INTRODUCTION: Share about a family member for whom you want provision.

READ: Ruth 3

Begin the time by praying together.

DISCUSS
1. Share a situation in your own life where you, like Naomi and Ruth, had but lost something precious and are not sure you will ever return to even.
2. How did you handle the temptation to hate or fear in this situation?
3. (Ruth 3:1-4) Do you think Naomi’s plan to seek long-term provision for Ruth is a good one? Why or why not?
4. (Ruth 3:5-6) How would you characterize Ruth’s attitude as she executes the plan? Is she obedient? desperate? creative? self-serving?
5. (Ruth 3:7-9) How would you characterize how Ruth amends Naomi’s plan? (“cover me”, “you are our guardian redeemer”)
6. Laurence C. Jones wrote that we should “Keep on praying as if everything depends on God, and to keep on working as if everything depends on you.” What do you think of this approach?
7. Discuss the multiple meanings of the word “cover” (physical act, financial and moral commitment, erasure of sins, provider of needs… ). How might you incorporate this term in your prayer life?
8. This is a story of trying to meet basic needs: trying to get enough to eat, and trying to find provision. It is a mundane story, but portrays God’s extravagant love and care. What message do you take for your own disinheritance, or for the family member you worry about?

PRAY: Lord God, we wait at Your feet. We know that You will not rest. We will sit still. You cover us with the blood of Your Son. We know that there is more covering to come…beyond what we can even imagine. Amen

IN SMALLER GROUPS, SHARE AND PRAY:
- Share one need for which you would like prayer today.
- Take time to pray for one person at a time
- Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time
- Listen to the Lord for guidance in how to pray for one another and then pray