God is not a cosmic vending machine, answering requests exactly how we expect. There’s more to prayer than that.
Talking Points:
- God has four different kinds of answer to our prayers. Each of them requires us to have the right perspective on prayer.
- If the timing is wrong, God says “slow.” John 11:5-6
- If the request is immature, God says “grow.” Isaiah 59:1-2
- If the request is out of God’s will, God says “no.” 1 John 5:14-15
- If the request is right, God says “let’s go.”
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read John 11:3-6. How would you have felt if you were in Mary and Martha’s shoes?
- Read John 11:43-45. Why did Jesus delay in answering Mary and Martha’s plea?
- Why is it hard to trust God’s timing with our prayer requests?
- Read Isaiah 59:1-2. Why did God refuse to respond to Israel’s prayers? When God doesn’t answer, can we assume that sin is involved? Explain.
- Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. Describe the situation Paul was in. What would you have prayed for in that situation?
- In what ways did God grow Paul through those hardships?
- Read 1 John 5:14-15. What confidence can we have in prayer?
- How do we know what God’s will is? If we’re not sure about God’s will in a given situation, how should we pray?
- Read Matthew 26:37-39. What was Jesus’ prayer request? Why did God say “No”? What was Jesus’ response to God’s refusal?
- Think of a time God said “No” to your prayer. What was your reaction? What did you learn from that experience?
- When God doesn’t answer “Yes” to our prayers, why do you think some people turn their back on God, while others continue to trust him?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
