Pray His Words - Study Questions

Study Questions for February 24, 2013

Sermon: Pray His Words

by: Vermon Pierre

Series: Pray

Audio

Video

1. Read over the following passages. What do they tell us about the significance and importance of Scripture?

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

Jeremiah 23:29 - Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? 

Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me      empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 - ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2. How would you describe the Bible’s influence over your life?  Do you regularly try to apply the teachings of the Bible to your life? Why or why not? What practical steps might you take to make sure the Bible occupies a central place in your life?

3. Below is a list of categories for prayer along with verses to use in each category. Take some time now in groups of 2-3 to share with one another from these categories. For example, share with one another areas in your life where you need wisdom or people in your life you want to be more bold with when it comes to talking to them about Jesus.  Then pray together, using the verses to provide the context, themes, and even the actual wording for your prayers.

I. Prayers about God

Psalm 25:6 - Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 

Exodus 15:11–13 - ¹¹ “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? ¹² You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them. ¹³ “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.

Matthew 6:9–10 - ⁹ Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. ¹⁰ Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

II. Prayers concerning yourself

·         Confession of sin and protection from sin

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Matt 6:13 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

·         Contentment

Proverbs 30:8 - Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,

Philippians 4:11–13 - ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Wisdom, discernment of the will of God

Philippians 1:9–10 - ⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 

Colossians 1:9 - And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Bold and clear witness about Jesus

Ephesians 6:18–19 - ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Acts 4:29 - And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness

Colossians 4:2–4 - ² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

III. Prayers concerning other people, our world

Salvation. Salvation salvation salvation!

Matthew 9:37–38 - ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸ therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 - Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 

Romans 10:1 - Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

People in crisis

Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Love for one another

1 Thessalonians 3:12 - and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 

2 Thessalonians 3:5 - ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 

Philippians 1:9 - And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

God’s grace in Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 16:23 - The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

Galatians 6:18 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Philippians 4:23 - The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Timothy 4:22 - The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.