Before You Step In

GOAL:

This week we will discuss how prayer and fasting connect us to the will of God and fuel our ability to have the best year yet.

Conversation Starter:

What was the best part of your 2017? What are you looking forward to seeing God do in 2018?

REVIEW:

Ask Life Group members to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.

DISCUSSION

Prayer is a command!

References: Matthew 6:5-15, Psalm 27:13-14, John 15:1-8

When Jesus teaches on prayer, he teaches that “when we pray” we should do certain things. Therefore, it is God’s will that we all pray! In Matthew 6, how does Jesus say that we should pray? Which of his instructions stands out most to you and why?

There are many benefits of prayer and seeking the Lord. King David writes in Psalm 27 that we should wait on the Lord. What benefits do you think David got from waiting on the Lord based on this psalm and what we know about his life?

The process of waiting on the Lord allows us to remain close to him. In light of John 15, why might Jesus have instructed us to pray? What benefits of prayer have you seen in your own life?

Strong and Courageous prayers

References: Joshua 1, 3, Isaiah 54:1-3

Pastor Nathan preached out of the book of Joshua, where God was instructing Joshua, in the light of Moses’s death, that he was to be strong and courageous. What evidence do we see of Joshua’s courage in Joshua 3?

Prayer affects our ability to believe the will of God. As we discussed in our magnify series, prayer and declaration are essential parts of seeing the will of God come to fruition in our lives. What do you think, in the light of Joshua 1, that courageous prayers are?

How is the woman in Isaiah 54:1-3 an example of courage? What determines whether a person is courageous?

Make it Personal

Who do you know that you would call courageous? What qualities/characteristics do they possess?

What evidence do you see in your own life that you are connected to Christ? What evidence might lead you to believe that you need to press in and be closer to Him?

Do you find it difficult to hope for things or pray courageous prayers? Why or why not?

When was the last time that you prayed a courageous prayer and saw God come through on your behalf? What prayers are you going to pray as we enter into our annual time of prayer and fasting?

ACT ON IT

This week, make a plan of attack for the 21 days of prayer and fasting. Prayerfully consider what kind of fast to do and write out what you want to see God do this year. Prepare scriptures that will encourage you to pray bold, courageous prayers!

BEFORE YOU CLOSE:

This week Pastor Joie Miller shared on how God gives back to us what we give to Him.

Read: Luke 6:38, 2 Kings 4:1-7

The widow saw that God blessed her faithfulness by giving her more than she ever could have imaged! God is a God that desires you bless you! Just like the widow gave what she had and saw God supernaturally provide, He will do the same for you! If you want to see this principle in action in your life and desire to bless the Lord with an offering of sacrifice, you can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.

PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES

Ask Life Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.