Week 1: The Holy Spirit & Me

Take a moment to go around. Have each person share their name (if there are new people) and their favorite go-to everyday drink (water, soda - what kind?, milk, juice, beer, etc.) and briefly why.

• What has been your exposure or experience with the Holy Spirit?
• Where would you lean right now between the three groups mentioned (Thirsty? Suspicious? Uninformed?) and why?

Someone read Acts 19:1-7 outloud to the group and respond to the questions:

• What did you like or find interesting about this passage?
• What do we learn about the God/Jesus/Spirit from this passage?
• What do we learn about people from this passage?
• What do you sense God saying to you from this passage?
• What do you sense God asking you to do in response?

* Curiosity Sidenote

This scene from Acts 19 is fascinating. These were disciples of John the Baptist who had been baptized for repentance and were waiting for “the one to come.” Most scholars say they were not yet followers of Jesus and didn’t know the fullness of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. After Paul shared Jesus more fully, they were baptized in Jesus’ name and received the Spirit. A smaller group of scholars thinks they already believed in Jesus but were simply uninformed about the Spirit, and Paul clarified and completed their understanding.



Either way, the pattern is clear: they heard the good news about Jesus, were baptized, and were filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• What questions do you have about the Spirit?
• Are you open to being open to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
• Where do you desire God to move personally and powerfully through the Holy Spirit?

We encourage you to try one of the practices this week and share about it next time.

Choose your level: mild, medium, or hot - depending on what you’re open to.

Read through them and share with the group what you will do this week.

Mild: Sip Prayer:

• Cue: every time you take a drink.
• Pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me & lead me.”
• Name the thirst: whisper one or two words you need (peace, healing, courage, wisdom, help for kid)

Medium: Prayer Walk

• Walk your block or around where you live.
• Pray as you look at homes and those around you. Pay attention to Holy Spirit in you as you pray. Bless the people/homes and ask the Spirit to help you know how to pray for them and pray along with those nudges or thoughts.

Hot: Listen & Respond

• Set aside quiet time to listen to God.
• Ask Him to highlight someone and give an impression, Scripture, or guidance for prayer.
• If fitting, tell them they were on your heart and humbly share the encouragement.

Answer - Personal Response: This Week I Will...