Wednesday Night Prayer Service: 12/17/26

We are going to do something a little different tonight and something I hope we will incorrupt more throughout the year in 2026. We are going to have a time to have group discussion.

What we’re about to do is simple, but it’s intentional.

I’m not going re-preach the sermon. You already heard it. And we’re not here to impress anyone with Bible knowledge or give the “right church answers.” What we’re doing is creating an opprtunity to actually process what God has already said to us through His Word.

Too often we hear a sermon, say “that was good,” and then move on with life unchanged. And I don’t want that for us. I don’t want the truth to stop at our ears—I want it to reach our hearts and shape our obedience.

So tonight, we’re going to talk together about Sunday’s message, The Weary World Needs a Savior. We’re going to ask a few simple questions—not to put anyone on the spot, not to force vulnerability, but to help us slow down and let the truth sink in.

Here’s the heart behind this: disciples are formed in community, not in isolation.

God uses conversation, prayer, and shared obedience to shape us. When we talk about what we heard, how it hit us, and what God might be calling us to do next, the Word moves from information to transformation.

This isn’t a debate. It’s not a theology exam. And it’s not about fixing each other. It’s about listening, encouraging, and responding together.

Some of you will be ready to share openly. Others may just listen tonight—and that’s okay. There’s no pressure. There’s no forced participation. But I do want to challenge you to lean in and be present.

Because the goal isn’t just to understand the sermon better.

The goal is to follow Jesus more faithfully.

If the weary world really does need a Savior—and it does—then the question isn’t just who is Jesus? The question is what will we do with Him?

So let’s talk. Let’s listen. And let’s ask the Lord to show us what the next step of obedience looks like together.

On Sunday- we turned to Matthew 1— and we dove deep into the genealogy of Jesus.

Seventeen verses of names most people skip, but Matthew puts them front and center for a reason. Before he tells us what Jesus did, he shows us who Jesus is.

Truth #1: God keeps His promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham and David. Even when the monarchy collapsed, Jerusalem burned, and the people went into exile, the promise never died. The throne looked empty—but it wasn’t. God was preserving the line until the right moment. Delay did not mean denial. God was never late.

Truth #2: God works through broken people. This family tree is a mess—and that’s the point. Adulterers, deceivers, idolaters, outsiders, and scandals fill the lineage of Jesus. Matthew even highlights women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—each with complicated, painful stories. Grace runs through this genealogy. God doesn’t wait for perfect people. He redeems broken ones. Your past does not disqualify you. Grace has always been the plan.

Truth #3: God sends a Savior into our waiting, not around it. The genealogy tells a story of rise, fall, and long silence. Four hundred years without a prophet. No king. No throne. And that’s when Jesus comes. Not at the height of power, but in obscurity. God doesn’t avoid suffering—He enters it. Waiting is not wasted when God is involved.

And when the Magi arrive, outsiders from the East, they bring gifts that preach the gospel: gold for a King, frankincense for God, and myrrh for a Savior who would die. Jesus is not just Israel’s Savior—He is the Savior of the world.

Ice Breaker: What stood out to you most from Sunday’s sermon? If you had to summarize the sermon in one sentence, what would you say?

Heart Level: What area of your life has required more patience than you expected? What’s something you keep thinking, “I thought this would be different by now”? What part of following Jesus feels most challenging right now?

Which of the three truths from Sunday connects most with that—and why?

God keeps His promises

God works through broken people

God sends a Savior into our waiting

Application:

What’s one habit or decision that would help you remember God is still at work? What are you most tempted to rush, fix, or control right now?

Closing Question

If nothing in your life changed externally this week, how could your response to Jesus still change?

Transition into Prayer

Alright, let’s transition into prayer.

We’ve talked. We’ve reflected. Now we’re going to respond the way God’s people are meant to respond—by letting Scripture shape our prayers.

We’re staying in one passage tonight—Luke 2:10–14, the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth. I’ll guide us through four movements of prayer. I’ll read Scripture, give direction, and we’ll pray together.

Some moments will be silent. Some will be out loud. There’s no pressure to pray publicly—pray as you’re led.

Let’s begin.

1. UPWARD — Worship

(5–7 minutes)

Luke 2:13–14a (ESV)

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest…’”

Before there’s peace on earth, there’s glory to God. Prayer starts by lifting our eyes off ourselves and fixing them on Him.

Prayer Direction

Let’s begin by worshiping God for who He is.

Thank Him for His holiness, power, faithfulness, and mercy.

Focus on God, not your circumstances.

Out Loud Prayer: Short prayers of praise—one sentence at a time.

2. INWARD — Confession & Surrender

(5–7 minutes)

Luke 2:10 (ESV)

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not…’”

Fear didn’t begin with us—and God addresses it directly. Where there is fear, there is often misplaced trust.

The Bible says God did not give us a spirit of Fear but of love and self-control

Prayer Direction

Let’s quietly ask the Lord to show us where fear, control, or resistance has crept in.

Confess anything that’s competing with trust in Him.

This is silent prayer.

3. DOWNWARD — Thanksgiving for the Gospel

(5–7 minutes)

Luke 2:11 (ESV)

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

This is the heart of our faith. Not self-help. Not improvement. A Savior.

Prayer Direction

Thank God specifically for Jesus.

Thank Him for salvation, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Thank Him that Jesus came for us.

Out Loud Prayer: Prayers of thanksgiving—brief and focused..

4. OUTWARD — Intercession

(7–10 minutes)

Luke 2:14b (ESV)

“…and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The peace Jesus brings is meant to extend beyond us. A weary world still needs this Savior.

Prayer Direction

Let’s pray outwardly:

For family members who need Christ

For specific people on our prayer list

For those who are weary, anxious, or discouraged

For our church—that we would live sent, not settled

For our community and world

Out Loud Prayer: Intercede for others—short, specific prayers.

Closing Prayer

Leader Prayer: Father, we give You glory. We surrender our fears. We thank You for sending a Savior. And we ask that the peace of Christ would rule in our hearts and spread through our lives. Use us as people who live with hope in a weary world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.