Feel free to just use these questions rather than the entire guide.
Read James 5:13–16 and 1 Peter 5:7. How do you feel about the practice of prayer? Is it easy and comfortable? Challenging? Confusing? Helpful?
What holds you back from sharing your questions, concerns, and requests with God when praying alone? What about when praying with others?
Dave shared an acronym to help us learn how to P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield). Share a practice that helps you connect with God in prayer.
Close your time by praying for each other, our church, and our world.
Group Reconnect
What was the first concert you attended?
Do you enjoy giving and receiving nicknames? Share a story about a nickname that either delights or frustrates you.
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Clickhere.
Message Recap
This week, we wrapped up our series on the book of James, written by a Jesus follower known for spending a lot of time in prayer. Dave Dummitt taught us about this sometimes mysterious and confusing practice, sharing ways we can grow in how we communicate with God:
Pray when you’re in trouble.
Pray with other people.
Pray powerfully.
Discussion Questions
Read James 5:13–16 and 1 Peter 5:7. How do you feel about the practice of prayer? Is it easy and comfortable? Challenging? Confusing? Helpful?
What holds you back from sharing your questions, concerns, and requests with God when praying alone? What about when praying with others?
Dave Dummitt shared a quote from Tim Keller: “God will either give us what we ask for in prayer or give us what we would have asked for if we knew everything he knows.” Discuss this quote in light of the answers to prayer we may receive from God (i.e., No, Go, Slow, Grow).
Dave also shared an acronym to help us learn how to P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield). Share a practice that helps you connect with God in prayer.
Close your time by praying for each other, our church, and our world.
Live it Out
What step can you take to grow in your prayer life this week? How could taking that step change your life or the lives of those around you?
If you’d like to connect with others at Willow in a deeper and more meaningful way, consider joining a Willow Group. Check out our website to learn more about joining or leading a group. To learn more about our upcoming discipleship experience, Rooted, click here.
Is there another way God is calling you to live out the message this week?
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
