Called - Week 1

Growing Together:

As we grow together, each week we will practice a discipline together that will help our walk with Jesus.  This week we are going to practice Lectio Divina together. Unlike analytical Bible study, which focuses on historical facts or theological arguments, Lectio Divina aims for personal transformation and communion with God. 

Instruction for Lectio Divina: A Simple Way to Pray Scripture

1. Be still
Sit down. Silence your phone. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak. One sentence is enough: “Lord, I am here.”

2. Read
Read the passage slowly out loud.
Read it a second time.
Notice a word or phrase that stays with you. Do not hunt for a sermon. Receive what is given.

3. Reflect
Sit with that word.
What is God showing you about himself?
What is he showing you about you?
Where does this touch your real life this week?

4. Pray
Talk to God about what you noticed. Thank him. Confess. Ask. Keep it plain.

5. Rest
Stop talking. Stay with God for a minute. You do not have to fix anything. Let the Word hold you.

6. Live
Carry one sentence into the week. If you are in a group, share that one sentence.

Verse for Lectio Divina this week:

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

Questions:

1. “Who are you Lord?”  Have you ever wrestled with this question with the Lord or thought about this question in depth?

2. Are there times where you kick your heels back at God? Times where you struggle, with what God is asking of you?

3. What areas in your life do you typically find worth? For some this can be work, family, relationships with people, etc.

4. Have you ever had a time where one of these “identity” structures fell apart, leaving you hopeless or crushed with despair?

5. What does it mean to find your identity in Jesus alone? If we found our identity in Jesus alone, how would our lives be different when storms come?

6. Has God given you a purpose for your life? If so, what is that purpose?

7. Have you had a dream of doing something bigger for the Lord that hasn’t come to pass yet?

8. Over these next few weeks, does it excite you or terrify you to pray and ask for a larger vision of purpose for your life?

Something to think about: “You were never meant to do this in your own strength. Purpose is identity and calling put into motion. And it takes supernatural power, because you were never designed to carry it alone.” - Jennie Allen