Middle School Week 3 (February 18): Your Life as an Altar
Discussion Goal:
Worship is thanking God no matter what.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
What’s something that’s easy to be thankful for? What’s something that’s hard to be thankful for?
Optional activity: Gratitude Test
Have everyone start with their hand raised. Explain that you'll read the list of situations, and everyone will keep their hand up as long as they feel like they could honestly be grateful in that situation. When it gets to something that would be hard to be grateful for they should put their hand down.
Read the statements (easy → hard):
Someone surprised you with a brand-new car.
You slept well and didn’t feel rushed this morning.
You had food to eat before school.
You had clean clothes to wear today.
It wasn’t raining, so you stayed dry.
Practice ran really long, but you made it through.
You didn’t do great on a quiz, but you’re still passing the class.
You had homework you didn’t want to do, but you understood most of it.
You didn’t get invited to that party, but it wasn’t on purpose.
A friend hurt your feelings, but you think they didn’t mean to.
You felt stressed or overwhelmed today, and no one noticed.
Watch the Video
Encourage students to take notes on what stands out to them and what they want to remember.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Pastor Holly said struggles are part of being human. Worship doesn’t make the struggle disappear, but it reminds you that you’re not alone. How does that change the way you think about worship during hard seasons?
Bryce said idols are things that matter more than what matters most. What are some things that can quietly take God’s place in our hearts without us noticing that turn our worship away from Him?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Worship is thanking God no matter what. What’s a situation you can begin thanking God in this week, even though the situation isn’t something you want?
Pray: God, thank You that even when things are tough and it’s hard to be grateful, You’re still working for our good. Help us remember we can always be grateful for how You love us, no matter what. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.