Before the Session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)
- Pictures of children (groups and or individuals; at least one per person in your group
- Paper or handout with colloquy prompts as indicated below, pens
Context
Read 1 Samuel 2:18-26 , then watch the Bible Background Video.
Colloquy
A colloquy is an imagined dialog/conversation between yourself and a biblical character. Invite people to imagine that they meet the young 9 year old Samuel on a break from his temple work. Journal a conversation with him. Instruct them to use the following prompts for their conversation (note: you may want to print these on a poster or a handout):
I ask Samuel about his work. I say . . .
He responds . . .
I ask Samuel what he likes about his work. I say . . .
He responds . . .
I ask Samuel what he thinks is important in life . . .
He responds . . .
I ask Samuel what his greatest hope/dream is . . .
He responds . . .
Invite people to share their colloquies with the group.
Visio Divina
A visio divina is a visual meditation in God’s presence. We will be reflecting on pictures of children in this exercise.
Invite each person to choose one picture to reflect on for 10 minutes. Give the following instructions:
Take some moments to silently look at your picture.
- What do you notice the most about the child?
- What does this child need from the adults in his/her world? (jot these things down on a piece of paper – make as extensive a list as possible)
- Circle those things you have at your disposal to share with children.
Spend some moments talking with God about this child, our world, your resources. Share your thoughts and feelings. Bring any requests to God’s heart. Listen for any specific ways God might be inviting you to minister to the children around you.
Invite people to share their insights from the reflection.
Close with group prayer.
Writer: Joy Yee