Pray Hungry

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. This scripture is conditional based on our act of humility and repentance unto Him. Often times God uses disasters, either natural ones or otherwise, to get us to acknowledge Him and humble ourselves. He will not humble us, but He asks that we humble OURSELVES. Discuss some of the disasters in your life that have occurred which have caused you to humble yourself. What are some areas that currently need an attitude of surrender? What are some things that you are praying for forgiveness or healing from?

2. Read Psalm 63:1, John 1:14, & John 14:6. Scholars believe that David wrote Psalms 63 as he was fleeing from Absalom for his life. We tend to seek God’s face when things are going awry in our lives. Here, David uses the word “earnestly” meaning he had strong emotions. How can we pursue God with this same type of desire even when we aren’t in a hard time? How can you have more of a longing for Him even when you’re not in a dark place. Discuss.

3. Read 2 Peter 3:13 & Hebrews 12:1-2. This particular book was written to a church that had gotten old and stale, settling into life and forgetting that we wage a war against the enemy daily. They were becoming weak by carrying things they shouldn’t have gotten caught up in. The word “encumbrance” means burden. The witnesses are all the saints that lived and died before us who are watching us run our race. How can we let go of all of these burdens practically and “run with endurance” in the race that we are currently in? What are some ways that you have gotten your eyes off of Jesus and onto your burdens? How can you better focus on Jesus?

4. Read Psalm 42:1, Psalm 36:7-9, Matthew 5:6, & John 7:37. Everything around us is hostile, not only toward the nature of God, but toward anyone who dwells in Him. There’s no peace anywhere and yet God urges us to find peace in Him. How is it possible to find refuge in God? How can we dwell in His presence when everything around us is in contradiction to His peace? What do you do when you need to find His peace? Discuss with the group.

5. Read Matthew 6:9-13. Read the Lord’s Prayer out loud together as a group. Jesus taught us exactly how we are supposed to pray. Break down the prayer in order and discuss it in simple steps as a group. What part of this prayer is the most challenging to you? Why do you think Jesus taught us to pray this way?