Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “What images come to mind when you hear the word “benediction”?

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14.

Where did God appear to Solomon? [“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream” (3.5a).]
What did God say to Solomon, and what did Solomon say? [God said, "Ask what I should give you" (3.5b). Solomon replied, “An understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours?"(3.9b).]
- How does Solomon’s response reflect his character and priorities?
- If you were in Solomon's position, what would you have asked for, and why? How can we apply Solomon’s example to our decision-making processes today?
What is the significance of Solomon’s blessing from God in 1 Kings 3:13-14? How does it serve as a form of benediction for his reign? [The blessing signifies God’s approval and favor on Solomon, granting him wisdom, wealth, and honor. It serves as a benediction by setting a divine seal of blessing and guidance over Solomon’s leadership.]
In some way, the benediction is our weekly answer to God’s command, “Ask what I should give you.” In the benediction, we dare to join as a community to ask for God’s blessing. Not just understanding or help. Blessing. And more specifically, a blessing that extends the work we rehearse in worship into our daily lives…because when we ask God for blessing, we are participating in an ongoing conversation and work of grace with God and one another. Will our benediction extend or resist the work of grace in our communal life together?(Planning Worship, August 18)
- What does “a blessing that extends the work we rehearse in worship into our daily lives” look like?
- How will “your benediction extend or resist the work of grace in our communal life together”?

Optional Activity – Create your own benediction

To craft a personal benediction, start with gratitude, seek God's guidance, request strength and protection, ask for compassion and love, and end with a blessing.
Sample Personal Benediction for the Day: "Lord, thank you for this new day. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Grant me strength and protect me from harm. Fill my heart with love and compassion for others. May your peace be with me and everyone I encounter today. Amen."

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Pray the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for Solomon's example and his humble request for wisdom. Guide us as we seek your wisdom in our own lives, helping us to make decisions that honor you. May we continually grow in understanding and be inspired to apply your teachings daily. As we go forth, may your blessings be upon us, guiding us in all we do. Amen.

Discipleship Ministries staff created this resource with assistance from AI tools.