“To be Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Connect
What part of having a conversation are you better at: Listening or Talking?
In this stage of your life, would you say you tend to talk more to God or listen more to God? What makes that easier or harder?
What is one small, realistic next step you could take this week to talk and listen to God more intentionally?
Discuss
When you think about your current prayer life and engagement with Scripture, how would you describe it right now? What about it feels life-giving? What feels hard or inconsistent?
In the message, Nathan said, “If it matters to you, it matters to God.”
What is something you’ve hesitated to bring to God because it felt too small, too repetitive, or too messy?
Joel described Scripture as a voice to be heard, not just information to be learned. What do you think would change if you read the Bible with that posture?
What might it look like for you to pray the Bible instead of just reading or studying it?
Action Steps
This week, commit to engaging Scripture and prayer at least 4 times using the Read–Reflect–Pray–Rest rhythm. Show up four times a week for a few minutes and let God meet you there. You can use the First 5 resource on The Crossing App or read a few verses in a Psalm whatever the Holy Spirit is leading you to do.
Prayer
Ask for prayer requests and close in prayer.
Jesus, we come to You now simply because You invite us to. Not because we have it all together, not because we have the right words, but because You long to be in relationship with each of Your children. Help us learn to listen to You through Your Word and to rest in Your presence, trusting that You hold us through it all. God, help each of us come to You fully honest about where we are. And when that feels difficult, point us back to Your Word to be reminded that we can bring our entire selves to You because You care for us. Jesus, be with us as we take intentional steps this week to be in Your Word. Help us grow in knowing You, Your love, and Your grace more and more.
Amen