Week 9 Reading

Read Anatomy of the Soul, P. 157-204

1. On page 176 Thompson explains that prayer often requires hard work, especially contemplative prayer, which requires us to be aware of what God is doing. He also talks about a depth of prayer that comes primarily from the right hemisphere of the brain and relates it to Romans 8:26 about how our innermost being groans. He suggests that this is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit engages with us. Have you experienced Holy Spirit in this way? Share a time that you felt like you connected with God on a level far beyond reason and logic.

2. How does the idea of God’s movement toward and away from us—like in Genesis 3:8—challenge or deepen your understanding of His presence in times of joy and distress? How does this play out in the truth that He never leaves us, yet sometimes feels distant? How can it also relate to the reality that He sometimes comes in greater measure? See Page 187 for context.

3. What do you think about the role of shame in the Christian life? Can it ever be helpful, or is it always something we should reject? See page 192 for context.

4. Is there anything else you want to share?