The Weekly Liturgy :: Week of 9/24/2023

Gather - We begin our Liturgy in corporate worship by coming together and acknowledging who God is through the Acclamation. God’s character and presence frames our corporate worship and this is also the way we begin our Weekly Liturgy whether we engage it personally or in a group setting.

• How did you experience God’s character and presence this week (joys, struggles, breakthroughs)?

Word - We desire for God’s Word to always be on our minds, upon our lips, and deep in our hearts. We want to read, reflect, listen, and respond to God’s word as we are formed more deeply as disciples of Jesus.

Read Matthew 13:18-23 and Daniel 11-31-35.

Reflect on these passages either individually or with others.

Listen to the Holy Spirit. How is God speaking to you through this passage?

• Try to read Daniel 11 before you arrive at Life Group.  What was confusing and what was encouraging?

• Read Daniel 11:33. Many who desired to live faithfully to God were being persecuted.  Have there been times in your life when you experienced hardship or challenges for following Jesus?

• The phrase 'time' or 'appointed time' is repeated throughout the chapter (11:24, 27, 29, 35, 36, 40; 12:1).  Does God's sovereign rule and reign over human history seem like a distant or near reality for you?  Explain.

• It can seem easier to recognize God's sovereignty in creation, in Christ's crucifixion, and Christ's 2nd coming.  How have you experience God's sovereignty in the 'messy middle'? 

• In the midst of challenging times we are called to persevere through them.  For you, what is challenging about perseverance? 

• According to Abba Anthony, perseverance means, 'wherever you live do not easily leave.'  Is there a situation that you want to leave?  Is there an area you are tempted to quit being faithful?  

• In light of Daniel 11, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you? 

Prayer - Spend a few minutes praying into the areas God has spoken to you about. Pray for one another, for the non-believers in your lives, and for the world. (Consider praying through the Lord’s Prayer).

Sending - We are all called and sent out into the world to bring the message of the Gospel. Where are you being sent this week to share Jesus through your actions and words? Is there a specific person or area you need to reach out to or pray for?