Locations & Times

How important is prayer when we're trying to live a good life following Jesus? In our fourth week of our "ALIVE" series, Jim talks about prayer as if it's a radio that lets us talk and listen to God. He explains that prayer isn't just about asking for things; it's more about having a real conversation with God that helps us grow closer to Him. Jim says that prayer helps us line up our wants with what God wants, which changes us on the inside more than it changes the things around us. He reminds us that to really live well, we need to pray every day, like keeping in touch with a friend, and also rely on God’s Spirit and His words in the Bible to guide us.

SETLIST 

"Jehovah" Available on the album "CAN YOU IMAGINE?" from Elevation Worship

"Way Maker" By Sinach

"Good Good Father" By Chris Tomlin

"Deliverer" Available on "Our God Will See Us Through (Live)" from Centricity Music

"Gratitude" by Brandon Lake

"Make Room"Available on "Make Room (Live)" From Community Music

GROUP QUESTIONS

Prayer

Jim Burgen
April 28th, 2024

// Bible References: John 8:31-32; 1 John 5:14; James 4:1-3, 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12; Prov 15:29

// Community Question: "When you think about prayer, what imagery comes to mind? Is it a) rubbing a lamp for a wish, b) pleading before a judge, c) tossing a coin down a wishing well, or d) having an intimate conversation with Jesus?"

// Discussion Questions

1. Adoration: In the sermon, Jim emphasized the importance of adoration and acknowledging who God is, rather than treating Him like a genie in a bottle. Why is it important to acknowledge who God is during prayer? How does recognizing God's true nature change the way we approach prayer in our own lives?
2. Confession: Jim explained that confession involves acknowledging our sins and being honest about our current struggles and emotions. How can being honest with God about our emotions and struggles during confession deepen our relationship with Him? What are some struggles/emotions you feel comfortable sharing with God during prayer, and how has that affected your relationship with Him?
3. Thanksgiving: In the sermon, Jim highlighted how thanksgiving and gratitude is connected to joy, which helps us focus on blessings rather than difficulties. How does expressing gratitude to God in our prayers impact our lives? What are some ways you can intentionally express gratitude in your prayers, and how do you think this practice will affect your overall well-being?
4. Supplication: Read 1 John 5:14, James 4:1. Jim shared a quote from a Catholic priest emphasizing that God often answers prayers in unexpected ways and urged the congregation to trust in God's wisdom. How can we trust in God's plan and wisdom when His answers to our prayers might be different from what we expect? Can you recall a situation when God's answer to your prayer was different from what you expected? How can this experience help you trust in God's plan in the future?
5. Jim introduced the ACTS strategy for prayer in the sermon. Why would it be important to include all four components (ADORATION, CONFESSION, THANKSGIVING, and SUPPLICATION) when praying? In what ways do you think ACTS could improve your prayer life?

// Challenge: Let's commit to practicing the A.C.T.S. strategy in our daily prayer lives this week. We'll reconvene next week to share our experiences with using A.C.T.S. in our prayers. As we close, let's come together in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and help in our prayer journey. We also want to provide you with a prayer guide HERE