Rooted: The Effectiveness of Prayer 18 Apr

(Message 7) Are you afraid to pray? Do your prayers feel awkward or powerless? Then join us as we learn what prayer is and how to pray simply and effectively. #GCRooted

3 Action Steps:

Start Praying
Keep Praying
Make Progress

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Colossians 4:2-6

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Never stop praying

Joshua 10:12-14

12 On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon,and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.”13 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar[a]? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day!

Ephesians 6:13-18

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

How would you describe your prayer life? (e.g., intense, lukewarm, sporadic, frustrating. . .) Is praying an easy or difficult thing for you to do? Why or why not?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

Have you ever experienced a time when many people were pleading with God on behalf of the same request and that prayer was answered? What did that do for your faith?
Read Colossians 4:2. Paul said to have an “alert mind and thankful heart.” What can you do to make sure that you keep this focus?
Clay mentioned the following quote by J.C. Ryle: “Laziness and frivolity are bad enough in any profession but worst of all in that of a watchman for souls.” Take some time to discuss this quotation with your group.
Read Joshua 10:12-14. In these verses, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still. Wow, what an audacious prayer! Do you believe that God can do the miraculous for you in your life also? What keeps you from praying big, bold prayers?
Pastor Clay talked about our prayer life being like “calling in an airstrike” on the enemy. What are some areas in your life that need an airstrike to take place? What “airstrikes” should we be praying for in regards to our community, workplace, church, family, etc.?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

Have you ever been on a mission trip? How did it impact you? Do you believe that we can be “on mission” when we go to Southport Walmart, Myrtle Beach, or Wilmington? Why or why not?
How would or do you approach being the hands and feet of Christ in your everyday tasks? How can you actively prepare to see those opportunities and then be the love of Christ? Is prayer a part of preparing for those daily opportunities?
Do you have a plan for a daily prayer time? If not, take a look at your day in general and come up with a time that works for you and that can lay the groundwork for the day ahead. A lot of people keep a prayer journal. It’s a way to keep track of not only prayer requests, but of answered prayer as well.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

Pastor Clay gave some action steps at the end of his message. Start Praying, Keep Praying, and Make Progress. Commit this week to setting a time to pray every day and see what God does through that. If praying is difficult or awkward for you, try writing out your prayers.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Jesus, thank you for the fact that we can communicate with you through prayer and that you hear us. Please help me to learn how to pray with more power and boldness. Help me to be committed to praying more. – In Jesus Name, Amen

Start digging. For further study.