SEPTEMBER 1

LOOK UP TO GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER

We live in an individualistic society. We are more connected than we’ve ever been and yet more lonely and isolated than ever. We’ve replaced physical proximity to others with superficial digital access to the world. If we really want to grow in Jesus and make Him known in the world, it’s time to reclaim what makes us unique and lean into community, look up to God through Scripture and prayer, and step out in practice. We grow in Jesus when we LOOK UP TO GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER.                                                                                                                    

Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own or get together with your group, spiritual running partners, or family to talk through what you are learning.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are the main ways you connect with God? How much does prayer and scripture play a role and how often do you practice these things in community?
2. Read Acts 2:41-47.

Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say?):

• What do you notice and what are you curious about? 

Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean?)

• What do you learn about Jesus? 
• What do you learn about humanity? 
• What are the characteristics of this early Christian community? Now make some applications (what’s my response?)
• How do you see the values of In (Lean into community), Up (Look up to God in Scripture and Prayer), Out (Step out in Practice) demonstrated in this passage? 
• How are you encouraged, challenged, or convicted by this passage?
• What should be our response to this passage?

    3.    Are you experiencing community that connects to God regularly through Scripture and prayer? If not, what needs to happen in your own heart or lifestyle to make room for this? 

KEY SCRIPTURE

Acts 2:41-47    Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

PRAYER

Pray through A.C.T.S. 

1. A– Adoration: Begin by praising God. It’s easy to jump right into prayer by  asking God for something, but adoration is about proclaiming who God is and worshiping (or adoring) Him for it. You can pray through the names of God (God, you are Father, Savior, Shepherd, Friend, etc.) or His character (You are holy, good, faithful, just, etc.) Or pray through things you personally love, know, or have experienced about God. You can also pray Scripture that speaks of his character and what He has done in history. 
2. C– Confession: A confession prayer, also called a prayer of repentance, is a three-fold prayer:

• Acknowledge the sins that we have done
• Repent (turn from sin) to God and ask Him to forgive us for our sins
• Move forward (receive) the grace God has given us to be forgiven.

1. T– Thanksgiving: A prayer of thanksgiving, voicing your thankfulness to God for all He is and has done in your life and the lives of others.
2. S– Supplication: A prayer expressing your needs and desires. This is where you make your requests to God. How do you want to see Him move in your life or others?   

PRACTICE

How can you practice looking up to God through Scripture and prayer through community this week? You may begin by choosing a community to participate in. We have many different groups to choose from. Check out our groups page to find the one that’s right for you!