Search For
God Study Groups
Why meet in a group?
The Edgar Cayce readings say that we learn by
comparing. This process is especially effective when we share
our viewpoints and experiences in a small group setting. As we
listen to one another, what matters is not that we should agree
or disagree, or try to discover who is “right”, but
rather that, as we genuinely allow ourselves to embrace a different
perspective, there may be a quickening to growth within ourselves.
It magnifies the results. Group work offers:
• Support for its
members
• Clarification
and feedback
• Motivation to
persevere
• A safe environment
• Other points
of view
• Open discussion
Although these are called “study groups”,
they are not focused on study for intellectual growth per se.
They might be more appropriately called “groups for the study,
meditation and application of learning how to love”.
Such growth is fostered in three distinct and
complementary ways:
• First is the
study of, and reflection upon, the content of the lessons. This
provides an understanding of spiritual law, of universal law and
of basic premises from which to reason.
• Second is meditation, quickened
by the use of an affirmation related to the spiritual laws or
premises given in the lessons.
• Third is the setting of the intent
to make the information more applicable by choosing a discipline
agreed upon by the group. This is a commitment to make the insights
gained applicable to each in their personal life. In other words,
application is key for progress, and the discipline helps maintain
a focus on the application.
In practice...
1. Typically, a Search for God Study Group meets
once a week in the home of a group member. A group optimally consists
of six to ten members. Some groups choose to rotate through the
members' homes, some choose to keep meeting at one place only.
2. The first few minutes are usually spent exchanging
greetings and then discuss business that is pertinent to the group.
3. Inspirational reading such as Bible scripture
or other holy texts follows. Each group decides what they prefer.
One group chose to read excerpts from the writings of Paramahansa
Yogananda, while others prefer to stick to the Bible or to other
sacred texts.
4. For an hour after that, the group focuses
on reading and discussing the Search for God material. The purpose
of the discussion of each paragraph is for clarification and perspective,
not necessarily to reach an agreement.
5. At the end of the hour, the group may take
a short break before beginning meditation and prayer.
6. Meditation time usually consist of an extended
period of quiet during which each member of the group focuses
silently of the affirmation related to the chapter being studied.
7. At the end of the meditation proper, the group
members will pray for one another and for individuals whom the
group is concerned about.
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