WEEK 12 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

The Future Church: Prayer

Introduction:

The Future Church series explores how the church can adapt and thrive in a changing world, often drawing inspiration from the Bible and the early Christian community. We will focus on topics such as cultivating intimacy with God, understanding how to follow Jesus, connecting with the church community, serving others, and giving in response to God’s grace.

Key Question: Is there a practice from the life of Jesus that could set us up to thrive in a culture of distraction and escapism?

Something To Talk About:

But what is most amazing about prayer is not that God answers us; it is that we can interact with God, feel His presence, and be one with Him. Nothing can take away the fact that God listens to us and cares for us.

God is our Father: Praying to God the Father is a spiritual practice that fosters a personal connection with the Creator. It involves honest communication, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and support. Prayers can be spoken aloud or silently, and often include praise and worship of God. Through prayer, believers acknowledge their dependence on God’s wisdom and love, finding comfort and strength. It helps cultivate faith and trust, deepens the relationship with God, and aligns one’s life with divine purpose. Consistent prayer nurtures a sense of peace, hope, and spiritual growth, strengthening one’s faith journey.
God is as close as the air: When praying to God, His presence feels as close as the air we breathe. In moments of heartfelt prayer, we sense a gentle, comforting presence surrounding us, filling our minds and spirits. Like the air that sustains life, God’s love and guidance are always around, accessible whenever we seek Him. Prayer creates a bridge, drawing us into His closeness, making us feel safe and understood. In these sacred moments, time seems to stand still, and God’s nearness becomes as natural and vital as the air we inhale, reminding us of His constant, unwavering love.
Prayer is the worshipful enjoyment of our Father’s presence: Prayer is the worshipful enjoyment of our Father’s presence, a sacred communication that deepens our spiritual connection. It is an act of reverence, gratitude, and supplication, where we seek guidance, offer thanks, and express our love. Through prayer, we experience the comfort and peace that come from being close to God, recognizing His sovereignty and grace in our lives. It transforms our relationship from mere obligation to heartfelt communion, allowing us to delight in His presence. As we pray, we find solace, strength, and joy, embracing the divine intimacy that sustains and elevates our spirit.
Prayers really do make a difference: They truly have an impact. Prayer shifts our focus from ourselves to God, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. When we pray, we invite divine power into human weakness and peace into anxious hearts. Prayer doesn’t always change our circumstances immediately, but it changes us—softening our hearts, renewing hope, and strengthening faith. Through prayer, God aligns our desires with His will, transforming despair into trust and chaos into calm. Do you believe prayers make a difference? I hope so because when we think so, we pray more. And when we pray more, we can see more answers to our prayers, and that increases our faith. But don’t just pray and leave, pray and abide in Christ, and you start recognizing God’s presence. We have a living God who hears our prayers and cares for us. Let’s interact as much as possible with Him.

Discussion Questions:

What is the purpose of prayer?
Is prayer a challenging discipline for you? Why or why not?
What keeps you from praying regularly, and what are some ways to overcome these challenges?
How would you rate your time spent talking with God this past week, and what can you do to increase it?
What are some next steps you can take in your prayer life?
How can you incorporate prayer throughout your day?
How does reframing prayer as an ongoing conversation with God change how you think about prayer?
How can we tell if our prayer life is a genuine two-way conversation?
What did Jesus mean when He said we could ask for “whatever you ask in my name”?
How does prayer unite us with one another?
What does a ministry of prayer look like, and does everyone have one?

Take one thing home with you:

If I were to ask you to describe your prayer life, what would you say? Prayer seems to be an area where not many of us have it quite “figured out.” We all go through seasons where we feel connected to the Lord, and other times, we are distracted and inconsistent. Today, you might be trying to figure out how to find unhindered time to be with the Lord in prayer. While extended time in prayer is incredibly important, it is not the only way to incorporate prayer into your day.

When we read Paul’s exhortation to “ever stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we might think, That seems unrealistic–what would that even look like to pray that much? The purpose behind this verse is not to quantify the time you pray. Praying constantly means we pursue a rhythm where we take every opportunity to depend on the Lord joyfully. When we establish deep rhythms of prayer, we develop a posture of quiet submission to the Spirit as He moves in and through us.