3 Kinds of Contemplative Question Ideas to Reflect and Connect!
New Years can be a time for reflection and connection. This practice can be powerful as it can direct your perspective to what matters most. It offers an opportunity for gratitude, makes space for a reality check, and, if done well, sheds light on the future God has for you.Â
Let's look at some questions that can help in each area.Â
But first, let's set you up for success:
- Decide how you will invest: on your own, with a partner, or with a group?Â
- Choose a time for contemplation. Maybe New Year's Eve is not the best time for reflection in your house, or maybe it is? Would New Year's Day work better or should you set a time not connected with the 31st or the 1st to think about what God has for your New Year.
- Then see yourself there reflecting. Where do you see this happening? In the car driving home from the holidays, at a coffee shop, in your living room, or at your kitchen table? It's good to choose a place where you are comfortable and undistracted.Â
Envisioning sets you up ...
Three Impactful Questions for the New Year!
Want to connect with your family and friends (and even yourself) in a meaningful way this New Year's? These three questions can help!
New Year's is a great time to reflect, connect and project!Â
Here's a good place to start! Use these questions on your own, or with your spouse, family, friends, or in your small group!
1) REFLECTÂ What are you most grateful for in the past year?
You can have more than one answer, but take some time and truly consider each month or season and what you have been through. Did you overcome an obstacle, make it through a transition, accomplish a goal, or celebrate a milestone?
Take some time and journal if you are doing this on your own, or take turns sharing if you are with others. Or both!
2) CONNECTÂ What is a word you feel on your heart for the next year?
Spark off a hope you have, use a word picture, or start with an emotion. Sometimes it helps to talk it out or get input from others. Praying for a spark to start off is always a good idea.Â
Mayb...
New Year's Questions - reflect on how God was with you this past year and dream together for the next!
Living your best life doesn’t just happen, connecting with God, processing our past and preparing for our future usually requires intentional focus! Choosing good questions helps facilitate connection between what’s happening inside of us and how we live our lives.
Use these questions on your own, with your spouse or small group, friends or family. Pick a few or use them all if you feel moved.
Start with prayer – ask God to highlight what He wants you to remember from this past year.
Reflecting Questions:
- What are some significant events, accomplishments or relationships to acknowledge and celebrate from this last year?
- Where did God meet you in the middle of a difficult circumstance?
- What one character quality did you lean into this last year? (i.e. courage, peace, hope…)
- What name of God did you experience in a new way? (i.e. Counselor, Friend, Father…)
- Who is one person that connected with you in a significant way this past year? How will you let them know and thank them? ...