INTRO: Can passion be a useful trait for a Christian?

READ: Acts 13:36-37, Psalm 51:1, Acts 15:16-17, Matthew 12:1-5

Begin the time by praying together. Ask specifically for help as we advent-ure into Advent that we as a group and as individuals would be desperate to experience God’s love.

DISCUSS:
1. Read the passage from Psalm 51. What is David asking for here? Why might he be asking this?
2. What is the difference between asking God to blot out transgressions from His loving kindness and according to His loving kindness? Which amount is more generous?
3. David seemed to trust completely, and 100% that his sin was forgiven. What indicates this in his actions? Do you appeal to God’s heart of mercy as you ask forgiveness?
4. David worshipped without a veil or curtain before the Ark. David’s Tabernacle employed 4,000 full time worshippers around the clock in unending shifts to praise the beauty of holiness. How might we, as 21st century Christians, offer such a generous “sacrifice” of praise and thanksgiving?
5. Pastor Michael paints David as a man not only after God’s heart but actively seeking after God’s heart. What does David do that shows him passionately pursuing God?
6. Have you had an experience of coming to a “home base” after a long period of time on your own? Did you know that you could show up hungry and trust that you could get what you need? Can you imagine feeling that free, safe, and uninhibited with God?
7. Is there any practice or attitude you see in the life of David that you could take on in your own life? What might that be?
8. Communion and Advent are spiritual practices where the earthly (grape juice, wafer, waiting) bring us to the holy. Can you share a time where you came face to face with God from such a spiritual practice?

PRAY: Jesus, we are chasing after you. We are so hungry for You. Have mercy on us during the season of Advent as we face distractions that keep us from You. Like David we feast on Your forgiveness, we rip away anything that keeps us from you, we face trials knowing that you will sustain us , and we praise You from our very toes.

SHARE & PRAY:
- Share one need for which you would like prayer
- 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.