Breaking Ground
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re alone? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we continued our series 12 Words, in which we’re using the 12 Step Program as a tool for experiencing Christlike transformation. In particular, we dove into Step 11: “Sought through prayer & meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out” & the word examine.
What stands out to you about this Step? How does it define the purpose of prayer?
Critically, Step 11 views prayer as something that’s meant to change us by bringing us into contact with God in the present moment (as opposed to our circumstances).
Does this reflect how you were taught to think about prayer & its purpose? How about now? Why is this so important?
How does this impact your understanding of prayer? What might this look like in practice?
Next, read Matthew 6:9-13. Here, we see Jesus teaching his disciples about how to pray. In particular, Jesus tells his disciples to reflect daily on:
- God as our Father
- God as Holy
- God’s Kingdom being built in our world
- God’s generous gift of everything in our life
- Forgiveness
- Trust in the midst of suffering
Which of these stands out the most to you? Why do you think Jesus wants prayer to help us focus on these specific parts of life?
Next, notice that a central part of Jesus’ prayer is calling us to be more aware of the competing Kingdoms & voices in our lives that aren’t God’s.
What kingdoms, voices, & narratives most often pull you away from following God in your daily life?
How might seeking a daily, conscious contact with a higher power help you identify, detach from, & practice the opposite of these unhealthy kingdoms, voices, & narratives in your life?
How can you seek this conscious contact with a higher power in your life?
Getting Out of the Hole
In this series, take time each week to reflect upon the Step & Word that we covered in the Sunday sermon. This week, take time to practice centering prayer for 5 to 10 minutes every morning this week. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Get quiet and breathe.
- Step 2: Identify a single word you tie to God’s presence or your awareness of Him.
- Step 3: Sit, breathe, & follow your breath. On the exhale, say the word and then follow your breath again. Try to listen and rest in God’s Presence.
- Step 4: Each time your mind wanders – return to your and your word. Acknowledge the thought without judgment, and let it go – breathing it out with your next breath. Return to focusing on God’s presence.
Journal about how this prayer practice makes you feel this week. Share your experience with your group next week.
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill W
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, July 27th: Join us next Sunday as we continue our series 12 Words!
* Please see mye3.org for details.