Purpose:
Help your group members experience a surprise time of silence and discuss their reactions.
Activity:
Announce to the group: "Today we're going to do something wonderful that we usually don't have much time to do." Sit with them and do nothing. Expect them to keep looking at you and each other. If someone asks what you are going to do, repeat what you have just announced to them. After about five minutes, which will seem like forever, discuss with them the following questions.
Unpacking Questions:
- What was your initial reaction to my announcement?
- How were you feeling as we sat in silence, and how did you handle your feelings?
- How did your feelings and actions change during the time spent in silence?
- How long do you think we spent in silence? Are you surprised to know we spent five minutes in silence? Why or why not?
- Have you ever experienced silence from God when you have gone to him in prayer?
- If so, how did you respond to that silence?
- Why might God sometimes answer us with silence?
