The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. In this message, Mark explores the importance of integrating work and prayer AND the call to pray without ceasing.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Discuss your experience of “praying the hours” last week. What did you notice and encounter?

2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?

3. Why do you think it is so easy to live severed lives- especially separating our connection to Jesus in the workplace?

4. We find in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the call to pray continually. What has that meant to you in the past?

5. Mark shared the following definition of prayer- "Prayer is awareness and orientation to God’s presence." How is that understanding of prayer encouraging and also challenging?

6. The two practices of prayer this week are breath prayers and the prayer of epiclesis. How might utilizing breath prayers be helpful in growing an orientation to Christ’s presence? How are they subtly powerful?

7. Describe the meaning of the prayer of epiclesis, and discuss how your work-life and home-life would be different if you practiced this prayer.