Starter: (In pairs)
Describe the best drink you have ever tasted. Why did you enjoy it so much?
Worship:
Use verses from Psalm 42 to get in touch with our deep thirst for God.
Read Both Gospel Passage Aloud.
You might choose to identify with the intense physical thirst of the Israelites in the exodus passage and the deep spiritual thirst which the Samaritan woman identified in herself as she spoke with Jesus.
Personal Focus (Personal reflection on the passages, commentary and questions.)
Commentary:
Out in the wilderness the people of Israel were well aware of their needs, but they were looking back nostalgically, rather than trustingly at the living God to supply them, which is, of course, an all too human reaction. The gospel passage reinforces the truth that we tend to try all kinds of inferior, stagnant or temporary water supplies rather than going straight to the source of living water which never runs dry. This life-giving water is guaranteed pure and wholesome for us and is exactly what we need at every changing moment of our journey through life. Jesus, through his loving acceptance of the Samaritan woman, enabled her to identify her thirst and showed her how, even her past could be redeemed through this water of life.
Personal Focus Questions
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to write down some thoughts in the spaces provided. )
1. Which verse in these readings speaks to you?
What is God saying to you?
2. What causes the silt in your own well-springs?
3. Which area in your own life would you most benefit having a conversation with Jesus about?
(When you have reflected share as appropriate in threes)
Life Focus
1. Which rocks do we need to smite to enable people in our communities to receive life-giving water?
2. What is the connection between these passages and the millions throughout the world
who have no access to clean safe water?
3. What action can we take this week?
Review Time
Report back on any action taken as a result of previous times of sharing.
Prayer Time
As a focus have a tray of sand to depict the dry desert, beside a lighted candle.
Pass round a goblet of fresh water; each person saying to the person sitting next to them.
"Jesus gives you the water of life."
