Signs & Wonders: Week 1

Opening Prayer:
God, thank you for this time we get to share and learn from each other. We acknowledge your presence with us in the conversation and thank you for your wisdom as we talk. Show us something new, deepen our faith and connect us closer to you and each other. In the name of Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit we pray, amen.

Ice Breaker:
What component, rubric, and/or values do you consider when making decisions?

Head:
Read the scripture. 
John 16.12-16 (CEB)

“I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won’t speak on his own, but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and proclaim it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine. That’s why I said that the Spirit takes what is mine and will proclaim it to you. Soon you won’t be able to see me; soon after that, you will see me.” 
—
“The word that Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit is paraclete, which literally means, the one who is alongside. It is translated the companion, the comforter, a helper. Whatever you call it, the idea is clear, the Holy Spirit is with us all the time, from the time we wake up, to the time we go to bed, when we are surrounded by a crowd or all alone – and that this Spirit speaks to us, nudges us, guides us, comforts us. God’s presence with us is constant and all the time.” Pastor Matt

• These are part of some of Jesus’ final words. How might we hear them today? 
• Based on this scripture, what's the role of the Spirit of Truth/Holy Spirit? What do you think of the Spirit’s actions? How do they compare to how you think of the Spirit? 
• In what ways has popular culture shaped your thoughts of the Spirit? And how has the church shaped your thoughts of the Spirit? 

The Heart:

• How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? 
• Read the scripture again, what emotions does it evoke in you? What feelings do you desire to feel and how do they compare to what you felt initially? 
• What internal (nudges, impressions etc)  or visible signs do you notice that God, through the Holy Spirit is at work in your life? In other’s lives? 

The Hands:

• What’s a decision you’re facing right now? What of the John passage and/sermon is helpful to you as you seek guidance from the Spirit?
• Action: Close out today’s time by praying one sentence for the person on your right. (Example: God I pray _____ for (person’s name) as they _____________.
• Action: Look for external and tend to the internal signs of God this week. Jot a sentence or two when you notice a sign of God. Open up next week’s group sharing your God sightings.