Applying the Word and Praying Together

Men’s & Women’s Groups AND Family Discussions

While we study The Discipleship Series during our weekly gatherings as a church, we use this page to help people connect and minister to one another during the week, including conversations within men’s and women’s groups, between husbands and wives, and between parents and their children. For example, within a church a group of men may meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6 to 7:15pm, while the women meet on the second and fourth Thursdays at the same time. We believe this creates a healthy balance—more structured conversations during our weekly gatherings in our house churches (based on large passages of Scripture), and more personalized conversations and ministry during the week.

Instructions on How to Use This Page

(1) Reflection: Use the questions below to reflect on a lesson from the Bible and/or your personal Bible reading during the week. (2) Preparation: Try to answer the questions below before you meet with others (such as your spouse and/or a prayer group) to discuss your answers. (3) Sharing: During your meeting with others, encourage one person to answer three or more of the questions, and then move on to the next person. The amount of time each person can share will vary depending on the size of the group. (4) Note Taking: As each person shares, take notes regarding how you will pray for them, both at the end of your meeting and during the week. (5) Prayer: Once each person has shared, devote the rest of the time to prayer. (6) Confidentiality: Do not discuss one another’s prayer requests or concerns with anyone outside the group, unless you believe that person is a danger to themselves or others. (7) Follow Up: Use your notes to pray for one another during the week and possibly to revisit topics the next time you meet as a group.

Applying the Word

  1. Why are you thankful to God for his work in you and in others? 

  2. What challenges are you currently facing (e.g., strong emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and shame; temptations to sin; important decisions)?

  3. What are you learning about God the Father, God the Son, and/or God the Holy Spirit (concerning their character qualities, words, and/or actions)?

  4. Are there any sins you want to confess (in your desires, values, thoughts, words, and/or actions)? Consider the following categories and questions:

    • Relational Idols: In what ways have you valued people (e.g., your spouse, children, and celebrities) more than God?

    • Non-relational Idols: In what ways have you valued things (e.g., your appearance, money, power, and possessions) more than God?

    • Sins of Commission: What sins have you committed that God forbids (e.g., greed, materialism, and vanity)?

    • Sins of Omission: In what ways have neglected to do what God requires (e.g., lack of love, lack of gratitude, and lack of patience)?

    For more information about confessing our sins to God and others, see here.

    “I have sinned against God by ________.” 

  5. How can you apply God’s Word in your character? “By God’s grace, I want to become more (or less) ­­­_______. I will work on that by _______.”

  6. How can you apply God’s Word in your words and/or actions (with your family, church community, neighbors, and/or coworkers)? “By God’s grace, I will ________.”

  7. Are there one or more verses of Scripture you want to memorize to help you fight against temptations to sin and fight for holiness? If so, which one(s)?

  8. In what ways do you plan to serve and evangelize non-Christians in your life? In what ways do you plan to serve and disciple Christians in your life? Be specific in identifying people’s names and your approach to helping them.

Praying Together

Spend time praying: (1) for yourself and for one another, (2) for other Christians in your life, (3) for the non-Christians in your life, and (4) for government leaders and concerns throughout the world.