God is not a cosmic vending machine, answering requests exactly how we expect. There’s more to prayer than that.

Talking Points:

  • God has four different kinds of answer to our prayers. Each of them requires us to have the right perspective on prayer.
    • If the timing is wrong, God says “slow.” John 11:5-6
    • If the request is immature, God says “grow.” Isaiah 59:1-2
    • If the request is out of God’s will, God says “no.” 1 John 5:14-15
    • If the request is right, God says “let’s go.”
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read John 11:3-6. How would you have felt if you were in Mary and Martha’s shoes?
  3. Read John 11:43-45. Why did Jesus delay in answering Mary and Martha’s plea?
  4. Why is it hard to trust God’s timing with our prayer requests?
  5. Read Isaiah 59:1-2. Why did God refuse to respond to Israel’s prayers? When God doesn’t answer, can we assume that sin is involved? Explain.
  6. Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. Describe the situation Paul was in. What would you have prayed for in that situation?
  7. In what ways did God grow Paul through those hardships?
  8. Read 1 John 5:14-15. What confidence can we have in prayer?
  9. How do we know what God’s will is? If we’re not sure about God’s will in a given situation, how should we pray?
  10. Read Matthew 26:37-39. What was Jesus’ prayer request? Why did God say “No”? What was Jesus’ response to God’s refusal?
  11. Think of a time God said “No” to your prayer. What was your reaction? What did you learn from that experience?
  12. When God doesn’t answer “Yes” to our prayers, why do you think some people turn their back on God, while others continue to trust him?
  13. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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