STUDY 3 Focus The promises of God are declared throughout Scripture and are reliable because of God's faithful and loving character. We are called to turn to God's word and remember his faithfulness and promises. Nothing can separate us from God's unchanging love because God himself is love. With this in mind, we should focus on how God's promises can shape our prayer and action. Looking Back Share as a whole group or in twos or threes What have you done recently because of a promise of God? What has been the outcome? And / Or Where have you not acted on a promise of God and why? As a group, take time to share any other good news or concerns. Meditation and Prayer: Take time to sit quietly and listen to Faithful by Chris Tomlin. Then flow straight into prayer, where you can give thanks for God's promises and pray for things shared. Looking Up God does not wait for us to come to him; his arms are constantly outstretched, and his hands overflow with goodness. God's grace abundantly provides for our needs, and his heart seeks to restore and forgive us. Open God's Word 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 How is God's character reflected in this passage? How should this passage encourage us to approach Jesus with our needs? How can this passage shape you as you engage in acts of service, and what could you expect Jesus' response to be? Matthew 6:25-34 How can these verses encourage you to put your trust in God? What makes you “worry about your life”? How could these worries lessen if you were to cooperate with God rather than persevere through your own wisdom and effort? Matthew 7:7-11 In this passage, the original Greek in which it was written has the sense of “keep on knocking, keep on seeking, keep on asking.” In relation to God, how often have you sought, asked, or knocked, and under what circumstances did you do this? What did you experience and learn? Looking Ahead God's kingdom is everlasting. He is faithful in all he does. (Psalm 145:13) As you move into the following week, reflect on “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:19), and journal what you believe this means for you and your relationship with God. Focus on how you are praying, thinking, speaking, and acting differently. How can you or with whom can you share what you have learnt? Prayer in Pairs or Threes Prayer for each other's commitment. Pray for one person whom you know who is far from God.