The Prodigal Son and Augustine of Hippo: Bible Study of Luke Chapter 15 (The Hagios Study Series)

Step into the captivating world of Augustine as he embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, pouring out his soul in a heartfelt prayer called The Confessions. As you immerse yourself in this 6-part study, you'll uncover a remarkable parallel between Augustine's story and the timeless parable of the prodigal son found in Luke chapter 15. Embark on a pilgrimage, walking side by side with Augustine through the sacred scriptures, as you draw ever closer to the Father's loving embrace.The Prodigal Son and Augustine of Hippo is the second study in the Hagios Study Series. The name comes from the Greek word hagios meaning "holy, set apart by God, saint."This perfect-bound full color118-page 8x11 book includes:Four sections in each week for well-paced progressionRead - Explore the featured verse by viewing it alongside supporting verses. By comparing verses that share the same words across the Greek versions of the Old and New Testament you will better understand the English translation and how these parallel verses give insight into the main reading.Reflect - View a skillfully crafted meditation video on the Hagios Study mobile app along with short reflections from early Church Fathers to aid you in journaling your thoughts on the readings.Respond - Discover the story of a Christian brethren and how they responded to the main scripture for the week. Approachable questions will aid you in prayerfully determining application to your life.Rest - The final section brings together all the previous three sections for a moment of final consideration. Begin by listening to a contemporary praise song on the mobile app while meditating on the verses from the week. Then finish with an inspired prayer from our communion of saints.Discussion questions for small groups or personal reflectionJournal pagesAudiovisual meditations in The Hagios Study mobile app (the free mobile app companion for the study)How is the study structured?The study is broken down into 6 parts. These parts can be weeks, days, or hours in a one-day retreat, there's no restriction on how quickly or slowly you execute each part.Each part's four sections follow the ancient monastic form of studying scripture called Lectio Divina, Latin for “divine reading.” This prayerful practice was first established in the 6th century by Benedict of Nursia and then fleshed out into a four-step process by the Carthusian monk Guigo II in the 12th century. The purpose of the format for Lectio Divina is to enter into a conversation with God.Since this study is a scripture study it uses the Lectio Divina scholastic format of Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest. In each section, you will seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit. There’s plenty of flexibility in how you execute this study. If you’d like to do one section a day or all four in one day, that’s up to how the Spirit is leading you.The goal of Lectio Divina is to make scripture come alive and provide a way for you to connect with God’s Word on a level that is both personal and convicting.Who is this study for?This study was written to be sensitive to all Christian denominations. It is ideal for both men and women in small group ministries.Although initially for Catholic small group study, these studies can easily be embraced by all Christian denominations that 1) believe scripture is the inspired word of God 2) Jesus is the Son of God and 3) Jesus' words in the Gospels apply to our lives today. Read more