Grow Guide | July 11
Renewing Worship | Prayer
Connecting Questions
Share about a time when either: a) you were in need and someone helped you, or b) you were able to help out someone who was in need.
On a scale of 1-10, 1 being “not at all” and 10 being “flows naturally” how comfortable are you with prayer? You might answer it in two ways: 1. How comfortable are you praying by yourself? 2. How comfortable are you praying out loud in front of others?
Context
This week we continue our series Renewing Worship by looking at the topic of prayer. Specifically, we will explore why we pray in worship. Let’s establish a working definition of prayer, so we are on the same page. Prayer simply means talking to God. We can talk to God any time, anywhere. Yet, when we gather together for worship, we take time to speak directly to God. Sometimes a single person speaks on behalf of the congregation. Sometimes the congregation speaks pre-written words out loud in unison. Why do we do this?
Our text is James 5:13-18. Keep in mind that this is a personal letter from James to a specific church that was dealing with specific issues/questions. One of their issues was that the church was suffering greatly and was being persecuted by wealthy people who were trying to silence their efforts to proclaim the Good News about Jesus. Many times people who are viewed by society as lowly and worthless find it difficult to have hope that they can make a difference. James tells them that they can.
Look at the Book
Read James 5:13-18.
List all the occasions/reasons that James says we are to pray.
The last phrase of verse 16, in the NRSV, says “the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” The NASB translation says, “The effective prayer of a righteous [person] can accomplish much.” Based on these two versions, what is James saying about prayer and the person praying?
Read the second paragraph under Context above. How might that context shed light on James’ purpose for writing this passage about prayer in this way?
James uses Elijah as an example of prayer that can change things. You can find Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 17 and the following chapters. Elijah was a prophet who stood up to a wicked King and Queen and suffered as a result. What lessons might James be communicating by citing Elijah as an example?
Jesus taught his disciples about prayer in Matthew 6:5-8 (this is what precedes the Lord’s Prayer). Put this passage into your own words.
Taking it Home
What has been your experience of prayer in a group? Has it been positive or negative, encouraging or discouraging? Why?
Jesus invites us to speak to God as if God were a loving father. How does this affect your understanding of prayer?
Many teachers talk about the ACTS of prayer: Adoration (praising God), Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (asking God to meet our needs). Which of these is most comfortable for you? Which is more challenging for you?
How has this study changed your perspective on the practice of prayer in a public worship gathering?
Spend some time praying for one another in your group. Don’t worry, God wants to listen, and you can’t do it wrong!