples of Jesus constantly rehearsed the truth of their faith in prayer, we too need the habits that we see in their lives. Prayer. Togetherness. Love. Encouragement. Unity.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What role did prayer play in your life growing up?
· Who taught you about prayer and how did they do it?
· What process do you follow today in making important decisions?
· What important decisions face Prestoncrest in 2008?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
The Agony of Prayer – Colossians 2:1-2
1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.
· How was Paul’s “struggle” a continuation of Jesus’ sufferings?
· How would it help the Colossian Christians “to know” of Paul’s struggles?
· How could an “encouraged heart” pave the way for a “united love?”
· What does true congregational unity look like?
The Power of Prayer – Acts 1:14, 24-25
14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers … 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
· Why were these disciples of Jesus “together” (Vs. 14)?
· What is “constant prayer?” How can it be practiced today?
· They were asking God to choose a leader. What would it look like for us to rely on God to lead us to the next preaching minister?
· How can prayer give us calm and confidence as God leads us forward?
The Charge of Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
9 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
· Why did Jesus give such a simple prayer as the model for the Twelve?
· What is God’s role in this prayer? What is our role?
· What is your favorite word or phrase from this prayer? Explain.
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What has been your biggest challenge in prayer?
· What can you do first to improve your prayer experience?
· How would it change your life if you had a prayer habit in 2008?
Close by asking God to lead us into the new year.