Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 45

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

1  My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2  You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you for ever.

3  Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty!

4  In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds!

5  Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.

6  Your divine throne endures for ever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

7  you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows;

8  your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9  daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10  Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house;

11  and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him;

12  the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts, the richest of the people with all kinds of wealth.

13  The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes;

14  in many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions, her escort, in her train.

15  With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

16  Instead of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.

17  I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you for ever and ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Bride of Tobias

Pre-existing Conditions
Tobit 6:9-17

1.       What attributes of Sarah does Raphael praise?  What affliction of Sarah does Tobias fear?  What battle for Sarah does Raphael propose when he says, “You will save her”?

2.       What attributes of your Bride attracted you?  How have you handled the afflictions of your wife?  How have you battled darkness/evil on behalf of your wife, to “save her”?

Holy Matrimony
Tobit 8:1-8

3.       How has Tobias’ journey and training prepared him to be a Bridegroom?  What is Tobias’ proposal for their wedding night?  What lessons do you perceive in Tobias’ words to Sarah?  To God?

4.       What journey and training prepared you to be a Bridegroom? How have you led prayer with your wife?  What were the fruits? What are some ways to lead your wife spiritually going forward?

The In-Laws
Tobit 7:9 – 18
Tobit 10:8 – 12

5.       What is the role of Sarah’s father in the wedding?  Sarah’s mother?  How do they relate to their son-in-law?  What roles have your in-laws played in your wedding?  In your marriage?

6.       After the wedding, what tension exists between Raguel’s priorities and Tobias’ priorities?  What relationship do you hope to have with your in-law children? How have you and your wife resolved tensions between your priorities and in-law priorities?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will tell my wife again what I found to fall in love with her.
2.    I will ask God what role He has for me in “saving” my wife.
3.    I will fast and pray against any darkness afflicting my wife.
4.    I will pray with my wife for her healing, freedom, and blessing.
5.    I will lead my wife in blessing God.
6.    I will praise my wife’s parents to her.
7.    I will pray for my in-laws and for their intentions.
8.    I will identify with my wife any possible resolutions to tensions between us and our in-laws.
9.    I will communicate with my in-law parents/children about any desires, priorities, or logistics before the next visit.
10.    I will discuss with my adult children any hopes or desires I have regarding their wedding or their marriage.

Previous Resolutions - Tobit 4-5

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.