START TALKING

What is a passion that you have or had in a certain season and how did it give you a purpose?

When have you been part of an organization that had a passion and how did it become their purpose for existing?

START THINKING

Read Nehemiah 2:1. Why do the details about the month and about Nehemiah appearing sad matter? What are some "life lessons" we can learn from each of these details?

Read Nehemiah 2:2-3. Why was Nehemiah terrified? What do you notice about how he responds to the King's question? Is this how most people respond to that question? Why or why not?

START SHARING

Read Nehemiah 2:4. This shows us a second kind of prayer compared to last week. When have you found yourself praying in a conversation like this and how did it help? What did you pray? If you have never experienced this or don't do it often, what can you do to respond or reply "with a prayer"? What are some situations or conversations where this would be helpful for you?

Read Nehemiah 2:5-8. What does Nehemiah do after his first request is granted? Would you have responded in the same way? Why or why not?

When have you experienced this kind of "wave" that God sends when you took a risk for Him? What was the obvious signs that the "gracious hand of God" was on you or on that situation?

When you think about the people, relationships, and circumstances around where you live, work, and play, what breaks God's heart that also does (or should) break your heart?

START DOING

What is your daily prayer or what can be your daily prayer for the thing that breaks God's and your heart? If you have to wait for an answer like Nehemiah did, what can you do to stay persistent and faithful in that prayer?

When it comes to getting other people on board with the vision and the passion that God had given Nehemiah, Nehemiah uses a question (with the King) and his story (with the Jewish leaders) to show that God was at work in his life. What are the questions you can ask those around you and what is the story you can tell to show that God is working? How might this get others to join you in your passion and purpose?

START PRAYING

Have each person in the microchurch share what they feel like the Holy Spirit is showing them their passion and their purpose is in this season, and also share what you sense the Lord is leading you to do about it. Pray for each person to follow Nehemiah's lead to be faithful in the daily prayers and the spur of the moment prayers. Pray for each person to take godly risks and wide the waves of blessings that He sends! Pray that your micro church and our church as a whole would do the same thing!