Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend or on you own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastoral staff.

1. Pray for the needs of your Life Group, for our church and our leaders, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us. Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. The text for the message this Sunday was Psalm 131 and the focus was on finding rest in work and family. What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? Which thoughts or points encouraged you orposed a challenge to you?

3. Psalm 131 is a great way to invite God’s presence into your meeting. Some have called it the Prayer of Quiet Trust. Read Psalm 131 and then sit in silence for 3-5 min. Visualize yourself as the weaned child before God, and acknowledge the Spirit as our guide. Take on a quiet and listening posture before God. Finish with the words “Come Holy Spirit.“

4. Consider Psalm 131:1a. Read Matt 18:1-5. What is Jesus’ answer to the question: “Who is the greatest in heaven?” Visualize the scene - how might have the disciples reacted? What resistance do you see in your own heart?

5. Just as pride prevents us from entering into the presence of God, fear/anxiety prevents us from having rest. List off some of the causes of our fears (both personally and in society)? What are the consequences of living in fear?

6. Read Phil 4:11-13. What is the secret of Paul’s contentment? Read Heb 13:5-6. What is the author’s explanation for their contentment? What do you imagine Jesus saying to you right now, regarding the concerns of your mind?

7. David gives us a beautiful image of a weaned child – no longer fussing for that which they used to find indispensable. How is your soul like, or not like, a weaned child? What steps can you take to move in the direction of this peaceful image?

8. Take a moment of silence as you consider how God is speaking to you. Do you sense an invitation to something new? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps