When the Spirit Comes
(John 14 : 15 - 31)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14 : 27
Discussion Question
Think of someone whom you love. What is one common thing you would go out of your way to do for or with this person whom you love.
Jesus says the way to love him is to keep his commands and obey his teaching (verses 15, 21, 23). He himself models this obedience for his disciples (verse 31). Why is obedience to God related to loving Him?
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (verse 18) Before Jesus left his disciples, he promised to send them an advocate that will be with them forever - The Holy Spirit. How does this promise change the context of the command to obey?
Along with the Holy Spirit comes the promise of unworldly peace (verse 26-27). How does peace help us to love God and each other better?
Jesus says, “Because I live, you also will live,” (verse 19) and “My Father will love [you], and we will come to [you] and make our home with [you]” (verse 23). Take a quiet moment to think about what it means to live and have a home with God. Keeping your responses in mind, take turns to pray for each other.
Spiritual Practice: palms Down, palms up
This is an example of using our body posture in prayer to engage more fully in the experience of sitting in the presence of God. This prayer posture method is similar to Centering Prayer (See Oct 18th discussion guide).
1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Become aware that you are in the loving presence of God, that His Holy Spirit resides in you as a believer.“…and we will come to them and make our home with them”(Jn 14:23). Imagine looking into the face of Jesus and him looking at you
2. Place your palms down on your lap as a symbolic action of your desire to release your concerns and burdens to the Lord. Quietly name those to the Lord and perhaps imagine yourself placing them at his feet. Remain in this moment for as long as you need.
3. Turn your palms up as a symbolic action of your openness to receive what Jesus wants to give you. Wait before God. Listen and sense what he’s saying to you and offering you.
4. (Optional) As you end this prayer time you might want to share your interaction with God with someone else. Thank God together for coming to you and teaching you.
Reference: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook (Calhoun, IVP)