DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- One of the best stories we can share is the story of what led you to be baptized. If you’ve been baptized, would you like to share what led to that decision? And if you haven’t, is it something you would consider? (Our next Baptism Weekend is coming up on 5/15-17.)
- This week’s message is about the phrase “Name it and claim it.” What comes to mind when you hear this saying?
- What is one prayer God answered in a way you hoped for, and one he answered differently than you expected?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Luke 11:5-13. From this passage, what is Jesus trying to teach us about prayer and God our Father?
- Read John 14:13-14 and 1 John 5:14-15. In these verses, Jesus wasn’t saying God is obligated to do whatever we ask, like a genie in a bottle. Looking at the key phrases or qualifiers, how does praying “in Jesus’ name” and “according to his will” change our approach to prayer?
- Read John 15:5-8. Jeff said, “Prayer is not transactional but relational.” What would it look like to pray in relational alignment with God?
- Reread Luke 11:13. When we pray, God gives us more of himself through the Holy Spirit, and we open our lives to God’s presence. How does this change how we see God answering our prayers?
Go Deeper
- Why do you think “unanswered” prayer can sometimes cause doubt or discouragement?
- Which prayer qualifier stands out most to you: in Jesus’ name, according to his will, relational alignment, or God giving us himself?
- Are there prayers you’ve been tempted to give up on? What might “keep asking, seeking, and knocking” look like there?
- How can this group encourage one another to grow in bold, persistent prayer?
Pray
Spend an extended time praying as a group. Consider the following exercise: Hand out paper and a pen to everyone in the group and spend a few minutes writing down
- Something you are thankful for,
- Something in your own life you want to pray for, and
- Someone else in your life you would like to pray for.
Then, pass the paper to your left, and take turns praying out loud for the person on your right. This prayer could be as straightforward as reading the statements on the paper and
closing with “in Jesus’ name.” The last person can end the time of prayer. Keep the paper and pray for one another throughout the week.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 – Ask Boldly
- Read: Luke 11:9-13
- Practice: Bring one specific need to God with boldness and persistence today. Write it down and pray about it three times throughout the day.
- Prayer: “Father, help me come to you with confidence, trusting your goodness.”
Day 2 – Pray in Alignment
- Read: John 14:13-14
- Practice: Before praying for something, ask, “How does this align with Jesus’ heart and purposes?” Adjust your prayer accordingly.
- Prayer: “Jesus, shape my prayers around your mission and in your name, not just my preferences.”
Day 3 – Trust His Will
- Read: John 5:14-15
- Practice: Pray over something uncertain using this pattern: “Here is what I desire … but I trust you to do what is best.”
- Prayer: “God, teach me to trust your will and wisdom over my understanding.”
Day 4 – Deepen Relationship
- Read: John 15:1-7
- Practice: Spend 10 minutes in prayer with no requests; just focus on gratitude, listening, and being present with God.
- Prayer: “Lord, draw me closer to you. Help me seek relationship, not just results.”
Day 5 – Receive His Presence
- Read: Philippians 4:6-7
- Practice: Bring your anxieties to God and specifically ask for his peace, not just changed circumstances. Notice where his presence meets you.
- Prayer: “Holy Spirit, give me your peace, strength, and presence today.”