Life Journey Ministries

Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support

I.  Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:22 …the fruit of the Spirit is…peace

There IS a peace which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)!  It includes a peace that we have because we know the end of the story – eternal life with Christ! But it is also a peace that runs deep through relationship with Him here and now.  “Peace,” Jesus says in John 14:27, “my peace I give you.”

This deep and lasting peace, bought by the blood of Christ, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a product of His love and continued work in our lives.  God’s peace through Christ casts out fear, worry, guilt, disagreement, and dissatisfaction; it shapes our beliefs and attitudes, it moves our hearts and minds to offer comfort in the place of conflict.

II. Discussion

1. How has God peace shaped your beliefs and attitudes in relationship with Him? Yourself? Others?
   
   
2. What would it look like in your vocation (at home, in your workplace, in your community) if there was resonate peace and offer of comfort in the place of conflict, fear, worry, guilt, dissatisfaction?
   
   
3. What “first-step” toward peace can you offer in your vocation?
   
   III. Connection

1. Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?
   
   
2. This week I want to thank God for...
   
   
3. This week God is leading me to confess or grow in...

IV. Prayer & Praise

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross “Praise and Adoration of God.” Label the base of the cross “Requests.” On the cross bar, label the left side “Confession;” and the right side “Thanks.” These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and in the reach of every hand” – Mother Teresa