WEDNESDAY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

January 3: Sense of Purpose
1. Describe a time when your plans did not work out how you had intended. What other opportunities became possible as a result? How did your life change because of your new plans?
2. When you experience change, do you mourn what you had before? Why or why not? In what ways do you actively nurture a new sense of purpose in such times?
3. Do you believe there are days when nothing important happens? How do you find the significance in what you do every day? How does your focus change how you perceive each day?
4. Do you have a strong sense of purpose and direction? Where does that purpose and direction come from? How does your faith inform your sense of purpose?

January 10: Before We Ask
1. How does your faith strengthen and encourage you when you or a loved one is undergoing difficult surgery or treatment? What spiritual practice is most meaningful for you in those times?
2. What role does prayer and devotional reading play in comforting you when you are waiting and hoping for something? How does your practice of prayer and devotional time change depending on your circumstances?
3. What scripture passages remind you of the value of prayer and the way God responds to our prayers? How do these scriptures inform the way you pray?
4. In what ways do your prayerful requests express your faith in God? What do your most recent prayers reveal about your faith?

January 17: God’s Protection
1. The cow and calf in today’s meditation were vulnerable following the calf’s birth. What other instances of vulnerability in nature come to mind for you? What can you learn from those examples?
2. Describe a time when you were surrounded and protected by others. Was the protection you received physical or otherwise? What was that experience like for you?
3. What is the most memorable illustration you have witnessed of God’s protection and refuge? Why is that illustration memorable or significant for you?
4. When you are in a difficult or vulnerable situation, do you find it easy to notice the ways God is providing protection and comfort? Why or why not?

January 24: Good Gifts
1. Recall a time when your expectations were not met. Were you disappointed? How did you respond to the situation?
2. Who has given you an unexpected gift? What was the gift? How did you react to their gift? How has that gift impacted you?
3. In times when you wish God had given you a different answer to prayer, what scripture verses or spiritual practices help you accept God’s answer with open arms? How does your response to God’s answers affect your faith and your attitude?
4. Do you find it easy or difficult to anticipate all of God’s gifts and blessings with excitement? Why? Who in your life serves as an example for you of excitedly embracing whatever God offers?

January 31: Inspired to Write
1. When you experience rejection, how does it affect your mood? How do you respond?
2. Have you ever questioned your God-given purpose following a rejection? Why or why not? What strengthens your conviction about your purpose?
3. Recall a time when a rejection served as a catalyst for learning, practice and growth for you. What happened? How did that experience change your path?
4. What does it mean to you that God has weaved within you a divine purpose? What scriptures most remind you of this? How do you answer God’s call and purpose for your life each day?

February 7: Spiritual Growth
1. What is the most recent spiritual lesson you have learned from observing nature? Why do you think we so often learn important lessons from creation?
2. Recall a time when you missed an important step in a process and it changed the outcome of a situation. Why was that step so important? What did you learn from this experience?
3. Why do you think daily attention and effort is so important for spiritual growth? In what other areas of your life do you notice the value of daily care and attention?
4. How do you remember to prioritise your spiritual growth each day? How is your life enriched when you spend time with God in this way?

February 14: Ash Wednesday
1. Have you ever given something up for Lent? Do you find this practice meaningful? Why or why not?
2. Would you ever consider giving up a grudge, anger, or resentment for Lent? How do you think that would feel? What do you think might happen?
3. Why do you think releasing our negative feelings is so freeing? How do you think holding on to those feelings affects us long term?
4. Are you planning to give something up for Lent this year? If so, what will you give up? If not, what other ways do you plan to honour the season of Lent?

February 21: Fully Charged
1. Today’s writer draws a comparison between spiritual energy and a battery. What image do you feel best represents you and your spiritual energy? Why?
2. When do you notice your spiritual energy is drained the most? What are the biggest drains on your spiritual energy?
3. When do you find your spiritual energy is best replenished? How does the Holy Spirit rejuvenate you? In what ways do you strive to preserve that energy?
4. Do you think distractions and energy draws lead you away from God? If so, how? If not, what keeps you near to God despite distractions?

February 28: God Hears Our Cries
1. When has fellowship with other Christians provided you comfort and peace during a trying time? Why do you think praying and worshiping with fellow believers can be such a comfort?
2. Have you ever attended worship with a knot of worry inside you? Did the worry fade as you worshiped, or did you simply worship in spite of it? What was that experience like?
3. Has anyone ever prayed for you when you didn’t have the words to pray? Have you ever prayed for someone who didn’t have the words? Describe those experiences.
4. How are you encouraged to know that God hears your cries even before you voice them? What scriptures most remind

you of God’s constant listening and care?