High School Week 1 (March 12): Bible & Prayer
Series Overview – Develop Spiritual Disciplines
It’s time to talk about some practical things that can help us live “built different”: spiritual disciplines.
Sunday isn’t enough. One Rhythm Night a month isn’t going to cut it. If you really want to be transformed by Jesus, it’s going to take some work — or shall we say, discipline.
This discipline looks like opening up your Bible at home. It looks like seeking God through prayer. It looks like worshiping Him with your life. And it looks like fasting — depriving yourself of what your flesh wants so your spirit can draw closer to Jesus.
It might not sound easy, but you’d better believe it’s worth it, so let’s get ready to take it to the next level and learn what it looks like to lead a life of spiritual discipline.
Series Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT)
Discussion Goal: Reading our Bibles and praying help us live for God.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
If you could talk to one influential person (dead or alive) whenever you wanted, who would you pick and why?
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
For the next two weeks, we’re going to talk about developing spiritual disciplines. What does it
mean to be disciplined?What’s one area of your life where you’re really disciplined? What’s one area where you could use some more discipline?
Reading the Bible and praying are two spiritual disciplines that keep us connected to God and
help us live a life of influence. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.What things keep you from reading God’s Word throughout the week?
What stands out to you about what Paul says about prayer in 1 Thessalonians? How can someone practically do this?
Read Psalms 1:1-3. These verses show us ways we can live for God — to be set apart with a
kingdom mindset. In your own words, what are these verses telling us?
Pray: God, we want to know You. Thank You for all the ways we can grow in our relationship with You. Help us live for You and strengthen our faith through spiritual disciplines like reading our Bible and prayer. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
Read Matthew 26:36-46. In what ways do you see Jesus’ discipline in these verses?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 in a few translations (we suggest the MSG, the CEV, and the NIV). Talk about what stands out to you in these verses and what it might look like for you to “run to win” when thinking about reading the Bible and praying.
Read Psalms 19:7-9. What’s one thing you are grateful that God’s Word is? (e.g., perfect,
refreshing, it gives joy, etc.)Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8. How does the comparison between physical training and spiritual training challenge or encourage you in your own life? Which areas do you find easier or more difficult to focus on?
What does it mean to "train yourself for godliness"?
What can you do this week to “train yourself to be godly” and add Bible reading and prayer into your lifestyle?