Me and God

Scripture

As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, as they ask daily, "Where is your God?" Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I went in procession with the crowd, I went with them to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival. Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the land of Mount Mizar. Here deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents. All your waves and breakers sweep over me. At dawn may the LORD bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life. I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?" It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?" Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God. (Psalm 42)

Psalm 63 "O God, you are my God—for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, like a land parched, lifeless, and without water."

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace: For greater awareness of the emptiness or restlessness in each of our hearts and what can ultimately bring our hearts greater peace.

Use the grace or a suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

Note: Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

Invite members to share some of the high and low points of the week. This check-in is meant to ease the group into reconnecting and reflecting on their experiences and it should be brief.

What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III. Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed: CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.). All handouts are in the CLC Journal booklets.

Introduction

Provide a few comments about what the group has been exploring thus far, gaining greater awareness and insight into who we really are and our feelings about our identities. Explain that tonight, we are going to go a bit deeper into perhaps some of the unanswered questions about ourselves. We are hopefully going to explore where our hearts are right now, how we handle our hearts, and the place God has in our hearts.

Exercise: "Inner Thoughts of a College Student" Reading

Have everyone take turns reading "Inner Thoughts of a College Student". Consider taking pauses briefly after an important idea has been presented to allow the group to absorb it.

Sharing

After reading, present the following questions and give everyone time in silence or with meditative music to journal or reflect on their answers. Then encourage everyone to share openly.

What were you feeling during the reading? Did anything particularly resonate with you or not sit well with you?
Where in your heart do you feel at peace, full, or fulfilled right now? Where do you feel restless, empty, or lonely?
What do you do about your restlessness or loneliness? Are these things working? (Do they leave you deeply content and at peace?)
What, if anything, do you think is the answer or solution to your restlessness, emptiness, or loneliness? St. Augustine wrote...
- “We are one of your creatures, Lord, and our instinct is to praise you. The thought of you stirs in us so deeply that we cannot be content unless we praise you, because you made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” (Adapted from St. Augustine’s The Confessions)
- ...Do you believe that God is the answer or solution? Why/why not?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

What has struck you as you have been listening to others share? Do you notice any patterns or commonalities?
How have you been feeling throughout the meeting? Comfortable? Anxious? Curious?
Is there anything you would like to share after listening to another person share?

IV. Moving Forward (5 min.)

Wrap-Up: Thank members for their openness and participation.
Action: Suggest that as members pray with the Awareness Examen this coming week, they ask for the grace to be aware of what they are filling their heart with, what they are doing to address their restlessness or loneliness. In addition, encourage them to pray to see how they are or are not allowing God into the restlessness and loneliness of their hearts.
Announcements: Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V. Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Let Your God Love You

by Edwina Gateley

Be silent.

Be still.

Alone. Empty.

Before your God.

Say nothing.

Ask nothing.

Be silent.

Be still.

Let your God

Look upon you.

That is all.

He knows.

He understands.

He loves you with

An enormous love.

He only wants to

Look upon you

With His Love.

Quiet.

Still.

Be.

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