Jan 24, 2016
Jan 24, 2016
BELONG 1. How would you explain prayer to someone who had never been introduced to the concept? 2. When was the last time you prayed by yourself…just you and God? What did you pray for/about? Do you think this act of prayer affected any particular outcomes?…in other words, if you hadn’t prayed, do you think that anything would have turned out differently? What was your intended purpose in taking the time to pray? 3. Can you remember the first time you felt free enough to talk to God openly and honestly (without any “masks” that kept you from sharing or asking for certain things)?
GROW 1. Ask one of your group members to read Romans 8:2627. What does Paul mean when he says that we do not know what we ought to pray for? We all know many people who are undergoing various struggles, and we each have our own issues to face. How could we not know what to pray for? Is Paul indicating that we do not know what issues/requests to present, or that we do not know what results/outcomes we should ask for? What else might Paul be getting at here? 2. When Paul writes in verse 26 that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us through “groans which words cannot express,” what does this make you picture? How does the fact that the Holy Spirit of God is interceding/translating for us impact how you pray? 3. Have one of you group members read Matthew 6:58. Do you ever find yourself trying to make your prayers sound eloquent (especially when praying out loud)? What are you seeking to accomplish by delivering an eloquent prayer? If you ever get caught up in attempting to impress other believers with your wellworded prayer, what is the danger in losing sight of WHO the prayer is for? 4. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and discuss the meaning of this verse. Is it possible to truly pray “continually”? What does this look like in the life of a believer? 5. Lastly, read 1 Peter 5:67. How does the fact that God cares for you affect your prayer life? When we neglect to pray, how do you think this makes God feel?
REACH 1. Do you spend as much time in prayer for others as you do serving others? Why or why not? How should a believer balance these 2 pillars? 2. Do you or anyone you know feel like they need to wear a “mask” around God or other people? How does this affect their prayer life and their relationship with other believers? How might you share the truth if 1 John 1:810 with them this week in order to encourage them to let God and others see their true face?
GOINGDEEPER (split out guys and gals) What kinds of “masks” do you wear before God? What kinds of masks do you wear before others? What are you trying to prove by wearing these masks? If you wear these masks long enough, is there a risk of fooling yourself and overlooking your own faults rather than addressing and repenting from them?
“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” ‐ Corrie Ten Boom
