Discussion Questions

How is God different from the reluctant man in the parable of Luke 11:5-8?

In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus connects prayer to humbly asking, actively seeking, and knocking in perseverance. What are your specific needs right now, and how can you pray with action and perseverance?

Do you ever struggle to believe that God hears your prayers, or that His answers are actually good?

In Luke 11:13, Jesus singles out the Holy Spirit as God’s greatest gift to us. Why?

Discussion Questions

• According to Scripture, what are the different sources of temptation, and how do they differ?
• In temptation, we are persuaded to believe an alternative storyline that ignores God’s goodness and authority. When you’re tempted, what are the lies that you’re enticed to believe?
• With the temptations you face, how is God forming your character?
• How does the gospel of Jesus Christ encourage and empower you in your fight against temptation and evil?

Discussion Questions

• How is Christian forgiveness different from how you or others in our city typically understand forgiveness?
• Are there any areas in your life or past where you struggle to believe that God has truly forgiven you? If so, why?
• Why does Jesus make such a bold connection between receiving God’s forgiveness and extending it to others? (If helpful for discussion, consider Matthew 18:32-35.)
• Are you struggling to forgive anyone in your life? Share with one another and ask for prayer.

Discussion Questions

• What does asking God for daily provision teach us about contentment and trust in Him? (If helpful for discussion, consider the balance sought after in Proverbs 30:8-9.)
• The first three requests in the Lord’s Prayer focus on God and His kingdom. How do those petitions influence the way we pray for personal needs?
• How does God’s generosity in the gospel fuel our generosity toward others?
• Do you have any needs which you haven’t told your community about? Or, are there needs of any kind in your neighborhood? Share with one another and prayerfully consider how you can be a blessing.

Discussion Questions

• While we can’t know all of God’s will for us, we can know what is revealed in Scripture. Reflect together on some Bible verses that pertain to God’s will and discuss what they have in common.
• Are there any ways that you’re struggling with God’s will for your life right now? Share with others and ask for prayer.
• How does the gospel of Jesus Christ encourage you to trust and surrender to God’s will?

Discussion Questions

• Reflect on the grand story of God’s kingdom in the Bible (creation, fall, and redemption). Considering who God is and who we are in this story, how does that shape the way we pray?
• The direction of this prayer is God’s reign coming down to earth (not our will being accomplished in heaven). How does this truth challenge our natural tendencies in prayer?
• In what specific areas of your life do you want to see God reign?

Discussion Questions

• When we pray “hallowed be your name,” we’re asking God to cause His name and reputation to be spread, known, and highly exalted. Why is that beneficial for us, our city, and the world?
• From where do we obtain the desire to honor and make much of God’s name? (If helpful for discussion, consider John 17:26.)
• How can praying “hallowed be your name” change our outlook as well as the way we live?

Discussion Questions

• In verses 5-6, Jesus contrasts public, performance-driven prayer with quiet, solitary prayer. What is the difference between the two, and why does it matter in our relationship with God?
• In verses 7-8, Jesus discourages wordy, repetitious prayer in favor of simple, straightforward communication. How does God’s knowledge of everything encourage honesty and openness in prayer?
• In verse 9, Jesus instructs His disciples to address God as Father. How is this even possible, and how does it change the way you pray?