Read Acts 12:1-5

DISCUSSION:

     -What details stand out to you about this passage?

   but the church was earnestly praying to God for him Acts 12:5

DISCUSSION:

     -Discuss why you do or why you don't pray. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

DISCUSSION:

There is plenty of anxiety in our world today. 

     -Does this verse change if and how you pray? 

Read Acts 12:6-16

DISCUSSION:

     -What details stand out to you in this passage?

At the beginning of this story, Herod shows his great power. Another, greater power shows up and by the end he has died from worms. 

God has the last word.

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. Acts 12:24

The people of God were not afraid even in the face of persecution. They earnestly prayed and kept spreading the news about Jesus. 

DISCUSSION:

     -How comfortable are you sharing your faith, your reason for hope with others?

     -What keeps us from spreading this good news?

There will always be questions that we do not have answers to. Our prayers are not always answered they way they were for Peter. But these are times that our trust and faith grow deep.

"I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time - waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God - it changes me."  C.S Lewis

DISCUSSION:

     -Discuss this statement by C.S. Lewis. 

     -What are you praying about now in your life?

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16