Jesus tells us to ask Him for our "daily bread." What is the "daily bread" we need from God? What is the benefit to us if we present our needs to the Father instead of trying to provide for them by the strength of our own hands? Join us for session 7 as we discuss how to truly trust the Lord to provide for every need and be content with what He gives us.
Verses Used:
John 6:35
Exodus 16
1 Timothy 6:6
Matthew 5:6
Discussion Questions:
1. What does the prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread” mean?
2. In what ways do we try to provide our own “daily bread” (necessities)? What does this lead to?
Instead of trying to provide our own daily bread, what does Scripture tell us to do? (Matthew 6:25-34)
3. How does seeking the Lord for our “daily bread” instead of relying on our own strength, keep us dependent on Him?
4. How does anxiety indicate a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide for our needs whether they are physical, spiritual, emotional, etc.?
5. Instead of being anxious, what does Philippians 4:6 command us to do? Do we actually do this? Why or why not?
6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 7
Matthew 6:11
October 19, 2021 • Paula Thorp • John 6:35
When You Pray Session 13
December 7, 2021 • Erin Morris
In addition to teaching us how to pray, the Bible mentions different people we should pray for. We should be in the habit of praying for those in authority over us, fellow believers, those who are sick and/or in sin, the lost, and even our enemies. Join us as we conclude our study on prayer by looking at the various people we are called to pray for. Verses Used: Ephesians 1:18-20 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Psalm 19:14 Matthew 9:37-38 Matthew 5:44 Luke 23:33-43 Discussion Questions: 1. When we are called to pray for those in authority over us, who is Scripture talking about? Why is it important to pray for them and what things should we pray? 2. Why should we pray for fellow believers? What things should we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ? 3. Has the Lord ever put someone on your mind, out of the blue, to pray for, that opened up doors of opportunity to minister/mentor them? How did that turn out? 4. Do you spend any kind of significant time in prayer for the lost? Has that brought about any opportunities to minister to strangers? 5. How and why should we pray for those who are sick both physically and spiritually? (in rebellion against the Lord) 6. How and why should you pray for someone who has hurt/wronged you? How has praying for them changed your heart toward them? 7. How did God used this study in your life this past semester?
When You Pray Session 12
November 30, 2021 • Diane Clift
Most often we desire a quick resolution to our prayers. We want instant answers and a quick fix. There are times, however, when God doesn't answer us quickly and we must return to the Lord over and over in prayer about these things. Why might an answer delay? What spiritual benefit might this grant to us and why should we not lose heart when we are not answered right away, but continue to pray? Join us for session twelve as we study Jesus' teaching on persevering in prayer. Verses Used: Luke 11:1-13 Colossians 4:6 Luke 18:1-8 Matthew 15:22-28 James 5:17-18 1 Kings 18:43-44 Psalm 55:17 Psalm 38:15 Psalm 27:14 Romans 8:26 Discussion Questions: 1. Why or when are we tempted to lose heart and not persevere in prayer? 2. What are reasons God may not answer our prayers right away? 3. What does it mean to labor fervently or strive in prayer? Do these characteristics accurately describe your prayer life? 4. Are you discouraged in your prayer life? It can be difficult to continue praying on when you don't see answers coming. Have you been persistent, even in just one prayer? 5. Have you seen a mighty answer from God as you have fervently prayer? Take some time to think and then share to encourage others. 6. How have you seen God answer prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 11
November 16, 2021 • Samantha Marsh
Fasting is mentioned alongside prayer in the Bible in multiple passages. What exactly is fasting and what is the purpose of it? In session eleven we examine how fasting impacts our relationship with the Lord and helps purify our motives here on earth. Verses Used: Matthew 6:15-18 Is 58:2-7 Zechariah 7:5-7; 9-10 Joel 2:12-14 Luke 18:9-24 Philippine 3:19 Discussion Questions: 1. What is the purpose of fasting? What are some of the reasons people fasted in Scripture? 2. How does fasting impact our spiritual lives and our relationship with the Lord? 3. What things can we fast from? 4. Have you ever fasted over anything? How did you see God use that time of fasting in your life? 5. Is there anything in your life that you’re being led to fast and pray about? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?