Chapter 2: The Pilgrimage Begins
Scripture: Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are so set on pilgrimage,
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They to from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
~ Psalm 84: 5-7
Prayer: Heavenly Father- As we begin this sacred journey for ourselves, may we be more aware of the need to delve deeply into our relationship with You, with others and with ourselves. Walk with us as we discover truths about ourselves that we may not be ready to think about. Lord, we may uncover hurts that cause us pain, and make us want to avoid. Stand by us as we walk this path of pruning unwanted memories, thoughts, or behaviors. Help us to trust that You will never leave us alone. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Getting to Know Each Other:
1) Divide yourselves into smaller groups according to birthday months: January-March; April-June; July-September; and October-December.
2) Share with the small group your favorite birthday memory.
3) Stay in this group to discuss the questions from Chapter 2.
Insight Into the Characters from Chapter 2:
Meg: Finds fault with herself constantly; has an inner critic in her mind (page 41); is hesitant to reveal too much about herself (page 43); "Meg the Pleaser overpowered Meg the Griever", and grief not dealt with for years (page 66)
Mara: Has a family that does not share her desire to attend church (page 43); her strongest inner desire is to be "chosen", and feelings of deep rejection (page 48)
Hannah: Her "lips formed a smile,...her smile didn't light up her eyes" (page 47); she was "so accustomed to carrying others' burdens that she didn't know how to lay them down" (page 58); she didn't know who she was if she wasn't pastoring (page 67)
Charissa: Spoke "fluent Eyebrow" (page 53); "didn't like spirals. She liked straight lines and clear destinations" (page 60); believed that she had fallen into some sort of New Age group (page 61-62)
Study/Discussion: Mark 1: 16-20
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Read the scripture silently. Read it slowly several times. Katherine says to the group, on page 48, "As you [read], imagine you're a part of the story. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Where are you in the story? Then simply sit with God and pray through what you noticed?"
Take some time to write your reactions in your journal.
On page 51, Katherine says the following: "The spiritual life is all about paying attention. The Spirit of God is always speaking to us, but we need to slow down, stop, and give more than lip service to what God is saying. We need to get off autopilot and take time to look and listen with the eyes of the heart. Walking the path toward freedom and deep transformation takes courage. It's not easy. It's not linear. It can seem messy and chaotic at times, and you're likely to lose your sense of equilibrium as old things die and new things are born. You feel disorientated idols you once trusted and relied upon are revealed and removed. But don't be afraid of the mess. The Holy Spirit is a faithful guide, gently shepherding, and empowering us as we travel more deeply into the heart of God." (page 51)
What words or phrases jumped out at you as you read that paragraph? Jot them down and think about the reason why they might stand out to you in particular. Write about those thoughts in your journal.
A Path for Prayer:
whose hearts are so set on pilgrimage,
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They to from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
~ Psalm 84: 5-7
Prayer: Heavenly Father- As we begin this sacred journey for ourselves, may we be more aware of the need to delve deeply into our relationship with You, with others and with ourselves. Walk with us as we discover truths about ourselves that we may not be ready to think about. Lord, we may uncover hurts that cause us pain, and make us want to avoid. Stand by us as we walk this path of pruning unwanted memories, thoughts, or behaviors. Help us to trust that You will never leave us alone. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Getting to Know Each Other:
1) Divide yourselves into smaller groups according to birthday months: January-March; April-June; July-September; and October-December.
2) Share with the small group your favorite birthday memory.
3) Stay in this group to discuss the questions from Chapter 2.
Insight Into the Characters from Chapter 2:
Meg: Finds fault with herself constantly; has an inner critic in her mind (page 41); is hesitant to reveal too much about herself (page 43); "Meg the Pleaser overpowered Meg the Griever", and grief not dealt with for years (page 66)
Mara: Has a family that does not share her desire to attend church (page 43); her strongest inner desire is to be "chosen", and feelings of deep rejection (page 48)
Hannah: Her "lips formed a smile,...her smile didn't light up her eyes" (page 47); she was "so accustomed to carrying others' burdens that she didn't know how to lay them down" (page 58); she didn't know who she was if she wasn't pastoring (page 67)
Charissa: Spoke "fluent Eyebrow" (page 53); "didn't like spirals. She liked straight lines and clear destinations" (page 60); believed that she had fallen into some sort of New Age group (page 61-62)
Study/Discussion: Mark 1: 16-20
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Read the scripture silently. Read it slowly several times. Katherine says to the group, on page 48, "As you [read], imagine you're a part of the story. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Where are you in the story? Then simply sit with God and pray through what you noticed?"
