How are we doing as a Homegroup?

It was good to discuss tonight how we are doing as a Homegroup. Some of the things we mentioned in no particular order:

• We liked
• the informality and the fun
• the sharing out the jobs, hosting, leading etc
• the meetings we have with other groups
• the mix of bible studies and socials
• Growing in openness
• keeping confidences
• sharing openly
• splitting into smaller groups
• Starting with a "worship" session
• a short time to focus us on the Lord
• More directed prayers
• praying for specific items
• praying for world/national events
•  Growing in "community"
• be willing to ask for help (not be proud)
• be willing to offer help
•  Pray for eachother
• remember to pray during the week, not just a Wednesday

Below is a helpful article that is worth a read about how to be a small group member.

How to Be a Small Group Member

Family Meeting: 12th October

12th October is our next family meeting. Pray for Sarah who will be doing some feedback from her Ibiza trip.

See you there!

Bible Study: 6th October

Praying for Growth: Colossians 1:9-14

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Paul hadn’t met the Colossians, but he had heard about their conversion through Epaphras (1:6-8). As a result he begins his letter by giving thanks for their conversion (1:3-5) and he then prays for them (1:9-14).

Verse 9

1.              What ‘reason’ does Paul have in mind in v9? Who does this make this prayer suitable for?

2.              Paul begins by asking that the Colossian Christians will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. What does this mean and how does he say it will happen?

Verses 10-12

3.              From verse 10, why is Paul praying what he does in v9? Does this aim feature in our prayers for others and ourselves?

4.              The rest of v10 and verses 11-12 give us the components of living a life worthy of the Lord. Go through them asking what each of them means.

5.              Give some examples of what praying these things would mean in practice (perhaps for members of the group or for other people in the church).

Verse 13-14

6.              Why does Paul mention rescue and redemption here? How does this fit with the rest of the prayer?

7.              How should this focus on the gospel feature in our praying?

Reflection

8.              Do we think of this sort of prayer as a bit ‘basic’ sometimes?

9.              What can we learn from this prayer to change our own prayer life?