INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES
In this series we are taking a close look at the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus modeled for us how we should pray. As you start each week, say the prayer together. It will be encouraging to see how much more meaningful the prayer is as you progress through your study of each phrase, understanding the history and intention behind each one. This will take the place of your introduction question and will focus everyone on the study before them.
(Optional)
If you prefer you can use the following introduction question with your group.
What has been the favorite place you’ve lived?
OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES
Read 1 Kings 8:3-12. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?
Leader note: You will be looking at several passages in chunks. Answer the question after each passage, just as they are divided in these questions.
Leader note: Don’t read the answers to your group. Let them discover through observation the answers to these questions. The commentary and leader notes are for your (the leader) reference only, in case you get stuck, or need to prompt your group.
Commentary:
The glory of the Lord filled the Most Holy Place in the inner sanctuary of the temple
Read 1 Kings 8:27:30. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?
Commentary:
The heavens can’t contain Him – He is more than there
Heaven is a dwelling place for God.
The temple is a dwelling place for “My Name” (a way to refer to YHWH – LORD, God)
God hears us from His dwelling place
Read Jeremiah 23:23-24, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Philippians 3:20. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?
Commentary:
He is both nearby and far away
He fills both the heaven and the earth
We can’t hide from Him (He is everywhere)
He dwells in us (we are His temple)”
God is in our midst
Jesus is in Heaven and will come to us from there
We are also citizens of heaven
UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES
What does it mean that God is far and set apart from earth and “the world”?
Leader note: Have your group consider what it means to have a Most Holy God – one who is apart from anything in this world. How is he revered? How is He worshiped? What attributes would He possess and what power does that make possible?
What does it mean that God is near and in us and with us?
Leader note: Have your group consider what it means that God is an intimate, close God. One Who will be involved, walk with, care about our daily happenings.
APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES
How will your prayers change knowing God is far and set apart?
Leader note: Consider the answers from the previous questions. Have you been including thoughts and words in your prayers that capture who God is in His “faraway-ness” or preeminence? What does a new prayer that does take that into account look like, or sound like to you?
How will they change knowing God is near and in you and with you?
Leader note: Now think about your prayer life. Have you included language that captures the fact that God is immanent – here with you – dwelling in your midst, even within you?
Pray
Your group will have just expressed personal implications of the truths of this study. Pray their prayer of God’s farness and closeness out loud. If they are comfortable with the idea, have them pray their own prayer out loud. Go around the group until everyone has had a chance to embrace God’s holiness and apartness, and His immanence and closeness in their life.
(Optional)
At the end of 1 Kings 8, Solomon blesses the Israelites with this blessing. This may be a great way to end your time together. Read this aloud and bless your group.
“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
Live it out
Where are you acting far when God would have you be near?