Ever After

1998, PG, Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott

Main Point: Our students may be passionate about all kinds of things for all the wrong reasons. As you talk about what true, godly passion (or conviction) is, help them see that it’s ok to be passionate about the right things for the right reasons.

Plot Summary: A retelling of Cinderella, about a smart, witty girl who impresses and occasionally intimidates her Prince Charming.

Movie Clip: From 0.00.00 on your video counter at the Century Fox logo, go to about 0.59.45 in the film. Prince Henry and Danielle are at the library, where she is obviously enthralled. She expresses her love for books, inherited by her father, as well as her love for him. Prince Henry, who has been cynical up to this point, gets a little teary eyed and says, “In all my years of studying, not one tutor ever demonstrated the passion you have shown me in the last two days. You have more conviction in one memory than I have in my entire being.” STOP about 1.01.39 when the scene changes.

Introduction: Have two leaders or student leaders do a 2-minute goofy skit about being in love – either with another person or an inanimate object. Tell them to completely overdo compliments and facial expressions about the person or object.

Then, read Psalm 63:1-8 to the group. (Written when David was in the Desert of Judah)

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is not water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Sounds like this guy’s in love! But, this isn’t puppy love between two adolescents merely attracted by cuteness. Rather, it’s passion developed from times alone with God, listening and pouring out his heart.

SHOW CLIP HERE: In this scene, Prince Henry and Danielle are at the library, where she is obviously enthralled. She expresses her love for books, inherited by her father, as well as her love for him. Listen to what he says when he finally responds to her.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Prince Henry responded to Danielle, saying, “In all my years of studying, not one tutor ever demonstrated the passion you have shown me in the last two days. You have more conviction in one memory than I have in my entire being.” Could this be said of you? Why or why not?
2. ASK A FEW: What are you passionate about? Why?
3. ASK A FEW: How do you show your passion?
4. ASK A FEW: When would passion be a good thing?
5. Deut. 6:5 says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

   ASK SOMEONE: Why is this an example of godly (good) passion or conviction?

6. ASK A FEW: What does this look like in our daily lives? (Leaders: If after several students have answered, it hasn’t come up, point out things like being passionate for Jesus, for His word, His people, your friends who don’t know Jesus, and your family.)

In the Psalm that was read at the beginning, David said things like, “earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, your love is better than life, I think of you, and my soul clings to you.” As we go back into the big group, I want you to think about the passion for God David expressed and how you can express that same kind of passion in your own words, in your own life.

Large Group Wrap-Up: (Leaders: Turn on a worship CD conducive to prayer and reflection for your wrap-up.)
We just talked about why that verse (Deut 6:5) is an example of godly passion. It’s active, not passive. It’s involved, not detached!

As we close, I want each of us to find a spot in this room to face the wall and pray about what we’re really passionate about, asking ourselves and God if we’re passionate about the right things for the right reasons. Then ask God to help you to live Deut 6:5 out in your life, being passionate for Him, for His word, for His people, for your friends who don’t know Jesus, and for your family.

Optional Scriptures, Points, or Questions:

• John 2:17, His (Jesus’) disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
• Your wrap up is a great opportunity to pray for your students and have your stronger, more mature students pray for your weaker, younger students.
• For your wrap up, you can also pass out paper and pens and have students write out specifics, like, “I’m passionate about my boyfriend/girlfriend, but I want to be passionate about Jesus.” Have them write out things they need to do in order to walk this out in their lives. (Example: “I need to be accountable to Shelby about my daily prayer time.”)

By Danette Matty