INTRODUCE: Think back to May 2021 when we were just coming out of Covid. Do you still carry scars from that time, or do you feel that you have been restored? Explain.

READ: Joel 2:23-25
“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten”

Begin the time by praying together.

DISCUSS
1. Imagine having suffered the devastation of your crops and animals. Your family is experiencing hunger. How would the prophet’s words above land on you? Would you be joyful? Grateful? Skeptical? Cynical?
2. Pastor Robert defines reclamation as “bringing something back to the way it was”. What have you tried to “reclaim” in your life? (pre-wedding weight, healing in a troubled relationship, strength from an injury or wound, a revival of your spiritual passion…)
3. Pastor Robert is circling back to this Scripture to help us see restoration in a deeper way. Can you say in your own way the distinction he makes between reclamation and transformation?
4. The art of Kintsugi uses something’s brokenness to create something more beautiful. How is this different from “bringing something back to the way it was”?
5. Think of one way that you are broken. It could be a niggling issue or a major one. Do you dare believe that God could use that and transform it into something better than before? If your answer is “yes”, try to share what brought you to that belief. If your answer is “no”, try to share what is holding you back.
6. Jesus returned from death with some “upgrades” to His body. How was His new body better than before?

PRAY
El Elyon, we want You to use our broken places to create something better than before. We confess that this involves a lot of faith and openness to You. Yet, You say You want to “shalom” the years we have lost… .Help us as individuals and as a community to trust in You.

Share one need for which you would like prayer today
• Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time
• Listen to the Lord for guidance in how to pray for one another and then pray
• Take time to pray for one person at a time.