Discussion Questions Chapters 24-33

Chapter 24

1.Does your pastor carry a vision for diversity in your church? Is there an active “recruitment” of other cultures?

2.Adele ordered Jodi to “Get that mac’ n’cheese in the oven.” Has someone come into your home and started ordering you around? How did you feel about it? How did you handle the situation?


Chapter 25

1.I love it when Florida lifted her chin and said...”There’s only one guest of honor here-and that’s Jesus.” ‘Cause if it weren’t for Jesus-Oh, Lord! If it weren’t for Jesus…..” How would you finish that sentence?


Chapter 26

1.“Florida’s story is her story… and Ruth’s story is her story. A good reminder that every story has two sides, maybe more.” What comes to mind as you read this statement?


Chapter 27

1.Were you surprised how these Christian women could go from prayer and praising to such anger that was displayed by Jodi toward Denny for serving beer to Ben? To me, in spite of the good person she is, somehow, she seems angry way too much.

2.Finding the lemon bars all gone the thought was expressed" Doesn't matter though. We'd been having a FEAST." Have you ever felt when you've spent time in your prayer closet that you have "feasted" on the Word and in the Lord?


Chapter 28

1.Are you sometimes quick to make judgments on others like Jodi did on Pete, Yo Yo’s brother?


2.Jodi stated, “Sometimes it was easier to talk about praying for these requests than actually praying”. Can you relate to her thoughts?


Chapter 29

1.Jodi referenced Romans 14 which speaks on “Christian freedom in what we eat and drink, while also not becoming a stumbling block for others or cause them to sin.” Whenever in doubt we should ask ourselves, “Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than influencing them for bad? Can you think of a situation where you experienced the “Christian freedom” referenced?

Chapter 30
1.Read Isaiah 55 and discuss.

a. God designed us to live in union with Him. Have you ever felt dissatisfaction and discouragement because you were seeking something or someone other than Christ? How did you get yourself refocused on Him? (vs.1,2)

b. How have you turned from your “former evil way and thoughts? (vs7) Is this an ongoing process?

c. Can you provide an example of when God’s thoughts and ways provided a much better path than the one you did or could have taken? (vs..8,9)


2.Do you tend to talk in the Christian “bozo button” that Yo Yo was making reference to? How can we use plain language when speaking to new or non-Christians? Have you ever lead someone to the Lord either directly or indirectly?


3.Avis’s revelation about her experience with breast cancer was an example of how we can share the tough times in our life with a sense of humor to help others. Do you seem to see the dark side of a bad situation or does your optimism kick- in?


Chapter 31

1.Have you ever experienced God’s peace in the middle of uncertainty? Have you prayed for God’s healing “in advance” and really believed it, or were they empty words? Write a prayer related to healing using scriptures from the Bible. Healing refers to mending, making whole, and returning to an original state of health.

Chapter 32

1.Have you ever had a trust issue with your parents or children? If so, how did you resolve the issue?


2.Do you feel like your parents were overly protective?


Chapter 33

1. “I promised God I’d be more faithful having a “quiet time” in the morning, to read my Bible and pray. But…” Is there ever a “but” in your commitment to read and prayer on a daily basis? What is your process individually or as a family?

Discussion Questions Chapters 14-24

1.Have you ever developed a relationship with an “unexpected, unapologetic, and certainly, a bit unusual friend?”

2.Jody referred to Florida’s situation as “coming through the fire with faith intact.” When you have gone through the fire, how have you managed to keep your faith intact?

3.Has someone offered you advice, like Ruth did to Florida that offended you? How did you respond? Have you ever sent an email that you didn’t think through and it created a controversy? Is it hard for you to say, “I’m sorry” when you have stated an argument and you were wrong?

4.Amanda made the comment to her mother about the beautiful flowers on the patios of the homes in town. Jodi wasn’t happy about her new living arrangement but the thought came to her to “bloom where you are planted.” Have you ever lived some place you didn’t like? What did you do to make it work for you?

5.Yo Yo made the comment, “People got some stuff, don’t they?” Why are we hesitant to share our stuff? Do you think allowing others to pray for your stuff is of value? Or, do you think it should be kept between you and God?

6.Stu commented, “Actually, I’d like to visit each other’s churches.” How do you feel about us visiting each other’s churches?

7.Jodi felt uncomfortable with Adele doing her feet. What do you think Adele’s motive was for completing the task herself rather than having another person do it?

8.Why was Jodi really upset with Denny’s drinking beer? Up to now, what are your thoughts concerning their marriage relationship? How might we work to improve our marriages into the ease and spirit in which they move-most of the time?

9.Avis became “lost” in her own worship of the Savior. What makes up true worship? Have you ever been “lost” in the worship of your Savior? As a whole, how much true worship takes place in a worship service? Do you worship Him outside of church?

10.Have you ever been side-tracked by God when you have a “day of errands planned?

Agenda for First Meeting of YYPG

This was the plan I followed on the first meeting date.