Take some time to write your reactions in your journal.
On page 51, Katherine says the following: "The spiritual life is all about paying attention. The Spirit of God is always speaking to us, but we need to slow down, stop, and give more than lip service to what God is saying. We need to get off autopilot and take time to look and listen with the eyes of the heart. Walking the path toward freedom and deep transformation takes courage. It's not easy. It's not linear. It can seem messy and chaotic at times, and you're likely to lose your sense of equilibrium as old things die and new things are born. You feel disorientated idols you once trusted and relied upon are revealed and removed. But don't be afraid of the mess. The Holy Spirit is a faithful guide, gently shepherding, and empowering us as we travel more deeply into the heart of God." (page 51)
What words or phrases jumped out at you as you read that paragraph? Jot them down and think about the reason why they might stand out to you in particular. Write about those thoughts in your journal.
A Path for Prayer:
A Path for Prayer
Start
Feel free to print this labyrinth. Use a pen, or pencil, or your finger to make your way through the twists and turns. Take your time and use the suggestions from above to focus your mind on God, and those things that He is trying to convey to you during your journey. Understand this process with not seem comfortable or easy. It is very difficult to quiet your mind. We have become accustomed to the presence of constant noise in our lives. Many absolutely do not know how to listen for God's voice speaking to them. What am I supposed to hear? What if I hear nothing? Am I going to hear an audible voice, or do I just listen to my thoughts?
"The journey to the center is an opportunity to release burdens, identify fears, and confess sins. The center of the labyrinth is a resting place where you are held in God's loving embrace. Linger as long as you wish, receiving whatever gifts of Scripture, insight, presence, peace, or revelation God gives. Simply enjoy being with God. Then, when you are ready, begin the outward journey. Allow the Spirit to strengthen and empower you as you take God's presence and gifts out into the world." (page 55)
Re-read pages 56-65, to refresh your memory about Meg, Mara, Hannah, and Charissa's experience with the labyrinth. You will notice that each individual reacted differently, and gained different insights from the journey. It will be the same with you. You may feel uncomfortable, confused and reluctant. The journey may bring great peace to you. Just let it happen.
Journal: Write about your experience with the labyrinth. What was your initial reaction to the suggestion that you do this activity? Share about your journey toward the center, waiting at the middles, and working your way back out. What seemed difficult; enlightening; or spiritually awakening? How did God speak to you during this labyrinth journey?
Closing Prayer:
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best and live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time
Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone...
by Robin Mark
If you need to start from the beginning- Introduction
For your next meeting - Chapter 3
"The journey to the center is an opportunity to release burdens, identify fears, and confess sins. The center of the labyrinth is a resting place where you are held in God's loving embrace. Linger as long as you wish, receiving whatever gifts of Scripture, insight, presence, peace, or revelation God gives. Simply enjoy being with God. Then, when you are ready, begin the outward journey. Allow the Spirit to strengthen and empower you as you take God's presence and gifts out into the world." (page 55)
Re-read pages 56-65, to refresh your memory about Meg, Mara, Hannah, and Charissa's experience with the labyrinth. You will notice that each individual reacted differently, and gained different insights from the journey. It will be the same with you. You may feel uncomfortable, confused and reluctant. The journey may bring great peace to you. Just let it happen.
Journal: Write about your experience with the labyrinth. What was your initial reaction to the suggestion that you do this activity? Share about your journey toward the center, waiting at the middles, and working your way back out. What seemed difficult; enlightening; or spiritually awakening? How did God speak to you during this labyrinth journey?
Closing Prayer:
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best and live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time
Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone...
by Robin Mark
If you need to start from the beginning- Introduction
For your next meeting - Chapter 3