9/28 Daily Rhythm of Prayer & Scripture
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4-9 “And the God of peace will be with you.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have you thought that because you are a follower of Jesus, your life would be easier, more blessed, or have less suffering or worry? Where does that belief come from? How does Jesus address that in John 16:33?
What anxieties did Paul face in his ministry? Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30. What does Paul say is the pressure he feels above all?
Paul says at the end of v. 5 that, “The Lord is near.” Do you think he is quoting Psalm 145.18? How does Paul’s reminder of the nearness of the Lord relate to his encouragement to rejoice and give thanks (v. 4) and to not be anxious (v. 6)?
Think of the worries and concerns that you are facing. Which ones are of people you see in person in your life? Which ones come primarily through technology, screens, and social media? How does technology impact your anxiety levels?
Think of a time you have experienced God’s peace with you. What did it feel like? Paul says it is peace that transcends understanding. In John 14:27 Jesus says his peace is not as the world gives. How have you experienced God’s peace in that way?
What does Paul mean when he says that the peace of God will “guard your hearts and your minds”? We use that phrase from Scripture each week when the priest prays the blessing at the end of the service. How do you participate in that blessing? What does it mean to you?
How might the rhythm of the Daily Office & Lectionary help you get out of anxious rhythms and into the rhythms of Jesus and his peace?
Bible scholar Gordon Fee says, “Even though the experience of God’s peace happens first of all at the individual level…for Paul peace is primarily a community matter.” What would it look like to be a household or church full of peace in the midst of our anxious world?
PRAYER PRACTICE:
Pick a time this week to try the daily office and lectionary on your own or with a friend. Ask Jesus for his peace as you pray.
Turn Philippians 4:4-6 into a prayer: Lord, I am anxious. Help me not be anxious about anything, but in this situation_________, help me pray and ask for what I need from you: here are my requests____________. God, thank you for these good things I can see in my life _________. Fill me with your peace, God, which transcends all my understanding, and guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.
