Throughout this session of LIFT, we will be focusing on the six marks of discipleship: Prayer, Worship, Read the Bible, Serve, Relate and Give. The word that helps us remember these marks is the word PoWeRSuRGe (with the initial letter of each mark capitalized). Indeed the marks give us the surge of power we need to live our lives of faith.
Share Highs and Lows
Read our weekly scripture
Mark 1: 32-39
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When the found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
I Thessalonians 5: 15-18
See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Talk about the scripture and the discussion questions below
Mark 1: 32-39
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When the found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
I Thessalonians 5: 15-18
See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Talk about the scripture and the discussion questions below
1) What about the scripture captured your imagination this week? What about the sermon captured your attention this week?
2) Describe your prayer life? When and how to do you find strength in prayer? What has been effective and helpful to you in your prayer life?
3) Talk about your most meaningful relationships. What is the communication like in those relationships? How is your prayer relationship with God like your best relationships in life?
4) In the Mark reading, we see Jesus, amidst so much activity, i.e. healing and preaching and teaching, getting up early to pray. What might this say about the importance and vitality of prayer for our work of ministry?
5) What does "pray without ceasing" mean to you?
3) Talk about your most meaningful relationships. What is the communication like in those relationships? How is your prayer relationship with God like your best relationships in life?
4) In the Mark reading, we see Jesus, amidst so much activity, i.e. healing and preaching and teaching, getting up early to pray. What might this say about the importance and vitality of prayer for our work of ministry?
5) What does "pray without ceasing" mean to you?
Pray for and with each other (or share the Lord's Prayer together)
Bless each other with a sign of the cross on each other's forehead, saying "God loves you and so do I"
This week, set aside 5 minutes each day for a dedicated time of prayer.
