Desired Takeaway
Participants begin to see purpose not as something they must figure out or achieve, but as something the Holy Spirit creates and empowers in them—learning to live with attentiveness and dependence rather than pressure and performance.

Lean In (Icebreaker)
Pick one:

• What’s something you once thought would define your life—but doesn’t feel as important anymore?
• When have you felt most “on purpose” in your life?

Look Down (Scripture Focus: Acts 1:8)
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

• Instead of hearing this as a command to go and do more, notice the order: you will receive power… and you will be my witnesses.
• What stands out to you about the promise in this verse?
• How does it change things if being a witness is something the Spirit produces in you, rather than something you have to manufacture?
• What do you notice about who is responsible for the power in this passage?

(Leaders: help the group sit in the idea that the Spirit initiates and empowers—this is not driven by human effort.)

Look Out (Cultural Contrast)
Our culture often tells us that purpose comes from achievement, clarity, and self-determination.

• Where do you see messages in everyday life that push you toward self-reliance or “figuring it all out” on your own?
• How does that compare with the picture here, where people are told to wait and receive before doing anything?
• What feels uncomfortable about depending on God instead of depending on yourself?

Look In (Heart Reflection)
The barrier isn’t usually laziness—it’s often fear, inadequacy, or control.

• When you think about living on mission with God, what feelings come up—fear, pressure, inadequacy, resistance?
• In what ways do you tend to rely on your own ability instead of the Holy Spirit?
• Where might you be striving to prove something instead of receiving what God has already promised to give?

(Leaders: Gently reveal that self-reliance can look like responsibility or ambition—but still keeps us disconnected from dependence.)

Live It Out (Practice-Oriented)
Instead of thinking about big, intimidating steps, focus on small, Spirit-led responsiveness.

• What is one small, simple way you can pay attention to the Holy Spirit this week in your everyday environment (your “Jerusalem”)?
• Where might God already be inviting you to notice a person, a need, or a moment?
• What would it look like to take one step—not out of pressure—but מתוך trust that the Spirit will meet you there?

Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Practice “Pause and Receive”
 - Once a day, pause for 2–3 minutes and simply pray:
“Holy Spirit, I receive your power today. Lead me.”
Don’t ask for clarity on your whole life—just receive for today.
2. Notice Your Jerusalem
 - Pay attention to one ordinary place you already inhabit (work, school, neighborhood).
Ask: Where is the Spirit already at work here?
3. Take One Small Step
 - If you sense a nudge (encouraging someone, listening, offering help), act on it without overthinking.
Keep it small and relational, not impressive.

Prayer Prompt
Invite the group to pray along these lines:
“Holy Spirit, we’re used to trying to figure everything out on our own. Teach us to receive instead of strive. Replace our pressure with your presence. Where we feel inadequate, remind us that you are our power. Help us notice where you are already at work and give us courage to take simple steps of obedience. Form in us lives that naturally point to Jesus. Amen.”