Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 43

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

1  Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from deceitful and unjust men deliver me!

2  For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

3  Oh, send out your light and your truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!

4  Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

5  Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my savior and my God.

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.

Joseph Interprets the Prisoners' Dreams

Genesis 40

1.       Joseph is in prison for a number of years.  How does he make the most of his circumstances?  How does his position afford him greater opportunities later?  What poor circumstances might you employ better, that could open greater opportunities later?

2.       Men connected with Pharaoh appear in the prison.  How does Joseph gradually win their confidence?  What does he do for them before he asks for any favor?  How does a Patriarch cultivate relationships of trust?

3.       What is equivocation?  What equivocation does Joseph use in his interpretation of the dream?  What Patriarchs have you met whose words are intelligent, careful, and open to interpretation?

4.       “The chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” for two years.  How does a Patriarch employ the “meantime”?  How does a Patriarch endure waiting for justice?  For fulfillment of dreams?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will focus this week on developing one good habit and consistently incorporating it into my routine (i.e. punctuality, orderliness, dominion over my schedule, promptness in replying to email/voicemail, etc.)
2.    I will model to my children how to grow in knowledge by asking them questions about things I do not understand.
3.    I will develop a plan to cultivate relationships of trust with my boss and co-workers by offering additional help outside of my job description.
4.    I will anticipate a future need that my company will have and prepare a solution in advance to promptly present to my boss once the need is present.
5.    I will identify a deficiency in my employment education and/or experience and find a solution to fill that gap.
6.    I will bring to confession any “cowardice” in my life, by examining where I have avoided speaking the truth to co-workers or family members out of fear.
7.    I will schedule a “retreat day” for my wife and I to pray and examine the “bigger picture” of our marriage and our family.

Previous Resolutions - Genesis 39

Prayer Partners

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