Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!
Last night Lord, we held the second of six meetings for the Small Group Study “Treasures of the Transformed Life” at the house. Like first gathering, it was well attended and everyone brought fresh perspective and insight to the discussion. We even had a couple younger participants this time, and they jumped right in with both feet. It was a productive and inspiring evening, and I felt truly Blessed to be a part of it.
This week’s focus was called “Drawing the Water”. Continuing with the metaphor used in last week’s discussion : “Priming the Pump”, once we’ve prepared ourselves to receive Christ into our hearts by fully committing to Him, we can then begin to draw from that inexhaustible supply of Living Water that You make available to us. The primary way we accomplish this is through the practice of prayer.
The study material discussed a number of types of prayers, methodologies for focusing our prayers and the different ways that You respond to those conversations when we do so. Our group latched onto this topic wholeheartedly, and we had a wonderful exchange discussing the different ways we pray, things we’ve prayed for, and the myriad of ways in which You’ve answered those prayers in our lives. It was a lively, refreshing dialogue, and I believe that everyone who attended came away with some new perspective on making our conversations with You a deeper part of our lives.
As I’m sure You can tell Father, I’m very much enjoying leading this group of people through the study. It’s a warm, inviting, friendly gathering each week, and I think all of us have learned a great deal so far; both from the study itself, and from the wonderful input each member brings to the discussion. I’m thankful for being a part of this endeavor, and look forward to continuing it next week.
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today Lord, with arms open wide and a heart committed to Your presence in my life. Through Your gift of prayer, You grant us a personal audience and an open invitation to deepen our relationship by seeking You. For that heavenly connection, and all of the other ways You come into our lives, I give thanks.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
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Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
This study sounds wonderful! Tonight is our small group Bible study in our home. I love having everyone over to discuss God’s Word.
Hi Phil,:)
When we fellowship through prayer and bible study, we are in the presence of God, and it is so powerful that it’s impossible not to be affected by His loving grace and promise! Blessings to you for leading this group (especially the young!)and bringing fresh perspective and hope to their lives. 🙂
Denise
Sounds like a blessing, this small group.
Priming the pump is a good metaphor 😉
Your post fits with the new Casting Crown’s CD, Come to the Well, and Mark Hall’s book that I’m reading called, The Well. We can drink daily from the Living Water. What a wonderful truth that we have intimate communion with our Holy, Almighty God.
Sounds like a great study!
Bible study sounds good and interesting.
http://boydweeklydevotional.blogspot.com
How exciting to study the word with others!! Sounds like a great group you have there…wish I could be there with you all.
joy & blessings,
Alida
This sounds like a great study! I bet you are a wonderful leader:) We have been doing the Francis Chan Basic series “Fear God” and that has been good too!
It sounds so wonderful, wish I could come! Blessings Phil!
The Holy Spirit just loves to work in small groups and that sure was evident in your group. What an interesting title and discussion you are having.