Josh had an incredible message for us this morning on Praying for One Another. This week we are not doing discussion questions, but would encourage you to spend some time with your group, intentionally praying over each other. That can be in person, or via text/group chat like Josh suggested! And remember the emoji!

Josh also had us pray some pre-written prayers aloud for both Haiti and Afghanistan. Those prayers are written out below.

Three Reasons Why we Pray
1. Intimacy

Matthew 6:6 NLT
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

2. Outcomes

Matthew 6:6 NLT
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Matthew 26:39 NLT
He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

3. Heart change

Matthew 5:44 NIV
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Your prayer may or may not change someone else, but it always changes you.


Three Reasons Why we Pray for One Another
1. Intimacy

Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

2. Outcomes

3. Heart change

Steps to Take
Pray for one another
Pray by yourself
Pray by texting it to someone
Pray for someone in a group gathering
Pray for someone in person
Pray for someone with big expectations
Pray for God to give you a word for someone
Pray for those who have persecuted you

Steps to Take
Receive prayer from one another
Send in prayer requests
Text someone/group chat to pray
Go receive prayer from the Prayer Team

Pray persistently for one another

Pray for Haiti
God we believe you are close to the broken-hearted.
And that you give strength to the weary.
We come to you God to lift up the people in Haiti.
Please be with the wounded and with those who are rescuing them.
Comfort all those who are mourning and give them strength to continue on.
We pray that they experience your presence as you watch over them.
Bring them healing and give them hope.
Amen.

Pray for Afghanistan
God we believe you are a God of compassion and of justice.
We know fear, and oppression break your heart.
We ask for your peace and justice.
Protect the people and your church in Afghanistan.
We pray that the people persecuting others would meet you and turn from their ways.
Please bring an end to this evil.
You are the God of hope. So replace their fear with your hope God.
Amen.