Spiritual Desire and Praying Together | Oct 6-12 2024
Conversation Starter:
When you hear the word “desire” what do you think of?
Definition of Desire: noun - a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen “a desire to work in the dirt with your hands” verb - strongly wish for or want (something). “He never achieved the status he so desired”
What is something you really desire right now?
Lesson:
(Remind the group to be as authentic as possible. Authenticity is more important than the “right” answer.)
Read Mark 10:35-52, and Matthew 20:20-28
What desires are expressed in these passages? What are the motivations of the different characters in these stories? (Sons of Zebedee, Mother of the sons of Zebedee, ten other disciples, Blind Bartimaeus, crowd of rebuking people)
How are they different?
When we are desperate, we will do all sorts of uncomfortable and crazy things to get what we want/need. Are there areas in your life where you have a desire to grow spiritually? What are those areas? More connected to Jesus? Spiritual healing? For growth? For discernment? For the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
Read John 5:1-5
(Remind the group again about authenticity over “correct” answers.)
When are you tempted to let your circumstances be an excuse? What may God be asking you to do to partner with Him as He works in your life? What do we do, so that God can then do what only he can? (examples: Asking God for what we need, changing our daily behaviors, changing schedules, be in God’s word, confession of ongoing sin, therapy etc.)
Read Psalm 145
Desire and change go hand in hand. Our deepest desires are who we are in Christ.
Who do you desire to be? What do you hope people will say at your memorial service? Is that what they would say now? How do you need to adjust to make your desire a reality?
Read Psalm 37:4 How do we get to the place of taking delight in the Lord, so that our desires align with his?
Spend some time praying together for personal needs and things that have come up during the lesson.