What a good past couple weeks we’ve had seeing some powerful stuff from Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount! Here’s some questions from today formatted a little differently today…

Questions for Group Discussions:

Text: Matthew 7:7-11
Theme: Start the Hunt, Persist in Prayer, Trust the Father’s Heart

Open The Scriptures:
– What stands out to you from this passage?

1. How does the imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking in Matthew 7:7-8 relate to the concept of persistent prayer?
2. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit as a good gift, according to Luke 11:13. How does this shape your understanding of what it means to receive “good gifts” from the Father?
3. In the context of the sermon, what insights can we draw from James 1:5-8 regarding the nature of faith and doubt in our prayer life?
4. How do you wrestle with “unanswered prayer” if you didn’t receive, find, or have the door opened to you when you asked, sought, and knocked? (v. 8).

Open Your Lives:

1. The sermon suggests that understanding prayer as communion, not just communication, can transform our relationship with God. How can you incorporate this perspective into your daily prayer routine?
2. The idea from Tim Keller that, “God will give what we would have asked for if we knew what He knows” is profound. Share an instance where hindsight revealed how an unanswered prayer was a blessing in disguise for you.
3. In light of the message about persisting in prayer like a child, how can you approach God with honesty and boldness in your current life situation? What steps can you take to make your prayer life more persistent and intentional?
-Take time to pray together over issues large and small people are facing in your group.