Foundations of Discipleship Video Series Participant Guide
Table Of Contents Session #1: Our Story...2 Session #2: The World...3 Session #3: The Flesh...4 Session #4: The Devil...5 Session #5: The Call...6 Session #6: The Cost...7 Session #7: The Reward...8 Session #8: The Power of the Holy Spirit...9 Session #9: Holiness and the Holy Spirit...10 Session #10: Evangelization and the Holy Spirit...11 Session #11: Personal Prayer...12 Session #12: Praying with Scripture..13 Session #13: Communal Prayer...14 Prayer Resources...15 1
Session #1: Our Story Peter Herbeck Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing plan of salvation. Thank you for sending your Son to die so that we might have life. Send your Spirit upon us as we strive to live as disciples of Jesus. Bind us together, bless our conversation, and fill us with the sure knowledge of your unfailing love and truth. Amen. Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:17-23 Jesus came to reveal the truth about what it means to be human. The Author of life entered his own story to rescue us. Jesus came to destroy the power of sin and death and to heal our wound. Jesus came to establish God s kingdom on earth. 1. What about Peter s talk stood out to you? 2. What evidence do you see in the world around you that something has gone terribly wrong and we can t fix it? 3. In your own life, how have the truths of the Gospel moved from merely information (head knowledge), to a personal, life-changing reality (heart knowledge)? 4. As a group, spend a few minutes trying to articulate the message of the Gospel in your own words. To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement. - St. Augustine... 2
Session #2: The World Peter Herbeck Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, we welcome you into our midst and ask your presence and Spirit to fill this room and fill our hearts. Help us to throw off the shackles of the world and press on towards the prize of everlasting glory. Give us the grace to say no to the lies of the world and instead live as your disciples, grounded in the truth and in the light. Amen. Key Scripture: Mark 4:10-20 Key Definition: The world as referred to in Scripture is the fallen dimension of the creation that resists God and suppresses the truth about Him and His revelation. We are up against real obstacles and forces in this world that lead us into a life that ignores God and rebels against Him. The world hated Christ and it will hate us. Friendship with the world puts us at odds with God and His kingdom. We can be confidant and joyful knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. 1. What about Peter s talk stood out to you? 2. What evidence of the world and its influence do you see in the culture around you? 3. In what ways are you conformed to the world and its prevailing attitudes? 4. In what way are you intentionally trying to live differently than those in the world? 5. Can you share about a time when you were ridiculed or hated for your allegiance to God s ways and His kingdom? Don t you long to shout to those youths who are bustling around you: Fools! Leave those worldly things that shackle the heart and very often degrade it leave all that and come with us in search of Love! - St. Josemaria Escriva... 3
Session #3: The Flesh Peter Herbeck Opening Prayer: Dear Jesus, send down your Spirit upon us this day. Fill us with the sure knowledge of your love and mercy. May the Holy Spirit strengthen the weakness of our flesh. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit that we may grow in holiness and grow in union with You. Amen. Key Scripture: Romans 8:5-13 Key Definition: The flesh is an internal dimension of my life that is resistant to and alienated from God, and suppresses the truth about God. If we live according to the flesh it will separate us from God and we will die. Jesus came to give us power over our flesh. Christianity isn t just trying harder; it is a new life in the Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom to love, and to overcome selfishness and fear. 1. What about Peter s talk stood out to you? 2. How do you see the flesh at work in your own life? 3. Read Galatians 5:22. Which fruits of the Spirit do you see evident in your own life? 4. How has the sacramental life of the Church helped you battle the flesh and live more fully in the Spirit? s As long as we dwell in the tabernacle of this body and are clothed in this frail flesh, we can moderate our passions, but we cannot cut them off entirely. - - St. Jerome A man who governs his passions is the master of the world. We must either command them, or be enslaved by them. It is better to be a hammer than an anvil. - St. Dominic... 4
Session #4: The Devil Peter Herbeck Opening Prayer: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Key Scripture: James 4:7-10 The devil is real; he is a murderer, and a liar. The devil wants to cut you off from the life of God and destroy you. Be sober, alert, and watchful. The devil has no authority over your life unless you give him access through sin. The weapons for spiritual battle are: the sacraments, Scripture, Christian community. 1. What about Peter s talk stood out to you? 2. What was the cause of Lucifer s fall and how do we see that played out in human history and in our own lives? 3. What are some recurring lies you hear about yourself, that come from the voice of the Deceiver? 4. Read Ephesians 6:14-18. Discuss how the armor of God can be used practically to help you take authority over the devil s work in your life. 5. What part of Doug s story can you relate to? What I recommend most earnestly is not to lose heart when you are tempted. Do you wish to succeed? The best way is to reveal the temptations to your spiritual director immediately. The devil loves darkness. He always operates in the dark because he knows that if he is discovered he is beaten. - St. John Bosco... 5
