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Growing in Prayer and Faith
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)
1. Opening Prayer
2. Scripture Reading
Read aloud the Bible passage at the top of this page ( Matthew 7:7-11).
3. Group Discussion
(1) Considering Bill Kynes’ article, “Growing in Prayer, Part 1: Hindrances to Prayer,” why is prayer so hard? What are the biggest hindrances to your prayer life? What strategies might help you to overcome these hindrances?
(2) How can you use the Lord’s prayer as an outline for prayer?
(3) In what ways does the Lord’s Prayer give us a sense of identity, mission, provision, and protection?
(4) In light of the reading in chapter nine of Don’t Waste Your Life, what are God’s priorities with respect to missions?
4. Prayer Requests
5. Closing Prayer
Homework
1. Reflect
Within a day or two after the meeting, prayerfully reflect on the meeting and its content.
2. Prepare for Next Meeting
Coming Next: Theme 6: Growing in Prayer and Faith—Meeting B
(1) Read Habits of Grace, by David Mathis, pp. 145-171 (chapters 13-15: BELONG TO HIS BODY (FELLOWSHIP): Learn to Fly in the Fellowship; Kindle the Fire in Corporate Worship; Listen for Grace in the Pulpit) (~26 pages)
(2) Read article, “Growing in Prayer, Part 2: Learning to Pray to Your Father,” by Bill Kynes, found on CSLI website (from Knowing & Doing, Spring 2017, ~5 pages)
(3) Read Reflections, “What is God’s Plan for Your Life?” (1 page)
(4) Watch Teaching Video, Growing in Prayer and Faith, with Stuart McAlpine, Teaching Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute and the founding pastor of Christ our Shepherd Church located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
As you watch the video, consider: What are Pastor McAlpine’s primary points? What support does he provide for each of these points? Which one (or ones) do you find most relevant to your life at this time? What from the video might you like to share with family members and friends? What about the video might you like to discuss in the next small group meeting?
(5) Complete Bible Study, Luke 18:1-8.
- Read. Carefully read this passage. As you do so, consider: What does the text say? What was the original intent? What does the passage mean? How does the passage apply to my life, and the lives of others, today?
- Reflect. What does this parable tell us about God’s willingness to hear the prayers of His people and give justice?
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