Welcome! Today, God's Word will help diagnose our hearts: how easy—or hard—it is for us to understand his word and his will. As you find your place in his presence, know that he welcomes you with his grace, mercy, and peace.
Prayer
For prayer, have someone read Psalm 139:23–24:
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Then have someone say an opening prayer. If you would like some words, you can use these:
Father God, you know me better than I know myself. I invite you into my heart today, right now, to search out what should not be there: anxieties, thoughts, idols, fears, brokenness. Show me those things, and as you remove them, fill in those places with your goodness and love. Help me/us to love you and to follow you as you lead us in the way of life—everlasting life. Bless your word, bless us to worship you in Spirit and truth. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Worship & teaching
Live Out Loud — Love Does! Check out the Kids Alive Lesson of the Week here, or check out Vlog It for an extra adventure with God!
Need more worship? Check out the Alive Ministries Spotify playlist.
Questions and discussion
What distracts you the most—makes you think about it all the time?
What are you worried about most—makes God’s voice too hard to hear?
What have you left unattended—not tilling the soil, so the roots can grow deep?
What tangles you up—every time you try to spend time with God, you get sidetracked?
Ask God to remove those distractions, and to help you understand his word, to know the work he is doing in you. Ask God to help you KNOW HIM BETTER. Amen.