Session #5: The Call Fr. John Riccardo Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have called us to be your disciples and we eagerly accept your call. We commit ourselves to you, to your teachings, to your cross, and to your mission. We ask for more power to drop our nets and follow you. Help us to say yes to you every day. You alone satisfy the desires of our heart, and we desperately want to know you better. Amen. Key Scripture: Mark 8:34-38 Key Word: IF You can only become a Christian through conversion, through a conscious decision to say yes to Jesus. Every day you have a choice to say yes to Jesus. The essence of discipleship is: Jesus is personally addressing you right now to follow Him. 1. What about Fr. John s talk stood out to you? 2. How does one become a Christian? 3. Can you share about a time in your life when you made a conscious decision to put your faith aside, to believe it, but not really live it? 4. Pope Francis said, Knowing Jesus is the best gift and encountering Him is the best thing that has ever happened in our lives. Can you say that encountering Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened in your life? If so, explain why. If not, how do you think you can meet Him? Conversion means, accepting by personal decision the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming his disciple. - St. Pope John Paul II... 6
Session #6: The Cost Fr. John Riccardo Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, we welcome you into our midst and thank you for your great love for us. The path you set before us is daunting but we know we can be faithful through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us to eagerly deny ourselves and pick up the crosses placed in our lives each day. Walk with us Lord and show us the life you have destined for us. We praise you and worship you and claim you as Lord. Amen. Key Scripture: Mark 8:34-38 Key Word: DENY Being a disciple means Jesus is my Lord; I have relinquished the rights of my life to Him. The kingdom of God means putting to death those parts of me that rebel and are hostile to God. This call to be a disciple is a sobering, weighty, and difficult proposition. 1. What about Fr. John s talk stood out to you? 2. BE HONEST! What are the areas of your life that you have not yet signed over to Jesus? 3. What are some of your fears about relinquishing your life more fully to Christ? 4. If you are willing and ready to say: I do hereby today, sign over the rights of my life to God, take time as a small group right now to turn to Him in prayer and make that confession of surrender. We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had to bear the greatest trials. - St. Teresa of Avila... 7
Session #7: The Reward Fr. John Riccardo Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you and praise for the abundant life you offer us. Thank you for the hope of salvation, the reality of freedom, and the glory of knowing and serving you. We cast aside all hindrances to your love and boldly submit ourselves to your will. Lord, please increase our faith and our trust in your goodness and mercy. Continue to bind us together and continue to draw us deeper into your heart. Amen. Key Scripture: John 10:10 Key Words: ABUNDANT LIFE What s in it for me? ABUNDANT LIFE! Before God satisfies us He makes us hungry, restless, bored. What you are looking for is not a thing it s a Person. Jesus is the more that you want; He alone can satisfy every desire and He is knocking at the door of your heart right now. 1. What about Fr. John s talk stood out to you? 2. List your top 5 priorities in life based on how you spend your time, $ and energy. Are these priorities truly life-giving? 3. Can you give an example of a time in your life when you experienced boredom, restlessness or dissatisfaction? 4. Can you identify what might be blocking you from receiving the abundant life that Jesus promises? Restless are our hearts until they rest in Thee. All abundance which is not from God to me is neediness. This, then, is the full satisfaction of souls, this is the happy life: to recognize piously and completely the One through whom you are led into the truth, the nature of the truth you enjoy, and the bond that connects you with the supreme measure. St. Augustine... 8
