Vertical: Why Didn’t God Answer My Prayer? Message 2
Announcements
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Semester Break // August 7–August 27. During the semester break small group lessons will not be available but will resume at the start of the Fall Semester, August 28–December 10.
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Fall Small Group Expo // August 13-14 and August 20-21. Join the Small Group Expo Team to serve and to help connect individuals into life-giving relationships. It’s also a great way to build your small group! Contact Keenya at
[email protected] if you’re interested.
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Step 1 – Starting Point // August 7 at 12:45 in the LCC Annex Worship Center. Gain a basic introduction to the ministry of Church of the King and an opportunity to become a member of the church. Go to ChurchoftheKing.com/register to sign up.
Warm-up
When did you first learn about prayer?
Word and Application
Many of us have had an experience where we wonder why God isn’t answering our prayers in the way we thought He would. Scripture tells us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Only He knows the eternal outcome of all of our circumstances. Scripture also reveals that there are things that make a difference when we pray. This week we look to God’s Word to see what’s important to God when we pray. What Matters to God When We Pray: Five Things That Make a Difference 1. Your relationships matter to God. Read Mark 11:24-25 and 1 Peter 3:7. Our heavenly Father cares deeply about every part of your life, including all of your relationships. Are you following the “Golden Rule” of Scripture by treating others, as you would have them treat you? How would you rank yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being “not so great”? Small group lessons are available at cotkleaders.com.
Describe a relationship that has positively or negatively impacted your relationship with God? Is there someone you need to forgive? 2. Your motives matter to God. Read James 4:3 and Proverbs 16:2. God wants us to focus on Him. He examines our hearts and weighs our motives. We also need to examine ourselves to ensure that when we pray, our will is in line with His. Share a circumstance when you were conflicted between doing something out of selfish gain versus doing what was in line with God’s will. What are some practical tips to help us make the right choice? 3. The way you live matters to God. Read James 5:16 and Proverbs 15:29. How we live directly impacts the power of our prayers. How does the way you live help or hinder your growth spiritually and in relationship with God? 4. Your faith matters to God. Read James 1:6-7 and Matthew 9:29-30. Prayers are answered in accordance with our belief in what a loving and sovereign God can do. When we have confidence in God’s Word, our hope is secured. When we doubt, we waver between belief and unbelief in what God can and will do. What happens when our faith is divided between God and the world, instead of focusing on God alone? 5. God’s will also matters. Read 1 John 5:14-15 and Luke 22:42. Recognizing that God has a purpose and plan for each of us, we pray in line with his will which is evident through the many promises in His Word. Praying for God’s will to be done is some of the greatest words of faith that a person could ever say. Have you committed to seeking God’s will for your life? In what ways has this improved your prayer life? What matters most? More than anything else, what matters most in your prayer life is that you must have an honest relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Read John 9:31. In recognizing our need to connect with God through Jesus, we can enter into relationship with him. By accepting that we are made righteous through Christ, we can present our requests to God. Through faith and trust of God’s perfect timing, purpose, and will for our lives, we are able to accept the divine grace that God extends to us. What will you do this week to enter into a closer relationship with God?
Prayer
Close in prayer with praise and thanksgiving for having a heavenly Father that wants a relationship with us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area that may be hindering God from answering our prayers such as impure motives, relationships, or unforgiveness. Pray for specific needs of group.
Small group lessons are available at cotkleaders.com.
