Marriage & Intimacy: Being Known & Being Loved (08.12.19)
Opening Silence
Open in prayer and then sit in 3 minutes of silence to shift focus toward this time of seeking God and practicing the way of Jesus.
Responding to Sunday’s Teaching
Here is a quick recap of themes and ideas from Sunday’s teaching from Nancy Ortberg on marriage:
- It’s easy to confuse the values of the Kingdom with the American Dream. This might tempt us to put marriage on a pedestal, rather than seeing singleness as a gift.
- A purpose of family is to include — including single people, people different from us, and all others. The community of God’s people is inclusive.
- There are two things we long for which marriage (and really, all relationships) are built on: 1. To be fully known. 2. To be deeply loved.
- Conflict is the way to intimacy.
- We come to marriage with baggage, most of which we didn’t pack. A relationship that seeks after God’s heart makes room to unpack that baggage.
- Love is inconveniencing oneself for another.
Discuss these questions:
- What did you find compelling, surprising, or challenging about this teaching?
- How much do you feel known and loved in your Community Group? What would you want people to know about you?
Praying with Scripture
Pray with this Scripture, which was highlighted in this week’s teaching: Jeremiah 24. Follow these simple steps of lectio divina (i.e. holy reading).
- Read: Slowly and prayerfully read the Biblical text.
- Meditate: Ponder the passage. What phrase or word is sticking out to you? Sit silently with this phrase and ask God, “What do you want me to know about this? How is this connected to my life?” Listen carefully for Him; this is God’s word for you.
- Respond: Begin to bring to God your honest, sincere prayers — whatever is coming up from what you read.
- Contemplate: Transition to wordless, silent contemplation, resting in God’s presence. Enjoying God. Abiding.
After praying alone, take a while for people in your group to share about what God was communicating to them through the Scripture.
Intercessory Prayer
In light of the themes coming up in your discussion, take a moment to intercede in prayer for one another, for those you know who need prayer, and for God’s will to be done in our city.