September 2018 Wednesday Study Questions

September 5: Uncommon Kindness

1. When has someone shown you an act of uncommon kindness? What did the person do for you? What is most memorable from this experience?
2. Have you ever failed to do something for someone and then regretted it? How did you respond the next time you had the opportunity to show kindness to someone?
3. Who has been a role model for you when it comes to helping others in need? What would you say is the most important lesson this person has taught you?
4. Is there ever a time when it is okay not to help someone in need? If so, when?
5. Name three ways you will show “uncommon kindness” to someone in the coming week.

September 12: The Power of Prayer

1. How often do you ask for God’s guidance in a situation? Do you think some situations or concerns are too small to take to God? If so, give an example. If not, why not?
2. When has God answered one of your prayers in a way that was contrary to your expectations? How did you respond to God? Did this experience change the way you pray? Did it affect your relationship with God?
3. When has God answered one of your prayers in the way that you hoped? Were you surprised that God answered your prayer this way? Why or why not?
4. How well do you deal with change and the unexpected? When have you experienced a change or something unexpected that challenged you in a significant way? How did God help you through this ordeal? What were your prayers like during this time?
5. Why do you think change can sometimes be so difficult? Do you think change is necessary and a fact of life or can it be avoided? What advice would you give to someone who does not cope well with change? What is your prayer today for someone struggling with a change?

September 19: A New Friend

1. The writer of today’s meditation says, “I am reminded that being recognized, called by name, and appreciated are blessings that I receive from God and from others.” When have you been reminded of this as well?
2. Is it easy or difficult for you to make new friends? Would you say the phrase “quality, not quantity” is true when it comes to the number of friends we have? Explain.
3. Recall some friendships from the Bible. Which characteristics of these friendships would you like to have in your own friendships?
4. When has getting to know someone forced you out of your comfort zone? What specifically challenged you in the situation? What opportunities did it provide, and what did you learn from it?
5. Name some people in your community who are overlooked. What will you do to make them feel recognized and welcome?

September 26: Baskets of Blessings

1. Which household chore or task is your least favorite? What about it do you dislike? How could you turn the time you spend doing this chore into a time of prayer?
2. Can you think of a time when you have had to make a “spiritual attitude adjustment”? What was going on in your life? Looking back on the experience, how has it shaped your relationship with God?
3. The scripture quote of today’s meditation is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. What do you think it means to “pray without ceasing”?
4. Name some of the ways that God has blessed you. For which of these blessings are you particularly thankful?
5. Who is on your prayer list today? What is your prayer for them? For what would you like prayer?