Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 32

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

1  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2  Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3  When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

5  I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; then you forgave the guilt of my sin.

6  Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.

7  You are a hiding place for me, you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with deliverance.

8  I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9  Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you.

10  Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

11  Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright of heart! 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

God's Promise to Jacob

Genesis 27:46 - 28:22

1.       Where does Abraham get a wife for Isaac?  Where does Isaac get a wife for Jacob?  How is Jacob related to Laban?  When does a Patriarch involve other men in the development of his sons?

2.       How does Isaac’s blessing of Jacob compare with previous Biblical blessings to Adam, to Noah, to Abraham?

3.       How does God identify himself to Jacob?  What does this reveal about how God sees Himself?   

4.       What does God promise Jacob?  Does Jacob deserve this promise?  Why would God prosper Jacob despite his grave offense against his brother and father?  What criteria should a Patriarch use to determine whether or not to prosper a child who has committed a grave offense?

5.       What does Jacob do to commemorate this revelation?  How can a Patriarch commemorate his own revelations?

6.       What does Jacob vow? Is there a prior biblical precedent for tithing?  How does a Patriarch fulfill this responsibility to God?  

7.       Jacob never misses an opportunity to use a situation to his advantage.  Why does he make the wording of his vow so precise?  What is he afraid of?  Are you precise and calculating with your words in order to leverage your advantages?  How can you train your children to do this? 

8.       God doesn't always allow Himself to be bargained with, but He does so here with Jacob.  Why would God allow Jacob to "bargain" with Him?  Do you allow your children to bargain with you?  Should you allow it more or less?  How does a Patriarch determine when he can allow his children to bargain with him?

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.