SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. Consider this quote from Henri Nouwen: “One of the discoveries we make in prayer (and the word) is that the closer we come to God, the closer we come to all our brothers and sisters in the human family. The God who dwells in our inner sanctuary is also the God who dwells in the inner sanctuary of each human being. As we recognize God’s presence in our own hearts, we can also recognize that presence in the hearts of others, because the God who has chosen us as a dwelling place gives us the eyes to see the God who dwells in others.”

2. Read John 8:31 and Acts 2:42-47. Note: The “apostle’s teaching” is what we’d now refer to as Scripture. As a community, what kinds of things were the believers devoted to?

3. What were some of the results from their time together?

4. What sticks out to you as you read these two passages?

5. Why do you think it would matter for the believers to be devoted to prayer or to the apostles’ teaching?

6. What do you find helpful or useful about reading the Bible? What do you find difficult?

7. What does prayer mean to you and why does it matter?

8. What kinds of things could you imagine the group reading in Scripture or praying about?

As a group, we always want to maintain focus on why we’re here: to love God and love others. We’re always learning how to do that, and seeking Scripture and prayer are important pieces of that process.

9. Take some time to pray together about how the group will grow in faith.

10. Take Away: As a group, make a commitment to read and pray every time you come together. Consider what your time together would look like after this study is complete.