Week 1
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Text: Luke 6:12–16 | Topic(s): Solitude, Prayer, Decision-Making
Big Idea of the Message: Just as Jesus sought solitude and silence before announcing the twelve men who would lead the effort to share the good news with the world, we also grow from a time apart in the midst of big decisions in our lives.
Application Point: When approaching a major decision, an intentional time of solitude and silence lends us wisdom and confirms that we are following God’s lead.
Take some time to share:
• One thing that you are thankful for this week.
• One thing you need.
• How can the group help?
Bible Discussion: Read Luke 6:12-16
• What about this passage stands out to you as you read?
• What other scripture passages can you think of when Jesus steps away to be alone in prayer?
Application:
Jesus frequently seeks time apart throughout the Gospel narratives. He’s not seeking solitude for the sake of solitude, however. His solitude and silence make the space necessary for his communion with God. It’s an environment in which prayer flourishes. Consider Jesus’s own instruction to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount, when he tells them, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). The reward for time apart is closer union with God.
• When do you find it easiest to communicate with God?
• Do you find it difficult to tune out the world around you?
• When big decisions are ahead of you, how do you center and focus yourself for what’s to come? Does prayer factor into your process?