Connect20-25 minutes
Connect with your group about life this past week, any reflections on Action Steps from last week, and then discuss the following questions.
- Do you have a rhythm of prayer? When are you most likely to reach out to God, and what does it look like when you do?
- Is there something you prayed about when you were younger that you would pray for differently today?
Learn5-7 minutes
You will watch a short clip of the message from this series to set up your group discussion. The full version of the message is also available
online to reference before or after your group meeting.
Discuss20-30 minutes
- What is the difference between asking, seeking, and knocking?
- How does prayer help us to seek to know God and strengthen our relationship with Him?
- How hard is it for you to imagine that God has something better for you than what you might have in mind? What would help you remember that He loves you like a good parent loves their child?
- How has Jesus used the power of prayer to make a difference in your life?
- What is the biggest obstacle in your prayer life?
- Read Romans 8:26. How does this promise bring encouragement when it comes to prayer?
- Read Hebrews 4:14-16. The author of this passage describes promises about Jesus. How do those truths shape the way you pray and talk to God?
Pray10-15 minutes
Ask for prayer requests, and then you may opt to pray the following prayer based on Psalm 139.
Lord, you know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God.
You ARE thinking about our safety and the things we care about! It is because You know us and love us that we can come to You with our needs. Because You are a good, good father, You can be trusted with our thoughts and desires. May we surrender the outcomes of our prayers to Your good judgment. May these times, when we sit together in prayer, draw us closer to You.
We want You. If at the end of the day, we get You, it is enough. Amen.
Action Steps5-10 minutes
Between now and next week, here are some suggestions for action steps.
Attend the Weekend Service: Note any takeaways, next steps, or reflections in a notebook. These will help you as you prepare to participate in your small group, and your small group will benefit from your insights and questions as you learn together.
Other Practical Action Steps:
- Pray the Lord's Prayer & Reflect: Read Matthew 6:9-13. What line is the most meaningful to you right now? Meditate on that line this week and see how God nudges you.
- Pray for & Serve Others: Bringing God's kingdom to earth involves us expressing love and serving others. Read Matthew 5:1-10 and then spend some time in prayer, asking God to show you who in your life you could serve this week. Did God bring anyone to mind? Serving them could look like a text or phone call, helping with a yard project, or prayer. Consider ways for your group to serve together.
- Learn More: Take a look at the extra Message Resources if you're interested in diving deeper. These are accessible by clicking on the message and then going to "Message Resources" in the app or on our website.