Pray With Dependence 

MEETING AGENDA:

  1. OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to Open the meeting in prayer. 
  1. DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Development Questions. 
  1. ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the SG Attendance System. 
  1. TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s SG lesson. 
  1. CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.  

Development Questions

Question #1

Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?

Question #2

What did you learn from this week’s sermon? 

Question #3

What was your most important accomplishment this week?

This Week's Passage:

1 Thessalonians 5:12–28  (NIV) 
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Connection Question:

When have you experienced a time in your life when you had no choice but to depend completely on God? 

Truth #1:

Dependent Prayer Begins with a Heart That Rejoices and Trusts God 

Discussion Points:

  1. Believers are called to rejoice always because our hope is anchored in Christ rather than circumstances.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:16)  
  2. Prayer becomes natural when we continually acknowledge our dependence upon God.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  3. Trusting God in every season develops perseverance and spiritual maturity.
    (James 1:2–4)

Growth Question:

How can you cultivate a habit of praying throughout your day rather than only during crises? 

Truth #2:

Dependent Prayer Requires Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit 

Discussion Points:

  1. Paul instructs believers not to quench the work of the Holy Spirit.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
  2. Prayer helps us discern God’s voice and test everything according to His truth.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21)
  3. Remaining in God’s Word keeps our prayers aligned with His will.
    (John 15:7)

Growth Question:

What practices help you become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s leading? 

Truth #3:

Dependent Prayer Produces Holy and Faithful Disciples 

Discussion Points:

  1. God is faithful to complete the work of sanctification in His people.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24)
  2. Healthy Christian community includes praying for and encouraging one another.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:25–26)
  3. Confession and intercession bring healing and spiritual growth.
    (James 5:16)

Growth Question:

How can you become a stronger prayer partner for others in your family or small group?  

GO THEREFORE QUESTION:

Paul calls believers to pray continually, give thanks in every circumstance, and trust in God’s faithfulness. What is one intentional step you will take this week to deepen your dependence upon God through prayer, and who can you encourage by praying with them? 

PRAYER:

Question #1

Who are you praying for  
to be saved? 

Question #2

Who can you invite to Church and/or to Small Group?  

Question #3

What are your prayer requests?