Session #8: The Power of the Holy Spirit Dr. Ralph Martin Opening Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit that we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolation through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Key Scriptures: Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49 The Christian life isn t just about morality; it s about receiving power from on high. Jesus came to baptize us with his Holy Spirit, to empower us to carry out his mission. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for everyone. There should be a perceptible change in our lives as we open up more to the Holy Spirit. 1. What about Ralph s talk stood out to you? 2. Have you actively desired more of the Holy Spirit in your own life? If so, what practical steps have you taken to receive more? 3. What fears, anxieties, or misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit do you have that might keep you from seeking after and yielding more to its action in your life? 4. Share any examples or stories of how you have seen the Holy Spirit at work. The Holy Spirit renews all things: He renews our heart, our life, and makes us live differently, but in a way that takes up the whole of our life. You cannot be, a Christian of pieces, a part-time Christian. Pope Francis... 9
Session #9: Holiness and the Holy Spirit Dr. Ralph Martin Opening Prayer: Breathe into us, Holy Spirit, that our thoughts may all be holy. Move in us, Holy Spirit, that our work, too, may be holy. Attract our hearts, Holy Spirit, that we may love only what is holy. Strengthen us, Holy Spirit, that we may defend all that is holy. Protect us, Holy Spirit, that we may always be holy. Amen. (Prayer by St. Augustine) Key Scriptures: I Corithians 6:13; Galatians 5:13-25 The Holy Spirit is most concerned about making us holy not just cleansing us from sin, but also bringing us into greater communion with the Trinity. The essence of holiness is love of God and neighbor. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Morality is not just about following laws but opening up to God s presence within us. Don t quench or grieve the Holy Spirit!... 1. What about Ralph s talk stood out to you? 2. What do you think it means to walk by the Spirit? How do you see the fruits of the Spirit growing in your own life? 3. The essence of holiness is love. Which saints inspire you to greater holiness and why? 4. Share any ways you may be quenching the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is light and strength. He teaches us to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and between good and evil. Like glasses that magnify objects, the Holy Spirit shows us good and evil on a large scale. With the Holy Spirit we see everything in its true proportions; we see the greatness of the least actions done for God, and the greatness of the least faults. St. John Vianney... 10
Session #10: Evangelization and the Holy Spirit Dr. Ralph Martin Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, be with us today. Be our teacher, our guide, our counselor, our friend. Fill us with your gifts, especially the gifts of wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding, compassion, love, and awe in God s presence. Let all that we think, say, and do be in accordance with your most holy and perfect will. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Key Scripture: Luke 15:7 Jesus wants to seek and save the lost through us! The proclamation of the Word of God has Christian conversion as its aim, a complete and sincere adherence to Christ and his gospel through faith. The mission of the laity is four-fold: 1. Witness of our lives 2. Works of mercy 3. Restoring the temporal order 4. Speaking about Jesus using words It is important to say yes to the call to be missionary disciples. 1. What about Ralph s talk stood out to you? 2. How have you practiced the four aspects of the mission of the laity in your own life? 3. What are some obstacles, fears, inhibitions you encounter when thinking about or trying to speak to others about Jesus? 4. Can you share about a time when you were able to share your own faith story with someone? s To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them. - St. Thomas Aquinas If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to Him. - St. Edith Stein... 11
Session #11 Personal Prayer Sr. Ann Shields, SGL Opening Prayer: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Key Scripture: Mark 3:13-15 First and foremost, God calls us as his disciples to BE with him, not to DO with him. We grow in relationship and love with God as we spend time him and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the Father and the Son to us. Spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer consisting of: thanksgiving, repentance, intercession and Scripture reading. 1. What about Sr. Ann s talk stood out to you? 2. What obstacles have you encountered when trying to make daily personal prayer a priority? 3. Can you share about a time when consistent prayer bore fruit in your relationship with Jesus? 4. What practical decisions will you make today to make personal prayer a nonnegotiable part of your daily life? Consider how accountability to your small group can help support your decision. The more we pray, the more we wish to pray. Like a fish which at first swims on the surface of the water, and afterwards plunges down, and is always going deeper; the soul plunges, dives, and loses itself in the sweetness of conversing with God. - St. John Vianney... 12
