· Read Philippians 4:1-9
· What words stand out to you as you read through this?
· Do you hear the same word repeated more than once?\
· Do you see a rhythm in the passage?
· Is there a summary verse that all the other verses seem to support?
· What role does anxiety play in your life?
· What are you most anxious about? What makes this a source of anxiety for you?
· What role does your faith community play in your levels of stress or anxiety? What messages do you receive or have you received that either add to or relieve your stress?
· In verse 9, Paul promises that the God of peace will be with those who imitate him. How easy is it for you to see God as a God of peace? If you filled in the blank, God is a God of ______________, what word would you use?
· How does your view of God impact your anxiety and the things that you are anxious about?
· Can you think of a time when you worried about something that in retrospect was not worth the anxiety?
· In verse 4 – 7, Paul invites us to first of all rejoice, and then replace our worry with prayerfulness. What happens for you when you pray?
· Are there specific requests you have made known to God over and over again? How has praying made a difference?
· In verse 8, Paul gives us a list of qualities to be reflected in the things we spend our time and thoughts on? How closely do these words describe what you spend your time dwelling on? Are there other descriptive words that come to mind?
· Are there expectations, activities, commitments, or fears that keep you from experiencing the peace of God?
· Reread Philippians 4:1-9. What are the promises made in this passage? What is our part in each of these promises?
· What can you let go of this week, in order to live more fully in the peace of God?