SESSION 5: Listening for God
1. Welcome each other to your small group.
2. Share your name and your response to this introductory sharing question:
- Where is one of your favorite places where you can go and just relax and enjoy quietness?
3. Sharing Questions
- Prior to reading the story of Samuel and Eli in the Bible in I Samuel, chapter 3, have someone in your group pray the following prayer:
"God, as we read this chapter, we ask that you would help us to see your fresh, personal word to each of us."
- In your group, read aloud the story of Samuel and Eli in I Samuel, chapter 3.
- Share with each other from one of the three following questions (each person can share from whichever question resonates with them):
- What did I see in this passage that I'd never seen before about who God is?
- What did I see in this passage that I'd never seen before about who I am?
- What did I see in this passage that I'd never seen before about what God might be inviting me to do?
4. Praying quietly by yourself
- "God, I'm pausing for a bit here to listen for you. What do you have to say to me today?"
- Look at the prayer on page 72 of the book and pray that prayer (or part of it that stood out for you) for yourself.
5. Assignment for next week:
- Read chapter 6 and think about what stood out to you in this chapter.
- Try taking a few minutes in a quiet place each day this week to pray the following prayer:
"God, I want to be someone who really hears and gets what you have to say to me.
I want your words to me to take root, to flourish, to grow and to multiply.
I’m pausing for a bit here to listen for you.
What do you have to say to me today?"