Full Circle (Part 2: Prompts)

Introduction:

*Talk about scary situations.

“There are no atheists in foxholes”

What is a foxhole?

*Show picture

What does the phrase mean?

*Explain the term.

Why do you think that is?

Looking for rescue anywhere

In what ways is this desperate need to be rescued be similar to our friends who haven’t put their faith in Christ?

The need is great

In what ways is it different?

The need is even greater.

Why do our friends who don’t know Jesus need us to pray for their salvation?

*Explain Intercession

Body:

*Review The Cause Circle

Review Luke 5

Today’s focus: Luke 5:15-16

Luke 5:15–16 (ESV)

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Do you get the sense from these verses that Jesus was one busy dude? Why do you think that?

Does it sound like the things He was doing were “important”? Why or why not?

So why do you think He withdrew to pray?

Can you think of any other instances in Scripture where it talks about Jesus praying?

40 days in the wilderness

The Lord’s Prayer;

The Garden of Gethsemane

*Explain that Jesus did this often & explain why he did it

*Explain why we should do it too

Another Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-6

1 Timothy 2:1–6 (ESV)

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Answer questions on handout:

What’s the big topic being addressed here?

Prayer— specifically prayer for others—intercessory prayer

Who should we pray for?

All people

When are we supposed to pray?

First of all

Why are we supposed to pray?

Christ desires all to be saved.

How are we supposed to pray?

Any way you can.

*Explain that it is hard to know how to pray for our lost friends

*Give “How to Pray” handout.

Go over handout:

4 Logistical Keys to Intercessory Prayer

Who? Identify three friends you want to share the Gospel with, so you can start praying for them.

Where? Pick a place. “I do my best praying while in ______________ (place to pray).”

When? Pick a time. “I do my best praying at this time(s) _________________________________”

Build in accountability.

Set phone alarm

Find a prayer partner; text reminders to each other

Hit my knees before my feet hit the floor

Every time I ______________, I’ll pray.

Other ______________________.

*Talk about making a routine out of intercessory prayer.

4 Simple Ways To Pray for Your Friends:

1. Pray for salvation.

Dear God, please:

Rescue _________________________.

Reveal yourself to _________________________.

Remove the darkness and confusion _________________________ has about who

you are and what you want from them.

Give _________________________ the wisdom to see the truth about Jesus being

the way, the truth, and the life.

Give _________________________ a longing deep down inside to know you

personally. Make them restless until they find their rest in you.

Send your Spirit to prick _________________________’s conscience and show them

their need for you and for your grace and forgiveness.

Draw _________________________ to you like a magnet.

Open _________________________’s spiritual eyes so they see you clearly.

Prod _________________________’s soul so they truly consider Jesus’s Gospel

message and chose faith and life in Him.

Here I am, Lord. Send me! Give me opportunities to share your grace and truth—in

word and deed—so that _________________________ can both see and hear about

the difference Jesus makes.

2. Pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 16:9-13).

9“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

[God, you are so awesome! Thank you for being my heavenly Daddy. Reveal your

awesomeness to _________________________].

10 your Kingdom come,

[May your Kingdom come and reign in _________________________’s soul as a result

of them putting their faith in Jesus.]

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

[May your will be done as you draw _________________________ into a personal

relationship with you.]

11 Give us today our daily bread.

[Show me anything I should do to care for the needs of _________________________,

so I can reflect your love, goodness, and care to them.]

12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

[Help me live out your grace and forgiveness in my life, so _______________________

can see what a loving, forgiving relationship with you looks like.]

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

[Help me live a life of godly character that represents you well, so that

_________________________ can see you at work in my life.]

3. Pray a name of God.

Dear God, I pray that _________________________ would experience you as their:

…Savior (Acts 5:31).

…Abba Father—Daddy (Galatians 4:6).

…King (1 Timothy 6:15).

…Refuge (2 Samuel 22:3).

…Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).

4. Pray a question.

How can I help _________________________ come to know you?

What kindness could I do or question could I ask that might prompt

_________________________ to consider the truth of your Gospel?

G.O.S.P.E.L. Review:

God created us to be with Him. But…

Our sins separate us from God. These…

Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. But…

Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again. So that…

Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life. And this…

Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

*Divide into small groups of 3-4

*Pray for one person

_____________________________________________________________________

*Gather around and close at the end

PRAY