STUDY GUIDE – 3D Prayer

Icebreaker: What is your favorite aspect of a prayer life? Or does the thought of a prayer life intimidate you?

Sermon Title – The Jesus Platform – “An All-Nighter” – Luke 6:12

Group Discussion

Read Mark 11:22-25, John 16:23 & 16:26 – Prayer is natural? Prayer is a learned behavior? Is praying something we instinctively know how to do, or is it a practice we must learn and develop? Explain your position. What are some practical ways we can begin and maintain effective prayer routines in our lives?

Read Matthew 26:39, 1 John 5:14, & Romans 12:2 – Jesus prayed to discern (i.e., to know) God’s will. What does it mean to discern God’s will for our lives? Prayer is one way to seek discernment, but what are some other ways we can seek to understand and follow His will daily? How can we teach others about discernment?

Read Matthew 7:21 & James 1:21-22 – Jesus prayed to do God’s will. We are urged to be doers of the word, not just hearers. What does it look like to actively live out God’s word in our daily lives? What are some ways we can bridge the gap between hearing His word and putting His word into action?

Read Matthew 5:14-16 – Jesus prayed to display God’s will. In your own words, what does it mean to display or exhibit God’s will in your life daily? How can our behaviors serve as a testimony to others that we are seeking His will? Share some examples of how we can pray to make certain our behaviors align with His will?

Think and pray like a disciple (e.g., read Matthew 6:9-10) and like Jesus “yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42b). In your own words, what does it mean to “think and pray like a disciple?” And how does this biblical worldview (i.e., His will) relate to living a life surrendered to Jesus?

Spiritual Discipline: Take time in the coming weeks to study our additional sermon resources that support this message on prayer located on our Church Center app at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: (1) Establish a prayer routine: Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer, incorporating both structured prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer or scriptures from the Psalms, and authentic conversations with the Lord, (2) Seek discernment through prayer and community: Engage with a small group or a mentor to discuss discernment in your life. Share experiences and insights about understanding God’s will, and pray together for clarity and direction, and (3) Actively live out God’s word: Identify specific ways to put God’s word into action each week, whether through service, acts of kindness, or sharing your faith. Reflect on how