#156 – REJOICE IN PRAYER (27/7/20)

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Joy in uncertain times comes through ‘standing’ on what we know. There are lots of things that can cause us worry and concern, too often we stand on these, fixate on them and lose hope. However, as Christians, there are wonderful truths that we know, can stand on and rejoice in.

Paul writes, ‘I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers… what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.’

D.L. Moody wrote,

Paul was in very perplexing circumstances and yet he knew that He could speak to his Father about anything. He also knew that the prayers of others would uphold him.

RESPONSE

Do we rejoice that we can pray? Through Jesus, we can pray to the Father. The way is open. We can be confident that He is present and powerful. Let’s do what the author to the Hebrews encourages us to do,

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY – JOY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES COMES FROM STANDING ON WHAT YOU KNOW

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

Have you ever had the experience of having to stand on/hang on to something that you weren't completely sure about?

Introduction - please share in your group

Joy in uncertain times comes through ‘standing’ on what we know. There are lots of things that can cause us worry and concern, too often we stand on these, fixate on them and lose hope. However, as Christians, there are wonderful truths that we know, can stand on and rejoice in.

Please read Philippians 1:18-26

Paul knows and rejoices in the fact that he can pray and be prayed for; the availability and the strengthening of the Spirit of Jesus; his salvation (a better translation of deliverance); that death is a door to joy, and that life is an opportunity for fruitful service.

Do you regularly rejoice in these truths? Which of them do you least 'stand' upon?

The practice of reading and stopping to pray out of what we are reading is very important. It's only as we do so that we will rejoice in and stand on the range of topics that the bible addresses.

How are you doing at reading, meditating, praying and worshipping out of the bible?

Discuss/share/pray in smaller groups:

1. What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about (maybe from Sunday's message or your bible reading this week)?

2. What will you do in response?

3. How can we pray for you?