Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 127

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

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

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.

Nehemiah Counters His Enemies

Nehemiah 4-6

1.       What kind of ridicule does Nehemiah endure? How does he respond? What kind of threats does Nehemiah encounter? How does he respond? What kinds of ridicule, opposition, and threats have you encountered in achieving your purpose? How have you learned to respond?

2. Nehemiah witnesses Jewish exploitation of fellow Jews. What is the response of Nehemiah’s heart? What is his strategic response? How has your heart responded to Catholic exploitation of Catholics? What kinds of strategies could be or have been a development of your response?

3. How does Nehemiah’s example of integrity increase his legitimacy, credibility and influence? Whose integrity has inspired and edified you? What relationships or circumstances have called forth greater integrity and credibility in you? How has that increased your influence?

4. How do his enemies try to divert, detour and distract Nehemiah from his purpose? What is his response? What diversions, distraction or detours do your enemies or rivals pose to you? How have you grown in your response?

5. When the wall is finished, what does Nehemiah observe in the response of his enemies? How has your success given pause to your opponents? How have you observed success engender success and increase influence in your life?

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 examine ways I have been ridiculed for my faith and will record ways I have learned to respond. I will share what I have learned with my children. 

2. I will go to prayer by myself this week and discuss a goal that I have with the Lord. Following prayer, I will write down a strategy for achieving that goal. 

3. I will thank someone in my life who has taught me integrity.
4. I will discuss with my wife how we can share our material blessings with someone who has experienced exploitation.
5. I will reflect on the motives of any enemies I have in my life and will compose a plan to respond to the motives of their opposition to me. 

6. I will offer up a fast this week for someone who has treated me unjustly. 



Previous Resolutions - Nehemiah 1

Prayer Partners

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