35th Anniversary

Table purpose statement (Share at the start or before the Discovery section):

This group exists for the purpose of discipleship. A disciple is someone who loves and obeys Jesus. (John 14:15) That means our focus is hearing from God and taking steps of faith. Our goal is to multiply another healthy Table. One day, some of you will lead a group like this! 

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Table Talk (⅓ of meeting)

• Icebreaker Question: Did you learn any prayers as a child, like a bedtime prayer or grace before a meal? If so, is there one you still remember?
• Last week we talked about how we can model obedience and humility to serve someone. How did that go?
• How can we pray for you? After each person gives a brief explanation, have someone else offer a short, honest prayer. Just a few sentences is great!

Discussion Guidelines

1. Be deep but brief. Give everyone an opportunity to share.
2. Focus only on what this passage is saying. (This keeps everyone on the same page) 
3. Share from your perspective – we won’t argue or give advice. 
4. Give everyone time to respond. Silence is OK. 
5. The facilitator will facilitate discussion, not teach. 

Discover what God is saying to you. (⅓ of meeting) 

Big Idea: What looks sudden to us is often the visible arrival of something God has been preparing for us through years of prayer, obedience, and steps of faith.

Ask someone to pray and invite the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Read Acts 12:5-17.

• Have someone retell this story in their own words.
• The church was praying earnestly while Peter was in prison.  What does this tell us about the role of prayer?
• What does their response to Peter’s arrival tell you about their expectations?
• Share a time when you experienced an answer to a persistent prayer and what happened.
• Where might God be asking you to trust him before you understand what he is doing?

Go do it. (⅓ of meeting)

• What is something you have been praying for persistently and still waiting for an answer.
• Do you have others who are praying with you? If not, who can join you in this?
• Break into twos or threes and pray for each other’s requests.
• Worship God through song. Recommended: Waymaker by Leeland.

You may not be able to see what is happening, but if you are praying, God is working.