Most of us are likely entering Lent feeling pretty weary. Perhaps the fervor we usually carry with us into this rich liturgical season is a little…weak this year. And I’d venture to guess that we’re really longing for community, especially now.
Lent Small Groups
In a special way, this year’s lent devotional is designed to help you share it with others. I’ve written questions to help you engage with the week’s themes, highlighted in the Scripture selections, to give you an opportunity to engage with the Word and encounter Jesus in it.
We don’t just want you to read the devotional, we want you to pray with it. So even if you don’t love to journal, don’t skip the questions! These journal questions can double as discussion questions. Consider them conversation starters with the Lord and the gals in your small group.
So who are these lucky ladies? It’s up to you!
Reaching Out
Why not start by praying for your soon-to-be-small group and then open up your phone and text a friend (or ten)?
You could also scroll through your Facebook profile and message some women there. Who knows? A simple invitation could be the encouragement someone needs to come back to the Church or meet Jesus for the very first time, all over again.
How to Do a Small Group with Set a Fire
Now that you know who you’ll be walking with this Lent, we want to help you feel confident with the how.
We want this devotional to help you gather in whatever way works best for you and yours. Meet in person (at your home or parish, at a local park, or coffeeshop) or meet virtually (I love Google Meet or Zoom)! You can also check in via text or email to share prayer intentions.
Wondering when you should meet? I would encourage you to get together weekly! We want you to savor each of the themes in Set a Fire.
I hope that this devotional will help you to love Jesus more deeply and receive His love more fully. And I want that for all of the other beautiful women in your life and our #bissisterhood, too.
Tips for Facilitating a Small Group
- Invite the Holy Spirit. // It’s not all up to you. The Lord wants to help you listen and learn from one another. So be sure to start with a prayer when you meet up, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the conversation and your hearts.
- Be yourself! // Remember, you’re not here as theologian, counselor, or teacher. You’re free to be your wonderful self! So share your own insights and intentions with the group, too.
- Make it special. // Find a coffee shop with cozy chairs and yummy drinks, or bring a box a donuts to the church basement. No matter where you meet, consider how you can make your time together feel set apart through the environment you create.
How the Lent Devotional Can Help Your Small Group Go Deeper
- Don’t just read the author’s reflections, share your own stories with each other.
- Read the Scriptures more than once—both on your own and in the group.
- Pray together! Share intentions and then pray for one another.
- Use this free leader guide to give you some guidance and inspiration!
As you work your way through the devotional on your own during the week, take note of which questions tugged at your heart most. Use those questions to get the conversation started the next time you meet, and don’t feel any pressure to get through them all. Trust that what God is doing in your heart will bless and affirm what the Lord is doing for the other ladies in your group.
Are you praying through the Lent devotional with a small group?
Small Group Tips for the 2021 Lent Devotional #BISblog #bislent // Click To Tweet
I wanted to do this with my sisters and nieces. The girls are 15 and 13. Would the Kids Journal be too immature for them? We all live in different states, so we would be doing this virtually. But since we won’t be together for Christmas, I thought this would be a great way to spend time worshiping the Lord.
What a great idea! They would still find lots of substance in the weekly reflections. The activities might be a little young for them, but they could enjoy the coloring!