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The Sacred is Calling 2026 - Week One

November 01, 2026 0 0

 

Week 1: A Voice in the Silence, Prayer

 

Sequences of the Sacred. The sacred often calls to us not in the noise, but in the stillness. This week focuses on quietness, solitude, and listening for the whisper of the divine. God knows the wordless language of our hearts and it is often through our emotions, our imaginations, our memories, our friendships and slow observation of the world around us that we hear from God. Just as we often need peace of mind to concentrate, it can sometimes be in the 'peace of heart', when we step out of the daily noise and concerns of life that we can focus on prayer — speaking honestly with and listening humbly to God.

 

1. Withdrawing to pray — Luke 5: 12-16

 

  • Theme: Taking time out to pray.

 

  • Context Jesus regularly found a place to pray and commune with the Father. He understood the importance of both community and solitude. This is a vital model for us today to counteract the relentless burnout of modern life and all its expectations

 

  • Discussion Questions:  

 

  • During a busy week what are some of the obstacles that get in the way of us finding time for quiet prayer?

 

  • Can you share any wisdom as to how a busy life need not stop you from having a quiet pray time? What does a realistic rhythm of prayer look like for someone with a demanding schedule?

 

  • Personal Reflection: What are the distractions or commitments I need to re-assess in my life to connect with God in silence?

 

2. The soul finds rest in silence — Psalm 62

 

  • Theme: The struggle with being overstimulated, overworked and/or overwhelmed.

 

  • Context: The psalmist suggests from experience that quietness is healing for an anxious soul. This is relevant as we think of today's non-stop 24-hour news cycle and the digital invasion of screens into our lives.

 

  • Discussion Questions:

 

  • Why is finding peace of heart or peace of mind harder than finding physical quiet?

 

  • How difficult do you find it to sit in silence with a friend? What are the outcomes when we do it with God in mind? And how can our small group or community help each other quieten the external noise of modern life? (See verse 8)

 

  • Personal Reflection: Where is my soul currently striving or seeking security outside of God's quiet presence?

 

 

3. Waiting quietly -- Lamentations 3: 19-28

 

  • Theme: Waiting seems irrelevant in a culture addicted to instant gratification. Yet it is in quietness and rest that we find our true relevance.

 

  • Context Waiting can be frustratingly annoying, yet the Bible continually warns us to trust God's unfolding plan.

 

  • Discussion Questions:

 

  • What does it practically do to us to "wait quietly" rather than grumbling or forcing outcomes? Are there spiritual and even physical improvements to our wellbeing from pursuing disciplines that practice stillness and waiting on God?

 

  • Has your experience of waiting ever changed your perspective on God's timing,for good or bad?

 

  • Personal Reflection: What delayed answer to prayer in my life is God inviting me to trust Him with?

 

Head to Week Two!