Introduction

Welcome to the first ever SBC Yada Yada Prayer Group. I look forward to getting to know each of you and hope you will get to know each other. The characters in our books are described as “a drawer of mismatched socks.” Although, each person in the group is distinctively different, God used their uniqueness to help each other. Start thinking about what special skills and gifts God has given you. How can you use those to help others in the group?
I hope during the next ten weeks that we will achieve the following:
1. Simply enjoy a good read.
2.Begin thinking about our everyday lives. How does it impact others and howdo others impact us?
3.Pay attention to those people around us whose culture and lifestyles are different from ours. Step outside of your comfort zone and look at how can we minister to them and allow them to minister to us.
4.Grow in our prayer lives.
5.Learn how to pray and personalize scriptures.
6.Identify the skills and gifts you have that you can share with each other.

This evening we are going to spend some time getting to know each other. Then I will present a quick overview of the characters which will set you up for next week’s reading. I am going to introduce you to the concept of praying and personalizing the scripture.

Group Introductions (30 minutes)

I want you to pair up with another woman and interview her. Ask questions, listen, and take notes on what you have learned. After five minutes, switch roles and complete the next interview. Once you have finished, we will get back into the group and you will share what you have learned about the other person.
 
Share My Testimony

OVERVIEW

Definitions (Handout)

Yada (Hebrew): to perceive, understand, acquire knowledge, know, discern; to be made known, make oneself known, to be familiar.
Yadah: to speak out, to confess; to praise; to sing; to give thanks; essentially means to acknowledge the nature and work of God.

Character Profiles

As I provide an overview of the twelve women in the Yada Yada Prayer Group I want you to think about which of the women you can relate to. Are there women in this book like other people that you know?

Discuss how to journal and pray scripture (refer to handouts).

Share a couple of resources I use for daily prayer and meditation:
Praying God’s Word Day-by-Day, Beth Moore
Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

Closing

You may choose to just read the book and come for the discussions, to journal, or to investigate praying the scripture. Do what you are comfortable with and what you have the time and interest in doing. I want this to be your study-not mine. Bring your insights, questions, and scriptures to add to the discussion. We will adjust, as need be, along the way.

Closing Prayer (Prayer Rings)

Each women has been provided with a ring holding cards that may be used to record prayer requests and as a reminder to pray for the group members.

1.Ask for specific prayer requests.
2.Pray the scripture

“Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ, please give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know you better. I pray also that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints.”
“Father, Your incomparably great power is available for us who believe. This power is like the working of Your mighty strength, which you exerted in Christ when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at your right side in the heavenly realms.” If you can raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him beside You, You can deliver me!
Ephesians 1: 17, 18

Discussion Questions Chapters 1-13

1.When you saw the title of this study, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, what was your initial reaction? What peaked your interest?


2.How do you feel about street beggars, panhandlers? Have you ever gone out of your way to help one, even though it may have taken a few extra minutes?


3.When you are meeting a new group of women, as we are now, how are you feeling? Are you comfortable, comparing yourself to others, making judgments based on appearance, lifestyle, education, etc? Are you intimidated by women who are better put together than you are?


4.Can you relate to Jodi when you are in large group of women and don’t know anyone?


5.Do you ever take on different personalities depending on who you are with?


6.How would you have reacted if Flo had been the unexpected third party in your room?


7.How does true worship come about? Have you ever been there in body, but not in spirit? What causes you to miss it? Have you ever been with a group of people praying and worshiping and felt out-of-place?


8.What would you consider to be a “sacrifice to the Lord?”


9.Do you believe that God has a destiny for your life? What does it mean to be the woman God created you to be?


10.Do you think the “26er” prayer group just happened to be put together? How about our Yada Yada group? Do you think we are here randomly?


11.Add your questions for discussion:

Learning to Pray Scripture

A major component of the Yada Yada stories is the praying of scripture. I developed this handout to assist in teaching the women how-to and providing them an opportunity to practice. I begin each meeting with the women sharing the prayers they have written during the week.

LEARNING TO PRAY SCRIPTURE


Prayer based upon biblical scripture rises above our common senses, contacts God and sets His spirituals laws into motion. It is not just saying prayers that get results, but it is spending time with the Father; learning His wisdom, drawing on His strength, being filled with His quietness and basking in His love that brings results in our prayers. Every word in the Bible was inspired by God. The scriptures characterize God's heart.

If a Christian wants to know what God thinks, how He feels or what His will is, read His Word. Praying the scriptures is merely reminding God of what He said. Isaiah 55:10-11(Message) says, "So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them." God's word is a book of His promises and He wants a Christian to take Him at His Word.

Pray the Scriptures

As Christians, we all desire to have an awesome prayer life, one where our prayers go beyond the height of the ceiling of our prayer closets. Richard A. Burr, author of Developing Your Secret Closet of Prayer, states, “One’s spiritual life will never be above the practice of one’s private prayer life.” This is so true. Our ultimate goal is an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prayer, along with the other spiritual disciplines, becomes a key to entering the holy of holies. One of the ways we are able to do this is through Scripture praying.
Scripture praying is the practice of using God’s Word as the foundation for shaping our prayers for communion with Him and for intercession for others. It is communicating with Him in His own words. Scripture praying is putting equal emphasis on both the Word and prayer. It is realizing that prayer is a dialogue between our Lord and us.

