Discussion Guide - June 2, 2024
Part of Upside Down Kingdom

Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?
Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
To you, what is the most difficult aspect of prayer?
Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
1. Read Matthew 7:7-8. What do the verbs “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” suggest about the nature of prayer?


2. Read Matthew 7:9-11. How does Jesus use the analogy of a parent giving good gifts to their children to illustrate God’s response to our prayers?


3. Read Matthew 5:3. How does being “poor in spirit” relate to our approach to prayer?


4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:8. How does the metaphor of our bodies being like tents influence our understanding of our physical limitations and reliance on prayer?


5. Read Matthew 26:42. What can we learn from Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane about submitting to God’s will?


6. Read John 14:13-14. What does it mean to ask for something “in Jesus’ name”? How does this affect our prayer requests?


7. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. How can we apply the concept of praying without ceasing in our daily lives?


Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. Reflect on your current prayer habits. How often do you pray, and in what situations do you find it easiest or hardest to pray?


2. When you pray, do you find it easier to ask for personal needs or to intercede for others? Why do you think that is?


3. How do you handle feelings of inadequacy or frustration when it seems like your prayers are not being answered?


4. There are different types of prayers, including adoration, requests, intercession, and hearing from God. Which type do you feel most drawn to, and which type do you want to grow in?


Step-Up (Homework)
Set a reminder for yourself to intentionally connect with God in prayer every day this week. Reflect on any changes you notice in your relationship with God and your overall well-being.