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GROWING STRONGER - 4 KEYS TO A HEALTHY LIFE: Meditate, Pray and Find Solace

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon by Rev. Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, October 26, 2014. To get the most from these questions, go to http://www.graceplace.us and click on “Streaming.”  From there you can watch or listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Where is your favorite quiet place?
What do you like to do in your quiet place?

Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it
Psalm 23, NLT (If you use the Bible app on your phone or tablet, you can switch it to the New Living Translation that Pastor Tommy is currently using for his text.  You may even want to let the app read Psalm 23 this week.)

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)
Set the mood for this week’s topic.  You may want to have some soft music playing as the group gathers for discussion to signal a more somber time of worship.  During the prayer time, you may want to dim the lights and play the music again. Perhaps try having a directed time of medication and prayer.  Start by having each person close their eyes and spend a few minutes silently thanking God for His blessings.  Move on to the needs or requests that were made by the group.  Close by spending a few minutes just listening for what God has to say to you.  Don’t hurry this time.  Some may feel uncomfortable by the silence but give amply time for everyone to experience God’s presence.  Don’t shy away from the Biblical teaching of meditation just because it has been associated with eastern religions.  If Jesus needed to get away from His busy life to focus on His Father, surely we need to as well.

On what should we focus our thoughts?  Make a list. (Philippians 4:8)
What difference do our thoughts make?
How do you feel after a bout of worry or fear?
What do you think it means to never stop praying?  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
How is it possible to be thankful for every circumstance?
How do you find time for prayer?
Was Jesus a morning person or a night owl?  (Mark 1:35 and Luke 22:39-46)
What physical surroundings help you feel close to God?

Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)
See instructions above for this week’s prayer time.


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