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TEACHING: Before the Throne, Part 4

Why does all hell break loose when we try to enter into prayer? Because prayer is war, and the lack of prayer is nothing less than a declaration of independence from God.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing from this message that was particularly helpful or insightful? What was one thing that was difficult to understand or put into practice?
2. Read and discuss Matthew 26:36-46.  What do you see about the nature of man? What do these verses tell you about the nature & person of Jesus? What do you observe about prayer in these verses?
3. “Prayer is war.” What does this mean? Have you found this to be true?
4. Pastor Mike highlights several other hindrances to entering in to prayer: “Prayer is too hard.” “I rarely get what I ask for.” “I can’t find the time.” “Prayer is boring.” “I get distracted.” “I can’t see the Person I’m talking to.” “I can’t hear a response.” “I don’t need to pray about ____. That will never happen to me – I’ve got this under control.” Which of those hindrances do you struggle with?
5. What other hindrances to prayer can you think of?
6. How does being strategically specific help us engage in prayer?
7. Can you think of a prayer that God did not answer, then discovered later it was for the best?
8. Through this series, what have you learned about the importance & benefits of prayer? By contrast, what are the detriments of not praying?
9. How do you feel you need to grow in the area of prayer? What will you do to pursue this – what’s your plan? Spend some time in prayer asking God to make you a person of consistent prayer, and our church a church of constant prayer.