Spark - Week 2
Community Group Discussion Guide
February 21, 2021
We have all found ourselves backed into a corner, at the end of our rope, at a dead end in life and prayed as a last chance effort for God to intervene and help us out. An, “oh God, I need a miracle” sort of prayer. But what if instead of seeking God when we need a bailout, we began with prayer asking God to lead us. Prayer can be the spark that begins our seasons of our life, rather than a last resort.
During this series let’s take some time to push the “pause” button on politics, pandemic reactions, finances, and complicated relationships because there isn’t always an easy answer.
*As we begin, take a moment to share what may have you exhausted, depleted, or worn out.
Jesus says WHEN we are tired, exhausted, depleted, or worn out, that we should take some extra time for prayer.
*Share what some of your thoughts have been about prayer since we started this new series.
*Share an example of someone who modeled or models “prayer” for you in your life?
This week’s sermon scripture takes a look at how Jesus modeled prayer for us.
The purpose of the book of Mark was to present the person, work, and teaching of Jesus.
Read together: Mark 1:32-37
Scripture Support
v. 32-33; people came to Jesus in the evening after sunset. That day had been the Sabbath. The Jewish leadership had proclaimed that it was against the law to be healed on the Sabbath. The people did not want to break this law. They were not supposed to travel on the Sabbath that’s why they traveled after sunset. After the sun went down on Saturday, the crowds were free to find Jesus so he could heal them.
*Have you ever prayed for some type of “healing” in your life? If so, would you be willing to share this with the group.
v. 35-37; Were the disciples impatient that Jesus prayed in solitude while so much ministry waited to be done?
*How do you think you would have responded if you would have been the one who discovered Jesus praying?
It’s really easy to get caught up in operating out of the urgent, the busyness of life, and neglect our need for times of silence, solitude, individual worship, and prayer. In these days that we are living in there is always something or someone bidding for our time and attention. It’s important to create a personal schedule for prayer, communion with God.
It’s necessary to seek the Lord daily before the schedule consumes our entire being. Establish some time to get alone and get with God. Take some time to consider your priority order and the priorities that Jesus had for his life. Determine to pray regularly not just in a time of crisis.
Read together: Matthew 14:13, 22-23
Scripture Support
v. 13; again, here Jesus seeks some alone time, solitude. He sought this time alone after having learned of John’s death.
v. 23; Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus. He created time and space during his busy schedule to be alone with his Father.
*Share an example of what type of rhythm or discipline has worked for you in order to create your “God and I “time in daily your schedule.
The time we spend in prayer with God nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet all that life throws as us, not with a calm resignation, but with a triumphant fortitude, because with God, all things are possible!
* So why do you think Jesus keeps getting way to pray?
He got away because he is human. He got tired, worn out, overwhelmed, full of grief, and knew he needed to get away. He was intentional about his time with God and prayer.
Life finds a way to distract us from our need to pray.
*How about you? What has you distracted and how can this group encourage you and pray for you this week?
Read Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”