Week 2
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ICEBREAKERS
- Favorite thing to do with friends?
- What is your dream destination?
- Why is prayer important to you?
OPEN IN PRAYER
MESSAGE REVIEW
Prayer is an important aspect of our relationship with Christ. Everyone desires to have a prayer life but many do not know how to pray. It is important that we learn how to pray and get the results of a successful prayer life! We look at the story of the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. She tried everything in her power to be healed except for Jesus. Without hesitation she touched His garment and she was instantly healed! The woman believed that she would be healed once she touched Jesus…that was faith.
As Christ followers, we should conduct a prayer of faith. A prayer of faith already knows the power of God through prayer. It is the way that we bring Heaven to Earth. Even when things are difficult, it is important to pray without wavering. Bring God into everything you do…whether it’s for healing or praise. Without hesitation, make a demand on God’s power in your life today!
Let’s dig in and found out more.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!
- Read James 5:13-15
13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” 14 “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” 15 “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
Life can bring happiness and sadness; and prayer is the answer to both. When you are cheerful, praise God through a prayer or a song. If you are struggling, cast your cares onto Him because He cares for you. It is easy to stay cheerful when life goes our way and we feel like all our prayers are being answered. Even when things are good, it is important that we pray to our Father.
How do you stay cheerful when you feel like you are not getting results from your prayers?
- Read Mark 5:24-34
24 “So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.” 25 “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,” 26 “and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”
27 “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.” 28 “For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.” 30 “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 “But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 “And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.” 33 “But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.” 34 “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
The woman with the issue of blood struggled for twelve years. She sought the care of many doctors and spent all the money she had. The woman still did not receive healing. When she heard about Jesus, without hesitation she naturally touched His garment. Prayer should be a natural act in our lives. Why do you think it can be hard for us to pray?
- Read Matthew 9:20-22
20 “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.” 21 “For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”” 22“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
In Matthew 9 we look at the story from a different perspective. The woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Hem in Greek means “wings” and in those times Hebrew garments had tassels which were the hem. When Jesus the Son of Righteousness arises and comes back, he will have healing in his tassels. With just one touch, you will be healed. So, what do you think happens when we call out to God in prayer? That power…that power is attainable in prayer!
How will you work on taking your prayer life to the next level?
PRAYER FOCUS & REQUESTS
Support one another in sharing prayer requests and celebrate praise reports. Share prayers in which you are “standing in the gap” for someone or something to happen.