Session #12 Praying with Scripture Sr. Ann Shields, SGL Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the word made flesh and the hope for all humanity. Lord, increase our desire to encounter you in Sacred Scripture. Please send your Spirit upon us as we open the word and grow in our knowledge and love of you. Come Holy Spirit! Amen. Key Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9 The most essential piece for daily personal prayer is a bible. Read it, pray with it, and keep it close to you! The Word of God is living and active with power to change your life. Come under the whole Word of God and let it form you. Lectio Divina is the slow, prayerful reading of the Scripture that brings us into deeper intimacy with God. Discussion: Group Lectio Divina... One person slowly reads aloud Matthew 13:3-9. Then take 2 minutes to silently reflect on its application to your life. Share your answers to these questions: 1. Which type of soil described in the parable is your heart most like right now? Is it a place where God s word can take root and grow? A second person slowly re-reads aloud Matthew 13:3-9. Then take 2 minutes to silently reflect on its application to your life. Share your answers to these questions: 2. What are the birds in your life that come down and snatch the seed away? Are there people in your life that steal your desire to follow God? A third person slowly re-reads aloud Matthew 13:3-9. Then take 2 minutes to silently reflect on its application to your life. Share your answers to these questions: 3. What are the weeds (sins, temptations, weaknesses) in your life that choke out God s life in you and your desire for more of him? Finish with each person stating a practical way they can help the seed of God s life be rooted more deeply and securely in their life so that it does not easily wither away. Close in prayer together for God s grace to appropriate the truth of his Word.... Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. - St. Jerome... 13
Talk #13 Communal Prayer Sr. Ann Shields, SGL Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus we believe that you are here with us right now. We welcome you, we praise you, and we thank you for all the grace you have poured out on this group. We ask that you continue to bind us together in your love and in your Spirit. Help to grow in love for one another. May our time together be a source of community, deeper conversion, and a participation in the Church that you established. Amen. Key Scripture: Matthew 18:20 Regular participation in the Eucharist and Adoration foster intimate communion with Christ and one another. Adoration is like radiation therapy. As we ponder the suffering and risen face of Christ it will change our lives. If we truly believe that wherever two or more are gathered in his name, he is in the midst of us, then we will make communal prayer a priority. 1. What about Sr. Ann s talk stood out to you? 2. Share about your experiences with communal prayer. Is it difficult for you to pray aloud? Do worship songs help you draw nearer to Jesus? 3. How can you grow in freedom to worship and praise God with others? Perhaps close this discussion with an extended time of prayer and ask the Lord for greater freedom to worship him and seek his face together. Vocal prayer... must be accompanied by reflection. A prayer in which a person is not aware of Whom he is speaking to, what he is asking, who it is who is asking and of Whom, I don t call prayer however much the lips may move. -St. Teresa of Avila... 14
Prayer Resources... Come Holy Spirit Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, Inspire in me What I should think, What I should say, What I should leave unsaid, What I should write, What I should do And how I should act To bring about the good of souls, The fulfillment of my mission, And the triumph of the Kingdom of Christ. Amen 15
St. Ignatius of Loyola Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my understanding, my whole will, all I have and all I possess. You gave it all to me; To you, Lord, I return it all. It is all yours. Do with me entirely as you will. Give me your love and your grace: This is enough for me. Amen. St. Jerome O Lord, show your mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid, I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with your will. Let me dwell in your house all the days of my life and praise you for ever and ever with those who are there. Our Lady of Good Counsel God of wisdom and love, you have sent your Son Jesus to be the light of the world, and continue to send your Holy Spirit among us to guide us into the way of truth. Open our hearts to your word and let us ponder your actions among us. Give us your Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, of understanding and counsel. With Mary, may we rejoice in your gifts, and walk in the way of truth and love. With all your people on earth and in eternity, we ask this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of your loving Spirit, one holy God, for ever and ever. Amen! St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 16
A Prayer to be Merciful Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbor s soul. Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbor s needs. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor. Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbor. Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor. Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful, so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. Amen. Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen. The Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen. 17
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