Biblestudies

Group, Mar/Apr 2003 by Warden, Michael

the basics: spiritual disciplines

TOPICS: Giving, Silence, Bible Study, Confession

Giving

1. The gifts we bring-(You'// need paper, pens, a small basket, a CD player, and some instrumental praise music.)

Have the praise music playing in the background as kids arrive. Begin the study by giving each person two or three sheets of paper and a pen. Say something like: Our study today will be a little different. Before we begin, let's spend some time worshiping God.

On one of their sheets of paper, ask kids to make a list of five to 10 things they're thankful to God for today. When everyone is finished, have kids take turns sharing their lists with the group. When they finish, say something like: We have so much to be thankful for. Let's continue our worship by singing praise songs to God. Sing some of your group's favorite praise songs.

When you're finished singing, turn on the background music again. Say something like: Singing songs to God is just one way that we can worship him. Another way is by giving back to God a portion of what he's given to us-for example, our talents, our time, and our money. Let's end our worship time by giving God an offering of money.

Have kids form a circle-facing outward-and set a basket or bowl on the floor in the circle's center. Say something like: Giving in worship is a private matter-that's why I've asked you face outward in the circle. I've placed a basket in the center for your offering. You can decide whatever amount you'd like to give as a gesture of worship. If you don't have any money with you, and you'd like to give, just write an amount on a piece of scrap paper and drop it in the basket. Then, when you go to church next week, place that amount in the offering.

Spend a minute or two in silent prayer-with eyes closed. During the prayer time, encourage kids to step out of the circle and drop their offerings in the basket (or bowl). When everyone has had a chance to give an offering, close the time with a brief prayer of thanks to God. Then collect the offering basket and have kids turn to face the center of the circle.

2. Giving as worship

Turn off the worship music, and thank kids for participating in the worship time with you. Discuss: What did you enjoy most about this worship experience? What did you enjoy least? Did it seem strange to give money to God as an act of worship? Why or why not? Why do Christians give money to the church-as payment for services rendered, or as an act of worship to God? What's the difference?

Say something like: Even though most Christians don't question the need to give God praise, or to give him our time and talents, many of us have trouble understanding how giving God a portion of our financial resources is also an important act of worship. Let's see what the Bible says.

3. Giving God our best-(You'll need newsprint markers, paper, and Bibles.)

Distribute more paper if necessary, and make sure everyone has a Bible. Form two groups, and assign each group one of these passages: Psalm 112:5-9 or 1 Corinthians 9:6-9. Have groups read their assigned passage aloud, then work together to create a picture or illustration of "worship to God" based on their passage.

When groups are ready, have a volunteer read aloud each of the assigned passages. Then have groups take turns explaining their drawings to the whole group. When all the groups have shared, say something like: The Bible describes giving to the church and people in need as more than merely a duty Christians must perform. In its truest form, giving is an act of joyful worship-an expression of love and gratitude to God.

Close by having kids write these three headings on a sheet of newsprint: Time, Energy, Money. Under each heading, have kids write three specific ways they can worship God by offering him either their time, energy, or money. When they're finished, challenge kids to circle one item from each list that they'll commit to do this week-purely as an act of worship to God.*

Silence

1. Guided time of silence-(You'll need paper, pens, and a Bible or a copy of "The Lorica of St. Patrick,"which you can find online at

www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers /patrick.htm.)

Give kids pens and paper and have them sit on the floor facing the meeting room walls. (If facing the wall is impractical for you, just have kids sit on the floor in a large circle facing outward.)

Say something like: We're going to begin our study today by spending some time in silence before God. During this experience, I want each of you to remain absolutely silent. I will be the only one speaking. We'll begin with a guided silent prayer. I'll read aloud a prayer. As I read, listen carefully and think about how the prayer relates to your own relationship with God. Do the words describe how you feel toward God right now? how you'd like to feel? or something else? As I read, feel free to record on your paper any images or words that reflect your thoughts or feelings. Let's begin.

If possible, dim the lights. Then slowly read aloud "The Lorica of St. Patrick." Or, if you prefer, you can read one of these biblical passages: Job 38:2-41; 39:5-30; 40:3-5; or Psalm 119:9-48.