SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read James 5:17-18. When Elijah prayed, no matter how extreme it was, things happened. What do you think it would take to see things like that begin to happen in your personal prayer life? What would be some of the ripple effects that would happen with your family and friends if you saw prayers answered that were extreme? Discuss.

2. Read 1 Kings 19:3-8 & Psalms 34:15. When we talk to God, even in times of great crisis, like Elijah’s, he hears us and responds to our supplication. Prayer brings us God’s attention. What are some areas that you need God’s attention in? How have you communicated that to God? What answer have you heard from Him? Discuss this with the group.

3. Read 1 Kings 19:7-8; 9-10. When we cry out to God in prayer, His heart is turned toward us in affection. He is moved by our brokenness. He wants to lavish His love on His people. Scripture tells us that He is near to the broken-hearted. Discuss a recent time that you felt so broken that you cried out to God in prayer. How did He respond to you?

4. Read 1 Kings 19:11-14. Elijah was tired. He was done. He was depressed. We can all relate to where He was, but as He cried out in prayer, God showed Him affirmation and confidence that He could continue as He manifested His power to Him. It was a display to Elijah to encourage Him and continue to give Him a purpose. Discuss a time when you felt so overtaken that you just gave up, even after God showed you that you could make it through. What could you do differently that will help you to recognize that God is with you in every situation and empower you to push through to victory?

5. Read 1 Kings 19:15-18. In these verses, God heard Elijah’s prayer. He accepted him and his desire to no longer be in a place where he was constantly running for his life. He was given a new assignment to anoint Elisha in his place. We can look at this two ways: 1) Elijah gave up and God heeded to his brokenness and gave someone else the opportunity or 2) God loved Elijah so much that it hurt to see His son in so much distress so He provided an alternate plan. What is your view? Discuss this as a group.

6. Have you made prayer a priority in your personal life, the life of your family, your business, and your community? Why or why not? Where can you improve?