The 3rd Mark, Study 2: Praying for Our World

For Sunday Jan 25th, 2009

[Note: For this week's activity you'll need rocks and/or pieces of wood and permanent markers. Ideally they are big enough (and smooth enough) to easily write names on, but small enough to be carried in pockets and backpacks discretely.]

1) [Note: Hopefully some members prayed for others' specific needs last week, but if not, ask about any prayers they may have done.]
Did you pray for others' specific needs last week?
How often did you pray?
How did it feel to pray for others?

2) When you look at our planet today, what worries you?
Are you worried about the planet, or the people taking care of it?
Do you pray for our planet?

3) Read: Genesis 1:27-31

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."

God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."

And there it was. God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! It was evening, it was morning— Day Six.

[Note: This passage is taken from The Message translation.]
God finishes creating the world by creating us. What was God's role for us on this planet?
Who do you think today is ignoring God's role for us?
Who do you think is following God's role for us?

4) Read: Psalm 24

The earth and everything on it belong to the LORD.
The world and its people belong to him.
The LORD placed it all on the oceans and rivers.
Who may climb the LORD's hill or stand in his holy temple?
Only those who do right for the right reasons, and don't worship idols or tell lies under oath.
The LORD God, who saves them, will bless and reward them,
because they worship and serve the God of Jacob.
Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in.
Who is this glorious king? He is our LORD, a strong and mighty warrior.
Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in.
Who is this glorious king? He is our LORD, the All-Powerful!

This is a psalm written by King David in future celebration of God entering Zion on Earth. What sort of statements does it make about the relationship between God and His creation?
What do you think God dislikes about our Earth today?
What do you think God likes about our Earth today?

6) Activity (Rock the Prayer):
Pick out a rock or piece of wood. Take a marker and write your name on it. Then put it into a hat. [Note: Leaders too!] Once everyone is done, take turns picking out rocks from the hat blindly.

This week we are going to pray for each other again. Instead of a single specific prayer though, pray for what you think that person needs. Carry your rock/wood with you this week and use it as a reminder to pray for both the person whose name is on it, and for our planet.