Spark - Week 3

Community Group Discussion Guide
February 28, 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.

The last two weeks we have been looking at the topic of prayer in an effort to reposition prayer from the last thing we do, to the first thing that we do. From leveraging prayer as a fire extinguisher to the match that sparks moments in our lives.

*Share an example from this last week where you found yourself being prompted to pray first instead of waiting to pray.

*What are you worried about and why are you worried?

*Read together Philippians 4:4-9

Scripture Support:
The purpose of the book of Philippians was to thank the people in the church of Philippi for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen the believers by showing then that true joy comes from Jesus alone.

Philippians shares about giving thanks, prayer, advancing the gospel, instruction to follow Paul’s example, experience joy in giving, and the importance of unity.

Paul’s final instructions to the people of the Church in Philippi are found in chapter 4.

v. 4; Paul, while in prison, is writing to the church and encouraging them to “rejoice.” Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: that our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul knew that regardless of what happened to him that Jesus was with him. Paul often urges the people to be joyful. It is was too easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or take unimportant events too seriously.

v. 4,5; Joy comes from Christ dwelling in us.

*Share an example of something that has brought you great joy most recently.

v. 6,7; Can you imagine never being anxious about anything? It nearly seems impossible. We all have worries, cares, and concerns about our jobs, families, community, relationships, school, future, viruses, etc. However, Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers.
*Take a moment to share what has you anxious about the things above (job, family, community, relationships, future, etc.)

How are you doing with presenting your requests to God?

Do you want to worry less? Pray more!

v. 7 God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. Peace comes from knowing that God is in control.

v. 8; Paul gives instruction about specific things we should think about. Above all, read His word and pray.

Read v. 8 together again and discuss.

We need to be aware of who we are and understand how we see the world especially when we pray.

*Share an example of how are you coming to God in prayer.

v. 9; it is not enough to just hear or read the Word of God, or even know it well. We must also put it into practice, daily.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you!

This reminds us that if we have anxiety about anything, to not worry, rather, remember that God is near, and pray about everything. We should not carry worries, stress, and daily struggles alone.

So, what needs to happen when we pray? We humble ourselves and our lives before God.

In closing, take some time to share your requests with one another and pray for one another.