Praying Through the Struggle | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH
Praying Through the Struggle | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH
ICEBREAKER:
How did you see God move this last week?
Pastor Greg Talks about the struggle of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experiences deep emotional distress and prays for the cup of suffering to be taken away. He emphasizes the importance of making time to pray, being honest with God, making requests, and committing to persevere through struggles. He also highlights the transformation of Jesus from emotional distress to accepting his reality and committing to faithful endurance through prayer.
Jesus' Vulnerability in Gethsemane and the Importance of Support Jesus shows vulnerability in Gethsemane, expressing deep emotional struggle. Jesus invites disciples to witness his breakdown, highlighting the need for support in times of weakness. Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual support in overcoming physical weakness and temptation.
Learning from Jesus' Prayer in Struggle Jesus teaches to pray and push through struggles in a healthy way. Jesus exemplifies making time for prayer even in busy and grieving seasons. Prayer is essential in times of chaos and struggle to maintain a proactive approach.
The Importance of Honesty and Dependency on God Rely on friends for support, but some struggles are meant for God alone. It's crucial to be honest with God about thoughts and feelings, as seen in biblical examples.
Navigating Honest Conversations with God Struggling with defending God's reputation and questioning His actions. Jesus' honest prayer in the face of suffering, bargaining with God, and ultimately accepting His mission. Learning from Jesus to make honest requests to God in times of struggle.
The Power of Prayer and Perseverance Praying for healing and miracles with a reductive view of prayer. Learning to pivot prayers from asking for removal of problems to seeking strength to endure. Committing to persevere through struggles and finding power in prayer.
Finding Strength in Adversity: Stories of Healing and Perseverance People shared stories of finding strength through adversity and loss. Individuals experienced healing and growth in the midst of their struggles. A shift in prayer focus from asking for removal of suffering to seeking strength and guidance.
QUESTIONS:
QUESTION 1:
How does witnessing Jesus' vulnerability in Gethsemane impact your understanding of prayer and seeking support during times of struggle?
QUESTION 2:
In what ways can we apply Jesus' example of honest and transformative prayer to our own challenges and hardships?
QUESTION 3:
Reflecting on the concept of making honest requests to God in times of struggle, how can we navigate the tension between questioning God's actions and maintaining faith?
QUESTION 4:
How does the shift from asking for the removal of problems to seeking strength and endurance through prayer resonate with your own experiences of adversity?
QUESTION 5:
Share a personal story of finding strength and growth in the midst of a challenging situation. How did prayer play a role in your journey of perseverance?
GUIDED PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
In the moments of our deepest struggles and challenges, we come before you with open hearts, seeking your presence and guidance. We acknowledge our vulnerabilities and uncertainties, knowing that you are the source of strength and comfort in times of need.
Help us, Lord, to follow the example of Jesus in Gethsemane, where he poured out his heart to you in honesty and vulnerability. Teach us to be transparent in our prayers, to lay bare our fears, doubts, and worries before you, trusting in your infinite love and understanding.
Grant us the wisdom to discern when to seek support from others and when to turn to you alone, knowing that you are always ready to listen and offer solace. Help us to navigate the complexities of our struggles with faith and resilience, knowing that you are with us every step of the way.
As we lift up our requests and desires before you, may we also find the courage to accept your will, even when it may differ from our own. Grant us the strength to persevere through hardships, to seek not just the removal of our problems but the endurance and resilience to face them with grace.
Lord, we thank you for the stories of healing and growth in the midst of adversity, showing us that your power is made perfect in our weakness. May we too experience your transformative presence in our lives, finding strength, hope, and peace in the midst of our struggles.
We offer this prayer in humility and gratitude, trusting in your unfailing love and mercy. Amen.