Opening Question:
How would you describe your current prayer life? What challenges do you face in maintaining a consistent prayer practice?

Key Takeaways:
  1. Prayer is the most important aspect of following Christ, as it sustains all other spiritual practices.
  2. God chooses to work out His will through the prayers of His people.
  3. Prayer brings us into reality of self and our need for God.
  4. Prayer thrives on relationship with God and is the lifeline of that relationship.
  5. We should pray with expectation but not entitlement, remembering our place as servants.

Discussion Questions:
  1. The pastor mentions that some people feel like giving up on prayer because it doesn't seem powerful or effective. Have you ever felt this way? What led to those feelings?
  2. How does the idea that "God chooses to work out His will through people" impact your view of prayer? Does it change how you approach praying?
  3. The sermon discusses the concept of dying to self-reliance. What areas of your life do you find it most difficult to surrender control and rely on God?
  4. Reflect on the example of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. How does His prayer "not my will, but yours be done" challenge or inspire your own prayer life?
  5. The pastor emphasizes the importance of praying out loud about God's greatness. How might this practice affect your perspective on your own problems or challenges?
  6. What have you given up praying for? Why did you stop, and how does this sermon encourage you to start praying for it again?

Practical Applications:
  1. This week, start each prayer by acknowledging God's sovereignty and greatness before presenting your requests.
  2. Choose one thing you've stopped praying about and commit to praying for it daily for the next month.
  3. Practice praying out loud, even if it's just for a few minutes each day, to build confidence in verbalizing your prayers.
  4. Write down areas where you tend to rely on yourself rather than God. Pray specifically about surrendering these areas to Him.
  5. Set aside time for group prayer during your next meeting, encouraging everyone to participate vocally.