12.31.23 Huddle

Onelifechurch - December 29, 2023

Happy New Year! We are trying a few new things with the Huddle. The top section is designed to complete in about 10-15 minutes. The second part will include the top section, but with more discussion questions and possibly some more verses. The prayer portion will be at the end so if you do the top portion you will have to scroll down to the prayer section. At One Life we evaluate everything for continual improvement, so if you have any suggestions for the Huddle better please email [email protected].

Opening Discussion

What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish in 2024?
What are some steps you can take this week to work towards that goal?

Shorter Version

Read and Discuss

Colossians 4:2-4 CSB

2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, 4 so that I may make it known as I should.

What did Paul want the Colossian church to know about prayer?
What does it mean to “devote yourselves to prayer?”
What’s something you could do to elevate prayer and God’s word in your life in 2024?

1 Peter 4:7-10

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

Why does Paul start this section with “the end of all things is near?”
What does it look like to be alert and sober-minded for prayer on a daily basis?
If you aren’t using your gift or know what your gift is, what can you do this week to start using it?
- (Check out the One Life app for a spiritual gifts test if you aren’t sure what yours is.)

Discipleship Questions

What are some things you enjoy about your prayer life?
What are some areas of your prayer life that need improvement?
How can you devote yourself to prayer tomorrow?

Longer Version

Read and Discuss

Colossians 4:2-4 CSB

What did Paul want the Colossian church to know about prayer?
Why does prayer matter?
What does it mean to “devote yourselves to prayer?”
Why is thanksgiving an important part of prayer?
What is the “mystery of Christ?”
What was Paul’s attitude toward preaching God’s word to people?
When it comes to God’s word, how concerned are you that other people hear it?
Do you make God’s word known to others?
What’s something you could do to elevate prayer and God’s word in your life in 2024?

1 Peter 4:7-10

Why does Paul start this section with “the end of all things is near?”
What does it look like to be alert and sober-minded for prayer on a daily basis?
How could prayer help you love others?
How could prayer help you use your gift to serve others?
If you aren’t using your gift or know what your gift is, what can you do this week to start using it?
- (Check out the One Life app for a spiritual gifts test if you aren’t sure what yours is.)

1 Timothy 2:1-8

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

What are a few key points that Paul wants to make sure Timothy is living out in his faith?
What are petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings?
- Why are those important parts of our prayer life?
What does a “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” look like?
- Would you use that phrase to describe your life?
- What would it take to get there?
Why does Paul desire people in every place praying?
How could anger and arguing derail someone’s prayer life?
Why does Paul want us to lift holy hands when we pray?
- Why does he call our hands holy?
When could you spend some time lifting holy hands in prayer this week?

Discipleship Questions

What are some things you enjoy about your prayer life?
What are some areas of your prayer life that need improvement?
How can you devote yourself to prayer tomorrow?

Memorize it!

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer Time

Instead of normal prayer TACOS this week, try something different with your group. In 1 Timothy, Paul talks about lifting holy hands during prayer. Encourage your group to assume a different prayer posture than they normally do. Maybe kneeling, lifting hands, looking up, just something to change up how they normally pray. Then lead the group in a prayer exercise. The leader should say a phrase, and then people can just time in with a few words completing that phrase. Encourage them to say more than just one thing. Some people call this “popcorn prayer.” Below are the prayer prompts.

“Lord, right now I just want to thank you for…”
“Jesus, today we worship you for…”
“Lord, I want to confess…” (You can tell people that this one may be more on their own instead of saying it outloud. However, if there is sin they need to confess, encourage them to find someone they can talk to about it instead of just keeping it inside.)
“Father, I know there are some people who are hurting and in need. Right now I want to pray for…”
“Lord, this week I need you to help me with…”