Prayer Group Guide

PRAYING FOR OUR FUTURE

Prayer can often feel more like a cultural tradition than a supernatural conversation. It's a ritual with no real expectations, like making a wish before blowing out candles on a birthday cake. We pray because it is an acceptable Christian practice, but the act is more habitual than helpful. What would happen if our church saw prayer as the weapon God designed it to be? According to scripture, prayer is one of the most extraordinary acts of dependence a believer is given. We don't have to be in a building, in a unique physical position, or use a certain number of words to experience the power of prayer. Prayer is crying out to our Father, knowing He has promised to listen, care about our plea, and provide comfort upon our requests.

When we address our Father with a proper understanding of our relationship, we will understand his replies to our requests. Our Father is not a genie, but the God of the universe. He is not bound to answer our every request (we should be thankful this is true). How often do we ask for what is not best for us or the Kingdom? In his wisdom, God knows what we need and denies what will hurt us or others. How then should we address God in prayer?

Our Father calls us to him with our hurts, struggles, weaknesses, frailty, and needs. Why should we be confident he will hear these pleas and respond? Here are the promises given to us concerning prayer:

Cast all our anxieties on him because he cares (1 Pet 5:7)

When you lack wisdom, ask and he will provide it abundantly (James 1:5)

In times of need, boldly ask for mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16)

Prayer can heal conflict between believers (James 5:16)

Prayer can provide peace among leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

These passages deal more with the believer's heart and less with their circumstances. Prayer is often a powerful weapon to fight against the darkness of discouragement. Prayer is when God's Spirit comes and provides strength in faith when our bodies and minds are weak. The gospel proves that we should trust prayer. Our King conquered death and will most assuredly conquer any fear, pain, or suffering we may be enduring when he returns.

Regarding the future of GRC, we need to rely on our Father's wisdom to provide us strength no matter where he leads us. If we meet in a field, parking lot, or a brand-new building, God will give us the strength and wisdom to keep our eyes on his purpose and His Kingdom. This time of prayer should prepare our hearts to expose greed and selfishness and help us treasure our King and his Kingdom. We know our Father will guide us, hear our pleas, and grant our requests because he has already promised to do so. As to a location? We trust in his guidance and rely on his grace.

Prayer Request:

1) God would prepare our hearts to trust his plan and will for the future

2) We would be willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom

3) We would protect, love, and serve each other as we continue to seek wisdom

4) We would not allow bitterness, selfishness, and pride to infiltrate our church