Small Group Guide – Part 5: Stillness and Presence

Small Group Discussion Guide for blog post– Part 5: Stillness & Presence

Key Scriptures: 📖 Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.” 📖 1 Kings 19:11–13 — God speaks in a gentle whisper, not the storm.

Opening Thought

Stillness often feels like a foreign language in a world fluent in distraction. Yet it’s in the hush—not the noise—where we most clearly hear the heart of God.

Icebreaker

Describe a recent moment when you found unexpected peace—maybe in nature, silence, or solitude.

Read Together

• Psalm 46:1–11 — Especially verse 10
• 1 Kings 19:1–13 — Elijah’s encounter with God
• (Optional) Mark 1:35 — Jesus withdrawing to a solitary place

Discussion Questions

1. Stillness in the Storm

• Psalm 46 speaks of turmoil—roaring waters and trembling earth. How does this context change how we hear God’s call to “Be still”?
• What keeps you from being still—externally or internally?

2. The Whisper, Not the Wind

• Elijah experienced dramatic events—wind, fire, earthquake—but God spoke in a whisper. Why do you think God chose that moment to reveal His presence?
• Have you ever experienced God’s “whisper” in your own life? What did it look or feel like?

3. Practicing Peace

• What are some rhythms or habits you’ve found helpful to cultivate quietness in your life?
• How can you create space this week to simply be with God—without an agenda?

4. From Chaos to Communion

• How does noise (physical, emotional, digital) impact your spiritual awareness?
• In what ways has God reminded you lately: “I’m already working. You can trust Me”?

Practical Applications

• The Five-Minute Challenge: Choose one moment in your day to sit in total silence with God. No requests. Just presence.
• Create a “Still Spot”: Designate a chair, room, or outdoor place for quiet moments with God.
• Digital Sabbath: Pick one evening or morning to unplug from media and reconnect with God.
• Breath Prayer: Try a simple breath prayer like, “Be still…” (inhale) “and know…” (exhale).

Closing Prayer Prompt

Invite your group into 2–3 minutes of shared silence. Encourage everyone to close their eyes, breathe slowly, and listen. Then close in a unified prayer:

“Lord, slow us down. Quiet our hearts. Speak in Your whisper. And help us hear You.”

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