COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
This week we continue with part 3 of our sermon series “Running on Empty.” Each one of us can point to so many things in our lives that all contribute to draining our spiritual gas tanks. As we have already seen, we need to be intentional about checking our gas gauge and keeping our tank full.
In order to do this, along with spending time in God’s word regularly, one of the most important spiritual disciplines for us to have is a strong commitment to prayer. Unfortunately, when things get busy, life gets crazy, and our stress levels rise, prayer can be one of the first things to be neglected. Why is it that when prayer is needed the most, it can be the hardest thing to do? If we are going to keep the tank full and continue walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh, being connected to God through prayer is absolutely essential!
Hebrews 4:14-16
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16, Psalm 145:18, Jeremiah 33:3, Psalm 18:6, Lamentations 3:55-57, Psalm 150:6, Matthew 6:6-8
Discuss:
1. What circumstances/events tend to increase or decrease the time you spend in prayer?
2. Hebrews 4:14 says that we have “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God”.
-What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest?
-What role does this play in prayer?
3. Through what means are we able to “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace”?
-Does this enter our minds as we come to the Lord in prayer?
4. What truths in scripture are we failing to believe when we don’t make prayer a priority?
Memorize/Meditate: Proverbs 15:8 “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
