January 11
Jesus isolating himself to pray:
• Jesus instructions on prayer: Matthew 6:5-6
• Mark 1:35 (Before going to preach in Galilee)
• Mark 6:46 (Right after feeding the 5,000)
• Luke 6:12 (Before choosing his 12 apostles)
• Matthew 26:36 (Before being arrested and crucified) Also seen in Mark 14:32; Luke 22:40-41)
What benefits do you get from having a private conversation with someone? How might this relate with the benefits of having a private conversation with God?
What do you think we can learn from the example Jesus sets in going off by himself to pray?
When you imagine Jesus in prayer how do you picture Him? What is His posture like? Where is His attention?
What does your prayer life currently look like? What would you like it to look like?
What practical steps can you start taking to improve your prayer life?
January 18
What does it mean to pray to God in everything? Is this something you do or a struggle?
How often do you look back and remind yourself what God has done? How does/would that impact your prayer life and how can looking back on His guidance in the past encourage you about the present or future?
What does it mean that Gods peace will guard your heart and mind?
Is worry or anxiety something you struggle with? Are there any verses of scripture you can lean on when it feels overwhelming? If you don’t already know some, start a list.
January 25
Peace:
Shalom - “Complete” or “whole”/ v: “to make complete” or “restore”
Jesus is the prince of peace. He restored the broken relationship between God and people.
3 kinds of peace:
•Peace with God-
** “Peace with God means removal of all hostility. Complete reconciliation” **
•Peace within-
•Peace with others-
Why do you think God wants us to know we have been reconciled and peace with Him? What affect could it have if we didn’t know this? Have you ever struggled to feel like you have peace with God?
How can we tell if we are walking in the peace of Christ or relying on the counterfeit peace of the world?
How can we maintain the peace of Christ in our lives? Should our life circumstances be a factor in our ability to live in peace?
How can Psalm 29:11 encourage you to face the current challenges in your life?
What happens when we are unable to live in peace with others?
What role does humility play in living in peace with others?
Are we able to have true peace without having peace in all 3 areas?
Other scripture about peace: