Session 7 - See how they grow (1)

Ice-breaker

What are some of the things that a child needs for healthy development?

Write your thoughts here:





 

Growing healthy Christians

John 3:5-6 describes new Christians as newborn spiritual babies. Talk about some of the ups and downs of the early Christian life.

What is needed to help us grow?

Write your thoughts here:





In John 7:37 Jesus says, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink'. We need good relationships, particularly with our human parents, to help us grow. God is our spiritual Father who feeds us and teaches us. We build up our relationship with him as we spend time with him through prayer and Bible reading. In John 7:37 Jesus says, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink'. Note that we need to take the initiative.

Bible reading

This is a discipline you will need to practise and refine, all through your spiritual life.

Health check

In Session 2 wWe talked earlier on about the Bible, its importance and different ways of reading itit (Session 2). How are you getting on with reading the Bible?

Talk about the pleasures and the difficulties. Everyone has stumbling-blocks. Talk about ways to get round them.

Prayer

Prayer is a conversation with someone who loves us. Like all conversations, it is composed of listening and talking.

What is your experience of prayer?

What the Bible says about prayer

When and how to pray

Read Matthew 6:6-8. When is the best time for you to pray?

Think of ways to develop your personal prayer- life.

Can you imagine yourself praying aloud in a group? See Matthew 18:19-20.

What to pray about

Read Philippians 4:4-7. What sort of things should we include in our prayers?

Write your thoughts here:





There is so much that we could say about prayer! Think about the message of these passages:

  • Luke 18:1-8

  • Mark 11:24

Answers to prayer

Have you experienced answers to prayer?

We tend to think in terms of 'answers'. But if prayer is a conversation with God, it is not just about requests - it is about relationship. If prayer seems unanswered, what could some of the reasons be? These passages give some suggestions:

  • James 4:3

  • 1 John 3:21-24

  • 1 John 5:14

  • Mark 11:25

Sometimes God's answer to a particular request is 'No' or 'Not yet'. This can be diffficult if we're praying for specific guidance. We will be looking at this more closely in the next session.

How Jesus prayed

Jesus demonstrated a model prayer to his disciples in 'The Lord's Prayer'. Look up Matthew 6:5-15.

What are the main ingredients that you see there?

Write your thoughts here:





Notice the emphasis on forgiveness in verse 15 - that is the hard part!

Practising prayer

This may be a good time for your group to start praying together. Talk about what you would like to pray for, then maybe the leaders can pray aloud for you.

Your choice

In the coming week, try and set aside a regular time each day for reading the Bible and praying. Jot down what you gained from this and what was difficult. Compare notes next week. Why not use the Lord's Prayer as a pattern to help you create your own prayer. You may like to bring it along next week and use it in the group.