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This presentation has been developed into a special edition of Broadcast Talks. To read about What Accounts for the Powerful Spiritual Impact of C.S. Lewis ? please click here.
3. Questions for group discussion (or individual reflection)
(I) As noted in the Introduction to this Study Guide, Professor Dorsett began studying the spiritual formation of C.S. Lewis because he wanted to understand how Lewis developed into an increasingly mature Christian who would have such a positive impact on many people. Based on the video, what were some of disciplines and other factors that helped Lewis in his spiritual growth?
(II) As discussed by Dorsett, C.S. Lewis urged a new Christian to “be busy learning to pray.” What do you think about this advice? Do you view prayer as a discipline that needs to be learned through practice? Do you think this advice would also apply to more mature Christians? Wherever you are in your walk with the Lord, what are some specific steps you could take to more purposely “be busy learning to pray”? [STSP, pp. 29-30]
(III) Lewis observed that Christian teaching “seems at first sight to contain two different patterns of petitionary prayer which are inconsistent.” According to Lewis, one of the patterns (Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane) is “if it be possible … nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt,” and the other (Mark 11:24) is “Whatsoever you ask believing that you shall receive you shall obtain.” How did Lewis resolve this tension? How would you resolve it? [STSP, pp. 35-36]
4. Read Reflections: “Jesus Christ” (1 page)
5. Close in prayer
Personal Action Steps
(1) Reflect about your current relationship with the Lord and your prayer life over the past two or three months. Pray about whether you would grow in your relationship with God by more purposely being busy learning to pray. If so, write down (a) a specific step you plan to take over the next two weeks to “be busy learning to pray” and (b) list the days during that two-week period you will take that action.
<< Lyle Dorsett
Lyle Dorsett, Professor, holds the Billy Graham Chair of Evangelism at Beeson Divinity School in Samford University. He taught courses in evangelism, spiritual formation and church history. He also serves as the pastor of Christ the King Anglican Church in Homewood, Alabama. Lyle received his PhD in American history and has published numerous books, including several Christian biographies and three works on C. S. Lewis.
COPYRIGHT: This publication is published by C.S. Lewis Institute; 8001 Braddock Road, Suite 301; Springfield, VA 22151. Portions of the publication may be reproduced for noncommercial, local church or ministry use without prior permission. Electronic copies of the PDF files may be duplicated and transmitted via e-mail for personal and church use. Articles may not be modified without prior written permission of the Institute. For questions, contact the Institute: 703.914.5602 or email us.
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