1. Press into God’s Word. Each week I will provide 3 passages for students and leaders to use in times of spiritual retreat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Everyone should find a block of time to get alone with nothing but a journal and a Bible. That time should be spent meditating on that day’s passage and responding through journaling and prayer. Students are encouraged to use the SWORD method of Bible reading and the HEAR method of Bible journaling, both of which are briefly explained at the bottom of this page.2. Press into One Another. After spending a time alone in God’s Word, students are challenged to then spend some time with the person they are paired with, or the others in their group of 3. This time should be intentional, with the goals of discussing their time in the Word and praying for one another. This time of prayer should focus on the spiritual needs of one another in response to the Word and in response to individual spiritual needs or struggles. This time should be face-to-face, if possible, of course via video chat. But if that is not possible, discussion through phone is fine.
3. Reach out to Peers & Friends. Each group should pray and discuss together ways that they can share what they are reading and learning in God’s Word with their friends and peers. I have challenged our students to be creative during this season of social distancing. I would love to see students utilize social media, perhaps by creating brief video testimonies or through written posts. Students may also choose to text their friends or send cards. I am excited to see their creativity in their response to this challenge!
Here are this week’s readings (Week of May 18):
This week’s passages are: Psalm 29 / Psalm 139 / Luke 11:33-36
Remember the assignment I gave you on our Zoom on Sunday night! Spend some time in Luke 6:46-49. Has this situation exposed any facades in your life? Take some time to think on that question and evaluate your own heart/life, journal your thoughts, and make sure to have at least 1 conversation with someone else about it!
If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am praying for you as you pursue these challenges! I am pursuing them with you, too!
The SWORD Bible Reading Method
The SWORD method really just offers specific questions that offer guidance in identifying specific truths from the Scriptures as we read and study them. The questions this method calls us to ask are as follows:
What does this passage teach us about God?
What does this passage teach us about me/us?
Does this passage identify sin to avoid or confess?
Does this passage reveal a promise to claim?
Does this passage offer an example to follow?
Does this passage present a command to obey?
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Guided Prayer
Focus on these 7 applications from Sunday’s sermon in your prayer time this week. When meeting with your partner, discuss what fruit is being produced in your heart as you focus on these areas in prayer. Try to meet with your partner twice throughout the week.
1. God, hear my prayer.
2. Lord keep me, for I am yours.
3. Lord, make my heart happy in you.
4. Lord, teach me your ways.
5. Lord, give me your strength.
6. Lord, unite my heart to fear you.
7. Lord, reveal yourself through me.
The HEAR Bible Journaling Method
The HEAR method offers four steps that can help us with the task of journaling as we read God’s Word. The method follows the acrostic HEAR as follows:
Highlight – Highlight a portion or portions of the Scripture that jump out at you. This could be a portion of a larger passage that you would like to think a little more deeply on during your time of journaling.
Explain – Next, in your own words, explain what the text means. This is a great opportunity to pull from the answers to the questions from the SWORD method. You may also ask questions of context, as you seek to understand what the original meaning of the text was by its author and original recipients.
Remember: The goal of Bible study is to arrive at the good, plain meaning of the text. While the meaning of the text NEVER changes, the application can change for individuals living in specific times and circumstances.
Apply – In light of what the Scriptures says and means, how should we apply its truths? What does it mean for how we live our lives today? In our culture/context? What would the application of these verses look like in my life?
Respond – This part of your journaling will be a personal call to action. How will you tangibly & practically respond to what you have read and understand? This should be an attainable and measurable commitment. How can your partner/group hold you accountable? How can they pray for you as you pursue this action?