Welcome to Sunday Fuel! This series of questions is designed to assist your personal reflection and fellowship with others about the sermon from this past Sunday.
As children of God, we now have a new relationship with Him that matures as we praise Him and depend on Him in prayer. Choose one of the following to help you apply this week’s message:
1. If you evaluate your prayer life, what might you conclude are your beliefs about prayer? Do you view it as a polite brush-off when you don’t really want to do something? Or do you view it as pointless because it doesn’t seem to result in much, if anything, at all? Or do you turn to it as a last resort when all your other efforts have failed?
Compare your beliefs to Jesus’ perspective on prayer throughout his life, even to the very end of his earthly ministry. Consider the fact that even now he is interceding for you in heaven (Rom. 8:34). How might that encourage and comfort you? Challenge your perspective on the value and importance of prayer?
Take time to pray for growth in your prayer life. Confess your small understanding of prayer and ask God to help you grow to appreciate this gift. Then consider who you might pray for today!
2. Pastor Allen pointed out “Prayer is gospel ministry for every Christian in every season.” Whether you have the opportunity to pray for someone in the moment or you have a dedicated prayer list, consider how Phil. 1:8-11 might help you minister to others in prayer:
- Start by praying for any and all concerns, difficult situations and circumstances. God is a good Father who wants to bring everything, big or small, to Him.
- Consider also asking God for things that Paul prays for as well. How might keeping the day of Christ in view shape your prayers for them differently?
- Pray that their love for God is constantly growing and overflowing, even in their challenges or hardships.
- Pray that their knowledge of God results in praise, faith, and trust.
- Pray that what they know about Him may make them more discerning and give them the wisdom to approve or value what is excellent over what is easy or lesser.
- Pray that their choices will lead them to live with both an inner and outer integrity, even in seasons of suffering.
- Pray that they would give God glory as they live their lives for Him.
Let them know what you have prayed for them! Send them a text, email or letter of encouragement.
3. If prayer is truly the “boiler room” or powerhouse of a church, consider how you might serve our church by showing up to the various prayer opportunities:
- Join in the weekly 8:15 prayer meeting on Sundays prior to the day’s services. Even if you cannot attend, pray from where you are, that God’s Word is preached faithfully for gospel change in the lives of all who hear.
- Participate in the monthly prayer gatherings for outreach efforts
- Join in the prayer meetings for the ministries of the church, scheduled three times a year.
