Learning Activities

Small group discussion guide: Prayers for materialists

Synopsis: One of the strengths of Sustaining Simplicity is the author’s consistent critique and managing of materialism.  Not all of us can come to this level of maturity, however. This guide for a 90-minute small group session provides participants help in identifying and recovering from “lifestyle addictions” such as excessive credit card use, shopping, focus on a single possession or the need to be entertained.

Outcome

Participants use prayer as a means for confessing and seeking deliverance from the affliction of lifestyle-related addictions.

Materials

Newsprint and markers
Writing paper and pens or pencils
Photocopies of the reading, “About addiction”

Activities

1. Begin the session by asking one or more participants to read “About addiction” out loud while other participants follow along on their copies. Talk about participants’ reactions to the reading, using questions such as: 

• What struck you as especially important?
• What else do you know about “addictions,” beyond substance abuse?
• What in the reading came close to your own life, your feelings, and your sensitivities? (25 minutes)

2. Distribute paper and pens or pencils and ask participants to describe in writing some possible (or likely) addictions in their own lives. They will not share what they have written with anyone else. (15 minutes)
3. With the whole group, talk about the question, “What might be the effects of addictions of any kind on a sustainable lifestyle?” Track thoughts on the newsprint. (20 minutes)
4. Adjust room seating or lighting for a time of silent confessional prayer. Offer these two prayer prompts and write them on newsprint for participant reference. (15 minutes)

• Overwhelming urges that shut out almost anything else in your life.
• The harm that your addiction cause to you and others.

5. Talk together about participants’ reactions to the experience.  (15 minutes)

Closing prayer