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Advent Week #1: He Is… Answer to Prayer
1) Story-Minded Eyes: Seeing the Small Stories Point to the Big Promise
Framing sentence to read: “The Bible isn’t mainly a rule book or a hero book — it’s a single, unfolding story whose center is a baby. Let’s practice noticing how our ordinary stories whisper His name.”
Discussion prompts
Which small, ordinary moment from your past do you now see as part of God’s larger story for you?
When Monday shows up and Jesus isn’t named in the moment, how do you try to notice the ‘whispers’ of God? Give one practical habit or memory that helps you.
How does remembering that our lives sit inside God’s long story change the way you carry daily frustrations or disappointments?
Where today might you intentionally look for a “whisper” — a small sign of God at work — instead of demanding a big dramatic sign?
2) From Silence to Assurance: Wrestling with Doubt While Trusting the Promise-Keeper
Framing sentence to read: “Zechariah knew the promises in his head but still struggled in his gut. Advent holds both our longing and God’s faithful timing—let’s be honest there.”
Discussion prompts
Where are you holding one foot on the dock and one foot on the boat — believing with your mind but doubting in your heart? Name it if you can.
How have you experienced God ‘disciplining’ you for your good rather than punishing you? Can you share what changed inside you as a result?
When silence or delay feels like absence, what truth from Scripture or memory helps you move toward assurance?
What would a small next-step of faith look like this week for someone who’s in that “one foot on/one foot off” place?
3) Grace That Takes Away & the Response It Requires
Framing sentence to read: “Elizabeth said God had ‘taken away her reproach.’ Advent is an invitation to bring what we can’t fix and ask Jesus to take it away — and then to respond with worshipful obedience.”
Discussion prompts
What is one burden, shame, or regret you’d be willing to name (briefly) and ask Jesus to ‘take away’ this Advent? (No pressure — share only what you’re comfortable with.)
How does believing your salvation is secure (that God takes sin away forever) change the way you live day-to-day?
Zechariah responded in worship and obedience after his time of silence. What does faithful response look like for you right now — one concrete act you could take this week?
In what ways does knowing God both disciplines and saves you free you to serve or love others differently?
Youth (12–18)
Youth Topic: What Are You Hoping God Will Do?
(You said you liked this — keep it simple, invite one concrete hope, and ask: “What’s one small way you’ll trust God about that this week?”)Children
Children Topic: The Lord’s Will
Invitation for the Week
- As a family, gather together each morning to pray for God’s will to be done in your lives that day.
- Talk about how it made a difference that day to seek God’s will instead of your own.
Talk About
- What’s an opinion you feel really strongly about?
Suggested Advent Rhythm for Groups & Individuals
AN ADVENT PRACTICE for the GROUP: The “Pause + Promise” Practice
(5 minutes a day • all Advent long)**1. PAUSE (1 minute)
Each day, stop for one intentional moment of quiet.
Take one slow breath in and one slow breath out.
Pray simply: “Lord, I am here. Help me notice You.”2. READ A PROMISE (2 minutes)
Choose one verse from the Gospels that points to who Jesus is.
Groups can share a small list or choose their own.
Examples for Week 1: Luke 1:13, Luke 1:37, John 1:14, Matthew 1:23.Read the verse slowly.
Ask quietly: “What does this reveal about who Jesus is?”3. NAME ONE RESPONSE (2 minutes)
End with a short, simple act of trust or obedience for that day.
Something like:“Today I will choose gratitude before complaint.”
“Today I will speak gently.”
“Today I will carry one person in prayer.”
“Today I will look for one ‘whisper’ of God’s presence.”