Sunday Discussion
Desperation
Transition:
In last week’s text, Peter transitioned from discussing suffering to exploring the leaders God has appointed for his church and the way they are to lead.
Check Point:
Would anyone like to share something they worked on from last week’s discussion?
Context:
In our text this week, we read the birth story of Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and one whom God would raise up to lead Israel. A barren woman by the name of Hannah prays to God for a child. God remembers her and causes her to conceive. In response to God’s gift, Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the Lord.
Opening Questions:
Describe a moment of joy or disappointment that you have experienced this year so far.
Share a prayer request that you feel has been answered this year. How much time elapsed between the request and the answer?
Scripture/Storying: 1 Samuel 1:1-28
Discipleship Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit teaching you through this story? How does it impact the way you think and live?
Share a time when you felt left out or forgotten by God. How did this influence your view of God at that time? How did your perspective of God at that time affect the way you saw yourself?
What thoughts arise when you reflect on the notion that Hannah was unable to conceive due to God closing her womb? What makes this easy or challenging for you to accept and why so?
When was the last time you agonized in prayer to the Lord and what was it over? What substitutes do you sometimes choose when feeling downhearted, instead of turning to God in prayer? Why do individuals seek worldly solutions for comfort during life’s storms instead of turning to Jesus for true stability, significance, and security?
During hardship, do you find it difficult or easy to worship God? Explain why.
Who do you identify with most in this story, Hannah, Peninnah, Elkanah, or Eli, and why?
What is God’s part in this story? What is your part?
Prayer time: Lesli Pottorf
Pray for the Muslim community in Knoxville, that the Lord will draw them to salvation in His name. Pray specifically for the Muslim families Lesli is pouring into, that they may come to know the love of Christ and submit their lives to glorifying Him!