Section 163:11b
What Matters Most

For Further Reflection and Discussion

1. Choose one or more of the Old Testament prophets (for example, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, or Hosea). What made him “prophet-like”? Examine his words and the environment in which he spoke.

2. Dave Schaal writes that “the church (you and I) is not being called into some secular effort of social improvement. We are being asked to share in the work of God’s kingdom.” What does it mean to you to be “motivated by gospel priorities and shaped by spiritual practice”?

3. What are some dangers of a congregation “jumping right in to mission”? How does this differ from engaging in a process of discernment? Share concrete examples of both approaches.

4. When have you individually, or as part of a small group or congregation, let the scriptures speak first before speaking thoughts about them? Why is it important to pay attention to congregational gifts before moving ahead with an action plan?

5. On poster paper or a chalkboard quickly list some “issues that easily could consume the time and energy of the church.” Why did you put those items on that list? Make another list of items that could fall under the following heading: “Proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” While items on both lists could be considered “important,” why did you place ones on the second list rather than the first?

6. President Stephen Veazey said in his April 5 address, “God has chosen you to assist in accomplishing divine purposes if you will choose to live out of your better natures and potential.” Why is this a critical element in pursuing the journey ahead for the church? What do you think it might mean for you and your congregation?

Discernment Activity

When we are confronted by “compass questions”—those questions with the potential to reorient our lives—discernment becomes not just one kind of spiritual practice among many but, rather, an essential and ongoing act of faithfulness. An old hymn text by Clara H. Scott provides a meaningful way to focus our prayer in any process of discernment.

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready by God, thy will to see;
Open my eyes illumine me
Spirit divine.

Simply let these words sing in your inner being for several minutes. Breathe them in slowly and rhythmically. When you feel infused with the intention of this prayer, read Dave Schaal’s article, “What Matters Most,” one more time. This time read it slowly, gently, and with open eyes and ears.

What part of the article draws your attention? Without trying to make anything happen, simply notice a particular part of the article that begins to stand out for you, almost as though it rises off the page.

How do these words speak to your life right now? Take your time; allow any connections to seep into your awareness. When you are ready, enter into a period of prayer—talk with God about what is coming forward as you engage with the part of the article drawing your attention. (You may journal this prayer if it feels more comfortable for you.) Pray until the words drop away, and then simply linger in the silence.

How do you sense God inviting you to respond to this time of prayer? Listen long and deeply, with openness to hear God’s invitation. It might be so simple it surprises you. Listen with a willingness to be surprised. Write down that sense of invitation and place it where you will encounter it over the next few days to a week. See what emerges as you allow this prayer to become a lived experience in your daily life.

—Discernment activity by Donna Sperry