Simple Church / CREW Discussion questions
1. Think about your relationship with the Holy Spirit. What has influenced this relationship both positively and negatively? Is there anything from your experience that makes you fearful or hesitant about opening your heart more to the Holy Spirit? Ask God to show you how you hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. If this is scary or you are hesitant about this, why?
2. Recall your own story in coming to God. Express gratitude for the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing you to Jesus and His continued work in making you more like Jesus (sanctification). Spend some time worshiping the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. What is the main way the Holy Spirit speaks to you? How do you generally hear His voice and/or feel His presence? How is the Holy Spirit stretching you to experience His presence in new ways?
4. Spend some quiet moments asking God to show you how the Holy Spirit has been active in your life this past week. Ask Him to make you aware more quickly this week of His presence and where He is active. Try the spiritual practice of Examen (if you don’t know what this is, feel free to contact Darcy or Kenda).
5. Share with someone your thoughts, experiences and growing edge around your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
For groups of 5-6 and 3-4 here are some ideas:
Play Josh Garrels song Pilot Me and reflect on the ways the Holy Spirit has piloted you over the years.
Take the time and ask the Lord to Pilot you through the storms of life currently; pray for the grace to follow His lead.
Here's the link to the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLuUt-dyks
We also read these two texts, one being a paraphrase of Psalm 23 which articulates well this prayer, asking God to Pilot Us, individually, corporately as a church, and the world.
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL
St. Luke 8: 22-25
(The New Testament, Rheims, 1582 -- http://www.hti.umich.edu/)
Jesus Calms the Storm
[22] And it came to pass on a certain day that he went into a little ship with his disciples, and he said to them: Let us go over to the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
[23] And when they were sailing, he slept; and there came down a storm of wind upon the lake, and they were filled, and were in danger.
[24] And they came and awaked him, saying: Master, we perish. But he arising, rebuked the wind and the rage of the water; and it ceased, and there was a calm.
[25] And he said to them: Where is your faith? Who being afraid, wondered, saying one to another: Who is this, (think you), that he commandeth both the winds and the sea, and they obey him?
THE PILOT'S PSALM
The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not drift. He guides me across the dark waters. He steers me in deep channels. He keeps my log. He pilots me by the star of holiness for His name's sake. Yea, though I sail 'mid the fenders and tempests of life I shall dread no danger for He is near me. His love and care shelter me. He prepares a harbor before me in the homeland of eternity. He anoints the waves with oil, my ship rides calmly. Surely sunlight and starlight shall favor me on my voyages and I will rest in the Port of our Lord forever.
