Broken Praise
Using shards of pottery as an object lesson, reflect on God's sovereignty in our brokeness.
| posted 9/03/2006
| Topics: | Attitude, Discussion, Sovereignty of God, Suffering, Trials, Trusting God |
| Filters: | Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead, Recovery groups, Support groups |
| Purpose: | Worship |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | September 03, 2006 |
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- A clay pot broken into pieces the size of silver dollars. You can find clay pots at Wal-Mart or any nursery.
- Pieces of pottery: a coffee cup, a vase, etc. Set these items up in the area where you will worship.
- A small wooden cross.
- Superglue or wood glue
- Sharpies or other permanent markers
Leader, say something like:Â As we prepare to worship, let us look at several passages of scripture together. While reading these passages, look for the common theme. Isaiah 29:15-16; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 64:8; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
Ask:Â What is the common thread that runs through these passages?
Who is the potter? Who is the clay?
What roles do each of these play?
Why do you suppose the scripture writers use the imagery of clay to describe us?
We are like pieces of clay shaped and molded for God's purposes. Each of us are used differently according to how God has formed us. We should give praise to God for how He has designed us and uses us.
Hand each person a piece of the broken pottery.
We should also give praise in our brokenness. Even in our brokenness, we can bring beauty and we can point the way to Christ. What I would like you to do is to think for a minute about the ways you have been broken. Perhaps you will think of relationships, financial issues, physical ailments, emotional struggles, or an addiction. Write one word on your broken shard of clay that would represent your brokenness.
Take a few minutes to pray and think about your own brokenness.
After five minutes or so, say something like: "Now what I would like you to do is to take your broken piece of clay and glue it to the cross (word down so no one else can read it)."
After everyone is finished pray a prayer like this: Lord, you are the potter and we are the clay. You have made us perfectly for your plans. Let us see your purpose and your way. Let us praise you for your love that leads us through life. Lord, we even want to thank you for the way you use our brokenness. We praise you that you can, and do, take all the broken pieces of our lives and make something beautiful. Only you could do such a thing. We love you. Amen.
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