2- Виноградная лоза

In this sermon, Mark introduces us to our series "40 Days of Prayer- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us." In this sermon, Mark shares about a way to approach prayer, the monastic solution, and the foundational calling for followers of Jesus. 

www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabits

Discussion Questions-
1. This week, we have two practices from the Monk Habits workbook. An analysis of your experience in prayer, and praying through the Lord’s Prayer. 
How would you answer the question- where did you learn to pray? 

2. What was your experience of praying through the Lord’s Prayer?

3. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?

4. Consider how Mark 10 ends and transitions to Mark 11. Read Mark 10:38-42 and then Mark 11:1-4. Why do you think these stories are next to one another?

5. When you consider the Lord’s Prayer, what do you notice about the order and how it is structured?

6. Finish your time sharing what you hope takes place through these 40 days together. You can pray for one another that Christ might meet your desires with grace.


Monk Habits for the Rest of Us- An Introduction

This is the second sermon in the 40 Days of Prayer series- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us. In this message, Mark shares on the two pillars of prayer- silence and solitude. 

thevineaustin.org/monkhabits

Matthew 6:5-8

DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. This week, we are practicing centering prayer. How has your experience been with this practice? (You may also want to reflect on last week’s practice of the Lord’s Prayer.)
2. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing?
3. What do you make of the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8. What is the core of Jesus’ teachings and instructions?
4. Mark shared that silence and solitude uniquely remind us we have a soul. Do you think of your soul often? How do silence and solitude make us remember our soul?
5. If you were to deepen your practice and comfort with silence and solitude, how would that affect your life?

Monk Habits for the Rest of Us- Silence and Solitude

As we continue through our 40 Days of Prayer, Mark shares about the monastic practice of the praying the hours OR the daily office. Reflecting on Jesus' words in Luke 8:4-15, we consider how to receive Christ's presence in our lives through a rhythm of prayer.

www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabits

Scripture Reading: LUKE 8:4-15

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss your experience of praying the psalms or praying the hours. What did you notice and encounter?
2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?
3. Read Jesus’ parable in Luke 8:4-15. How would you summarize the different conditions of the soil?
4. How would you describe the condition of your soul - either by using Jesus’ words or your own?
5. The Daily Office or Praying the Hours is a way of tilling the soil of our souls. How does prayer prepare our soul to encounter Christ’s presence?  
6. Of the three times/themes of the Daily Office (morning, midday, and evening), which is the most challenging for you to enact? How might your life be different if you built the habit of prayer during that time?

Monk Habits for the Rest of Us- Praying the Hours

The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. In this message, Mark explores the importance of integrating work and prayer AND the call to pray without ceasing. 

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss your experience of “praying the hours” last week. What did you notice and encounter?
2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?
3. Why do you think it is so easy to live severed lives- especially separating our connection to Jesus in the workplace?
4. We find in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the call to pray continually. What has that meant to you in the past? 
5. Mark shared the following definition of prayer- "Prayer is awareness and orientation to God’s presence." How is that understanding of prayer encouraging and also challenging?
6. The two practices of prayer this week are breath prayers and the prayer of epiclesis. How might utilizing breath prayers be helpful in growing an orientation to Christ’s presence? How are they subtly powerful?
7. Describe the meaning of the prayer of epiclesis, and discuss how your work-life and home-life would be different if you practiced this prayer.



Monk Habits Integrating work and prayer

Happy Easter! Mark finishes this sermon series, Monk Habits for the Rest of Us, with a message from John 20:11-18. As we consider how the Resurrected Jesus met with Mary, we find a story of healing and commission.  

thevineaustin.org

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. As we conclude the series on prayer, what practice has made the most impact in your life? What is one lesson you continue to carry?
2. Reflect on the imagery of a tidal island. How does the symbolism speak to rhythms in the Christian life and the dual calling of prayer/mission?
3. Read John 20:11-18. What questions emerge when you consider this story? Why do you think Mary went to the tomb that day? 
4. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing?
5. What are the similarities between Mary's tomb experience and MLK's table moment?  
6. If in fact Easter is both a time of personal healing and sending, where do you feel Christ is sending you this week?

Easter- Mary, Martin and You

Mark shares a sermon on the fourth and final chapter of Ruth. 

www.thevineaustin.org

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Read Ruth 4. What stands out to you today? 

2. What is the main difference between the perspectives of Boaz and this unnamed relative? 

3. What stayed with you from the sermon?  Was there anything confusing, encouraging or challenging? 

4. Why do you think the author concludes with the genealogy account of Ruth and Boaz’s family? Why is this so significant?

5. As you reflect on the entire story of Ruth, what is this story about? 

6. How has this story informed how you can live differently? 


Ruth- Chapter 4

Mark kicks off our new series, Moment with Jesus, by a series of stories detailing the power of a glance. In these stories we explore the power of God's face, Peter's denials, and Jesus' mercy.

John 21:3-9, 15-19

www.thevineaustin.org

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What images or stories have formed your view of the "face of God?"
2. When you survey the stories in this sermon, how would you describe Peter's personality?
3. Read John 21:15-19. Why do you think Jesus created that conversation with Peter on the beach? What was he seeking to do and to undo?
4. What have you taken with you from the sermon- what do you find encouraging or curious?
5. Why is the most important thing about us not "what comes to mind when we think of God" but "what comes to God's mind when God thinks of us?"

Moments with Jesus- The Face of God

Fabs continues in our series of Moments with Jesus. In this sermon, we explore the healing power of Jesus' solidarity; especially in entering our sorrow.

John 11:17-36

www.thevineaustin.org

Moments with Jesus - Jesus with us in Sorrow

As we continue with the sermon on the gospel stories, Moments with Jesus, Mark shares from the simple story of extravagant worship. The widow's two coins.

Mark 12:41-44

www.thevineaustin.org

Moments with Jesus- The Widow's Coins

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