So, why should we pray Scripture? So many times we do not have the words to adequately express our thoughts, feelings, emotions and His Word allows us to express those in keeping with His heart. Praying Scriptures like the Psalm 51 can effectively express our heart’s cry for forgiveness and healing as a result of sin. When we allow God’s Word to be the vehicle of our prayers, it is capable of declaring deep inner desires and thoughts.

Praying Scripture is not something new, nor is it meant to be complicated. Throughout God’s Word we discover His people praying what God has said to them. Using the 6 “P’s” of Praying Scriptures maybe helpful.

1.Pray as you have your quiet time that God would speak to you through His Word. Listen for Him to do so. Be attentive and open to Him speaking. Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue.
2.Personalize the Word as you read it.
3.Ponder the Word. Whenever you receive a word from Him take time to internalize it. Mediate on its personal meaning. As we pray through Scripture, we must observe the context of the passage, interpret it as to what the writer was talking about and not from our viewpoint, and then apply it personally.
4.Pray the received word.
5.Print the received word. Keep a journal to record the personal messages you receive, you will be surprised how often God speaks when we listen.
6.Proclaim the received word. The more you share what God has said the more He will make His message clear.

Examples of Praying and Personalizing Scripture“Lord, I approach your throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive grace to help me in my time of need.” Hebrew 4:14

“This is the confidence I have in approaching, You, God; that if I ask anything according to Your will, you hear me. And I know if You hear me-whatever I ask-I know I will have what I asked of You.”
I John 5: 14-15

“When I do not know what to pray, I thank you, Father that the Holy Spirit comes to my aid and bears me up in my weakness. I know you search my heart and you know the mind of the Spirit. Thank you for filling the gap for me.” Romans 8:28.29

“Father, this is the day the Lord has made. I rejoice and I am glad in it! I rejoice in You always. And again, I say I rejoice. I delight myself in You, Lord. I am happy because God is my Lord.”
Psalm 118:24 and Philippians 4:4, 3:1

Prayer need: Direction

“Lord, I know you have my life planned out and know what you are doing. You have promised that you will take care of me, and not abandon me, and plan to give me the future that I hope for. I trust that you will keep me whole as I keep my mind set on you.”

Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 26:3






Practice Personalizing ScriptureThe easiest way to practice this skill is to think of something you need to pray about, maybe it is patience. Go to the “Concordance” in the back of your Bible or Google on the Internet, “Bible Scripture on Patience.” Find a scripture that you think fits and personalize it for your situation.


Prayer Need:

Your Prayer:

Scripture(s):

Icebreaker Idea for your new book group

On the first evening of our book group we completed this activity. The girls liked it because it wasn't the normal "introduce yourself" activity.


Group Introductions

Pair-up with another woman and interview her. Ask questions, listen, and take notes on what you have learned. After five minutes, switch roles and complete the next interview. Once you have finished, we will get back into the group and you will share what you have learned about the other person.

Interview Questions

1.Where were you born? How would you describe the culture in which you were raised?

2.Have you ever experienced an ethnic tradition besides one of your own?

3.What is a subject or skill that you know well enough to teach someone?

4.Have you ever gone through a hardship that made you a stronger person?

5.If you were to describe yourself in terms of a sock, what would your sock look like?

6.What do you think other people think of you? Do you think they see you the way you really are?

7.Are you usually early or late?

8.Are you more comfortable speaking or writing?

9.What are you proudest of about yourself?

10.(Ask your own question)________________________________________________________?

11.Family information (spouse, children, animals, and such)

Why a Yada Yada Prayer Group?

My calling is to minster to women-women who are hurting, women who are overcomers, women who are different from me, and those who are like me. I have made so many mistakes and learned so many hard lessons. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” My mission is to use the “all things” in my life to help other women learn how to enjoy the peace, joy, and security that I have finally come to experience. What I have come to understand is that God is a God of hearts. He sees my heart, not just the shell I live in that seems to get me into so much trouble.

I was born into a family of a Baptist preacher and a school teacher. This situation had it benefits such as being loved by many people, learning how to adapt to people in all walks of life, and acquiring a good moral compass. However, I was raised in a very religious, legalistic environment. There were a lot of “shoulds” and very little grace in my upbringing. The expectation was that I would look and behave perfectly, hoping not to invite criticism from the church members. The ramifications of this controlling environment and these unreal expectations manifested itself into rebellion, insecurity, and many bad choices as I grew into adulthood.

I have learned the power of grace. I no longer try to live up to other’s unrealistic expectations and I don’t try to camouflage my past, my problems, or my failures. I am just a human being striving to love God with all my heart and to grow into the person he has envisioned me to be. You will find me to be very open and honest. I’m not a churchgoer who acts like her life is perfect.

The reason I was so attracted to the Yada Yada books is because I have always had a yearning to be connected to a core group of Christian women who would be an encouragement to me and who would be with me in the good times and the bad. Do you have friends who make a point of encouraging you spiritually? What do they do that is helpful? How could you be more of a spiritual encouragement to a friend? I hope you are able to find women who can become that for you if you are missing these relationships.