Lesson on Stillness:
OPENING PRAYER In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lord, allow us “to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice,” one that is, “holy and acceptable to God for this is Your true and proper worship.” Allow us “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds.” So that we may be able to “test and prove what is God’s will, His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Amen. (a passage from Romans 12:1-2)
Icebreaker:
Play “2 truths and a lie” with each member of the household.
ACTIVITY 1: 10 minutes Pass out a piece of paper and a pen to each participant. Ask participants to think about the thoughts that distract them, tend to take their attention, or worry them during their day. Next, ask them to fold these papers and place them into the pitcher.
Debrief: • When you have free time and your attention is not required of you, where does your attention go? • Right now, where is your attention and what are you carrying around? • How do these thoughts affect us?
ACTIVITY 2: DISCUSSION 10 minutes : Ask participants the following questions and facilitate a discussion:
• What is the difference between silence, stillness, and mindfulness ? • What would your life be like if you didn’t carry the tough or worrisome things around in your thoughts? • How can you clear the pitcher? • How can you give or offer your distractions to God?
ACTIVITY 3: SCRIPTURE 10 minutes
Luke 10: 38-42 “38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Debrief: • Who are the characters in this passage and what are their roles? • How could we be like Martha in our lives? Mary? • How does Mary choose and act out stillness? • What is the better portion and how do we choose that in our daily lives?
CLOSING PRAYER In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “Thank You, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in our lives. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always.” Amen.