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Group Discussion
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Pursuing God Through Prayer
November 16,2024
Week 4: The Passion in Prayer
Jeff Griffin
Exodus 33:12-19
Ever felt like your prayers are just bouncing off the ceiling? Moses can relate. This week, we examine how our faithful prayers can actually influence God’s plans.
In honor of the Big Rock Jeff showed us from the Morton Arboretum, perhaps you’ve heard of having a pet rock. If you could have any kind of unconventional pet, what would you choose?
1. What comes to mind when you hear about the potential we have to change God’s plans through our prayers? Do you tend to be more of a skeptic or a believer that it’s even possible?
2. One prayer from Moses was a prayer for mercy, following the Israelites engaging in “pagan revelry” in making the golden calf. What kinds of modern-day scenarios might we face that require us to beg God for mercy? (Think about this in our nation, as a church, in a family, or personally.)
3. Jeff shared how God is constant and immutable in His character (Malachi 3:6), but also ever-changing in His emotions and longing for us to cry out to Him. What are some other examples where God relented to the prayers of His people?
“So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people.” (Exodus 32:14, NLT)
4. Describe some aspects to a prayer of forgiveness. Why is it beneficial? Have you ever thought of God as a cosmic ATM?
“The next day Moses said to the people, ‘You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the Lord on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.’” (Exodus 32:30, NLT)
5. Think of a time when God did not answer a significant prayer of yours, but it still worked out for the best. How did that rejection lead to His redirection in your life?
6. What does it mean to practice a prayer of presence? Where do you most need to draw on God’s Promise, Power, and Provision in life?
“Moses responded, ‘Then show me your glorious presence.’” (Exodus 33:18, NLT)
Read James 5:16b. Pray and ask God to help teach each one of your group members to cry out in faith and recognize how God is caring, tender, and responsive to His people.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (NLT)