We are often drawn to the Psalms as we prepare to worship. Many of the Psalms are prayers of thankfulness as the writers recall events in which God moved mightily in their lives. Just as individuals worship by recalling God's work in their lives, worship in a small group can be a focused time of "remembering."
1. Begin your worship time with one sentence prayers of thanksgiving. Explain to the group that each person is going to have the opportunity to offer praise to God by thanking Him. Explain that each person needs to thank God for only one thing. Model that by saying, "For example, 'Father thank you for my children.'" Tell the group that you will begin and that you'll go around the circle to your right. In prayer time it is always important to give individuals an out. Tell them to touch the person on their right to signify that they would like to pass.
2. The leader begins with a short prayer of thanks. (Again, be careful to model what you want from your group members.)
3. After everyone has had the opportunity to pray ask your group to continue giving God praise by sharing a time when God made himself real to them. Have them complete this sentence, "I remember when God … " Model for the group what you desire to see happen in the type of response and also the length. In this situation it would be best to ask for volunteers who are willing to share.
As people begin to recall God's provision in their lives your group will not only grow together but they will be refreshed and encouraged. God is mighty and has worked in all of our lives … we need to take time to remember and to speak of his goodness and his faithfulness. In doing so we are offering Him 'a sacrifice of praise' and we have worshipped the God that we love.
