As we kick off the New Year, Coastline chose to preach on Bold Prayers. Throughout God's Word we see God's people cry out to Him. This might look like a cry of gratitude or a cry for help. In the New Testament the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. They saw the dedication Jesus had and something in His prayer life drew them to want to model what He was doing. We too can learn from the example of Jesus in our prayer life. Not only can we learn from Jesus but we can learn from a humble king, a hurting widow, and many more in the Bible who called out to God. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you.
Small Group Questions | Selfless Prayer | 1 Kings 3:1-15
We’re starting the year by looking at what God’s word says about prayer. The month of January can usually be a reset in our life and a time to evaluate how we use our time. Prayer is simply communication with God. It takes time, intentionality, and focus. Sometimes we’re distracted in our prayer life and sometimes we’re extremely focused. In 1 King’s 3:1-15 we learn that Solomon had a divided heart. He loved the Lord but also struggled with the worldly practices around him. He goes to the most important place to worship and has a meaningful interaction with God that really changes his life. Through a humble prayer God gives Solomon what he asked for and even more!
1) We live in a world with such abundance which makes us think we don’t need to ask God for our daily provision. When you think about everything you have at your fingertips, how does that impact how you choose to pray?
2) Read 1 Kings 3:1-3. When we read this passage we learn that Solomon had a divided heart. Read Matthew 6:24, Jeremiah 31:33, and James 1:22. What does God’s word teach us about having a divided heart?
3) Having a divided heart is an age old issue humanity has struggled with for centuries. Share with your group about a time you recognized your heart was divided in choosing the world over choosing the ways of the Lord.
4) Read 1 Kings 3:4-6. Solomon’s first response to God was thankfulness. Take some time to share what you are thankful for and where you see God’s provision in your life. (see Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Psalm 100:4, and Psalm 107:1).
5) Read 1 Kings 3:7-9. When you read the entirety of Solomon’s response to God, does it follow the pattern of the ACTS prayer model we learned last Sunday? How does the humility of Solomon impact you? (see James 4:6 and Proverbs 22:4).
6) Neal offered us three ways to remain focused, and not distracted in our prayer life: Put your phone away, create space for times of prayer, and viewing prayer a text thread with God. What one(s) do you plan to implement this week?
7) Read 1 Kings 3:10-15. God responded to Solomon with abundance. Read Ephesians 3:20, John 10:10, and Psalm 103:8. Share with your group how you’ve seen God’s provision and abundance in your life.
Close your time in prayer asking God to help you grow in spiritual maturity.
