Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Paul gives advice about personal worship. He encourages the Thessalonians to rejoice whatever their circumstances because their joy is rooted in God; to pray at all times and talk to God in a constant flow of conversation, quietly, whatever you are doing, standing, sitting, walking, at any time. The believer should never be in a place where they cannot pray. Paul encourages believers to be grateful in every facet of life. Even in hard times, the tells them, be alert for the little things with which God blesses them. These activities are God’s will for every believer and they are possible because of this, whatever may be happening in the believer’s life.
Icebreaker:
What is the most exceptional gift you have ever received? What made it so special?
Application
- Gratitude is the key for human flourishing. What are you grateful for at this point in time? Have you ever told God? How does your gratitude make you feel?
- Gratitude rises in us when we choose to see life as a gift of God’s grace goodness and generosity. Is this how you see life? Why/why not? Do you find life is easier/more pleasant/ more joyful when you are grateful? How does your life change when you feel grumpy? How do your relationships and interactions with other people differ when you are ungrateful (grumpy/indifferent) from when you are grateful?
- Gratitude rises when expressed in thanksgiving and thanks-living. How often do you say thank you to God – for the big things and the little things? When you have experienced (are experiencing) a time of life that is painful, are you able to give thanks in all circumstances? What makes that difficult for you? Does the idea of looking for the little blessings during such a time help you to express your gratitude? What difference would it have made (or make) if you ‘gave thanks in all circumstances’? What would help you see the blessings in a dark time?
- Gratitude rises in me when I cultivate it as a habit. How can you do this? What will help you to remembers to express thanks every time you wake up to a new day; have a hot cup of coffee; meet a friend; accomplish a goal?
- How do you feel about following these tips to help you to express gratitude:
o Keep a gratitude journal;
o Thank God for the gift of life and the opportunities the day to come will present;
o Spend some time meditating on a ‘thank You psalm’;
o Seek to fill you day with thank You’s – for the smell of a rose; for a safe journey; for an opportunity; for all the little blessings? - Do you have any other ideas like this to help you? Share them with the group. Which one of these will you adopt for the coming week?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
What can you do to express and live your gratitude this week that will involve other people. Take a step towards doing this and share the results with the group next time you are together.
Bibliography
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