03-29-2020
Rev. Trevor Johnston and Pastor Efrain Silva
Sermon Series: How to Pray, A Simple Guide for Normal People
Week 4: Ask
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
These Sermon Discussion Questions that we offer each week are designed to help the message go deeper into your life. You can think them through on your own, or discuss it with your spouse, family, or small group – whether in person or through an online platform.
1. Continue to memorize our sermon series verse. Say it together with your group. Luke 11:1: “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’”
2. In this sermon series, we are looking at Pete Grieg’s acronym P.R.A.Y. from his book, How to Pray, A Simple Guide for Normal People. ”P” stands for pause. “R” stands for rejoice. How did you do during this past week with pausing and with rejoicing?
3. The “A” in the P.R.A.Y. acronym stands for “Ask.” Share what your personal experience has been with regard to asking for things in prayer.
4. Read each of the following Scriptures about prayer and talk about what you notice:
Jesus said in John 4:13-14: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-11: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 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 good gifts to those who ask him!”
Jesus’ half-brother James wrote in James 4:2b: “You do not have because you do not ask God.”
Asking for yourself
5. Petition is asking for something for yourself. Yes, it’s OK to pray for yourself! God wants to bless you, and he invites you to ask him for things. Tell about the first time you asked for something for yourself in prayer and got an answer.
Asking for Others
6. God also encourages us to make requests for others in prayer. Scripture teaches that prayer actually changes things. How does it impact you to know that your prayer (or lack of prayer) could affect what happens in another person’s life?
7. It’s easy to promise that we’ll pray for someone, but then not actually do it. What helps you follow through on your intention to pray for other people?
8. Read Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
9. What do you tend to do when you feel anxious?
10. Describe what it’s like to experience God’s peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Replace worry with prayer
11. Write a “worry list” of some things you feel anxious about, and then pray together with your group about the items on your list.
Ready for your next step?
If you would like more information about how to take a next step in your faith journey, such as becoming a follower of Jesus or recommitting your life to him, you can text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and someone will contact you.
News and Announcements:
· Community of Hope will have a 24-7 Prayer Week from Sunday, April 5th – Sunday, April 12th. Sign up for a time-slot to pray at communityofhope.church/prayer.
· You can financially support our church by giving online at communityofhope.church/give. Thank you for your generosity!
· We are creating two different at-home kits to make Holy Week meaningful and special, even from your home. Please register at communityofhope.church/holyweek so we know how many kits to prepare. These are available in both English and Spanish.
o Good Friday At-Home Experience Kit for people of all ages. Many of you came to our Good Friday Walk-Through Experience last year. We’ve created an at-home version of that event with all you need to create an interactive experience designed to help you remember what Jesus did for you on that first Good Friday. We’re planning on one kit per COH household, and we also encourage you to sign-up for extra kits to give to your neighbors. This is a great opportunity to “Love the 561”! Register by April 6, so we know how many kits to prepare. communityofhope.church/holyweek
o Holy Week At-Home Kit for families with kids elementary age and younger with daily activities you can do together as a family all throughout Holy Week. This also includes a kids’ version of our Good Friday At-Home Experience. Register by March 30, so we know how many kits to prepare. communityofhope.church/holyweek