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Inglewood First UMC reflects on the sermon and scripture from the previous Sunday’s worship. Below, you fill find questions that can be used for Bible Study, small groups or personal devotion. Let the scripture speak in to your life! Expect great things!
Opening Prayer
We gather here today to grow, learn and change as a group. As we begin our Bible study, we ask that you help all of us to gain a better understanding of your truth. We lay down our hearts, minds and lives before you. We ask that you move among us and help us to feel safe with one another: to think, ask for help and to question. Helps us to share our life with you and grow in our knowledge of your Word. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4 (Common English Bible)
Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 Jesus told them, “When you pray, say:
‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name.
Bring in your kingdom.
3 Give us the bread we need for today.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us.
And don’t lead us into temptation.’”
Summary:
The phrase “as above, so below” has many meanings. Among them, “As above”, refers to the spiritual realm and “So below”, refers to the physical world, with the goal that life on earth should resemble the beauty of life eternal.
In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus teaches the disciples to pray, the request is for God to “bring in your kingdom.” It is not our work to make earth like heaven, but allowing God to bring heaven on earth! When God moves, we care like God cares, forgive like God forgives and live like Christ lives!
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- In this version of The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to request that God to “bring in your kingdom.” Based on this prayer, in the kingdom of God, everyone is able to eat every day, there is forgiveness for those who have wronged each other and God leads people away from the temptation to continue doing wrong. How similar is our world to the kingdom of God today? What should we pray for God to bring to make the world on earth as it is in heaven?
- What does this scripture teach you about prayer?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?
Discipleship Huddle Questions:
- How is it with your soul?
- How does your soul prosper?
Closing Prayer
We give you thanks, Oh God, that your love is more than we could attempt to comprehend. We trust that you are a God of wisdom, truth, and love that has been displayed in the person of Christ and that enlivens us today. Fill us with the fire of your Holy Spirit. Stir up the gift within us. That we may grow in faith in you. Amen.