Mid-week Prayer Service 1/14/26
Prayer Service • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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One Word Discussion Questions and Prayer Service
One Word Discussion Questions and Prayer Service
Growth- 1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
1 Corinthians 3:7 says that only God gives the growth. How does this truth shape the way we think about our spiritual progress?
When you hear the word growth, what usually comes to mind first—numbers, maturity, habits, or something else? Why?
What fears or hesitations keep believers from intentionally discipling others?
Advance- Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul uses the language “straining forward” and “press on.” What does that tell you about the Christian life—effort, intention, discipline?
The sermon said: holy dissatisfaction isn’t ingratitude; it’s devotion. Where do you need that kind of “holy dissatisfaction” right now?
The updated mission is: “make strong disciples who know God’s Word, live God’s way, and advance God’s mission.” Which phrase do you personally need most right now—and why?
Activity is not the same thing as discipleship. What’s one example of church activity that can be discipleship—and one example that can be a substitute for it?
The five commitments were introduced. Which one challenges you the most?
Every member being a disciple-maker
Every ministry serving the mission
Every trellis supporting the vine
Every leader raising another leader
Every gathering leading to scatter on mission
ADVANCE — A Scripture-Fed Prayer Gathering
ADVANCE — A Scripture-Fed Prayer Gathering
Daniel Henderson reminds us that prayer should be Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, and worship-based, so tonight we’ll anchor everything in one passage:
Philippians 3:13–14.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
One passage.
One pursuit.
One direction forward in Christ.
And we’re going to follow the same prayer flow tonight:
Upward → Downward → Inward → Outward → Thanksgiving.
I’ll guide each movement and let you know when to pray out loud and when to pray quietly.
Open your Bibles to Philippians 3.
Let’s begin.
UPWARD — Looking Up to Worship (2:00–9:00)
UPWARD — Looking Up to Worship (2:00–9:00)
Philippians 3:13 (first half)
[READ SLOWLY]
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own…”
Church, before Paul talks about pressing forward, he starts with humility.
He looks up before he moves ahead.
Advancing with God always begins by remembering who God is and who we are not.
Before we ask anything of Him, we worship Him for His greatness, His grace, and His faithfulness.
OUT-LOUD WORSHIP PRAYERS
OUT-LOUD WORSHIP PRAYERS
In 1-2 sentences, pray out loud who God is based on this verse.
Examples:
“Lord, You are holy and perfect…”
“Lord, You are faithful even when we fall short…”
“Lord, You are the One who leads us forward…”
[ALLOW 6–10 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD — ONE SENTENCE EACH]
Short prayers. Clear worship. No speeches.
Close:
Lord, tonight we look up. You are worthy of our worship, and You are the One who leads us forward.
DOWNWARD — Receiving God’s Revelation (9:00–14:00)
DOWNWARD — Receiving God’s Revelation (9:00–14:00)
Philippians 3:13 (second half)
[READ]
“…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…”
God now speaks down to us through His Word.
This verse tells us something vital:
Advancement requires focus.
Not many things.
Not divided attention.
“One thing I do.”
It also tells us that moving forward means releasing what’s behind—failures, successes, regrets, comfort, and old seasons.
OUT-LOUD REVELATION PRAYERS
OUT-LOUD REVELATION PRAYERS
One sentence only. Begin with:
“God, I see that You…”
Examples:
“God, I see that You call me to focus on You…”
“God, I see that You invite me to let go of the past…”
“God, I see that You are leading me forward…”
[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]
Close:
“Lord, reveal more of Yourself to us as we fix our eyes on You.”
INWARD — Confession & Surrender (14:00–21:00)
INWARD — Confession & Surrender (14:00–21:00)
Philippians 3:13
Church, every one of us has something that tries to pull us backward:
Sin we haven’t dealt with.
Fear of change.
Old wounds.
Comfort that’s become complacency.
We cannot advance while clinging to what Christ is calling us to release.
SILENT CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
(Everyone quiet)
“Take a quiet moment. Ask the Lord, silently, to show you what you’re holding onto that is keeping you from pressing forward.”
[HOLD 60–90 SECONDS OF SILENCE]
OUT-LOUD SURRENDER PRAYERS
OUT-LOUD SURRENDER PRAYERS
If the Spirit prompts you, pray one sentence:
“Lord, I surrender this fear…”
“Lord, help me release the past…”
“Lord, free me from what’s holding me back…”
Close:
“Jesus, thank You that You do not leave us where we are. You call us forward by grace.”
OUTWARD — Praying Forward in Circles
OUTWARD — Praying Forward in Circles
Philippians 3:14
[READ]
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Church, this verse reminds us that the Christian life is not stagnant.
It is a pressing on—together.
We will pray outward in three circles, asking God to move us forward for His glory.
CIRCLE 1 — Pray for People in the Room & Their Families
CIRCLE 1 — Pray for People in the Room & Their Families
Advancement doesn’t happen in isolation.
Some here are weary.
Some are discouraged.
Some are standing at the edge of obedience.
OUT-LOUD INTERCESSION
OUT-LOUD INTERCESSION
Pray short, gentle prayers for:
Strength
Courage
Healing
Unity in families
Faith to take next steps
[ALLOW ~6 MINUTES OF POPCORN-STYLE PRAYER]
Close:
“Lord, strengthen Your people to press on in faith.”
CIRCLE 2 — Praying for those that need to be added or are on the Prayer List.
CIRCLE 2 — Praying for those that need to be added or are on the Prayer List.
Close:
“Jesus, you have the final say in all things. Be with those in need. Make your presence known.”
CIRCLE 3 — Pray for Our Church’s Forward Movement
CIRCLE 3 — Pray for Our Church’s Forward Movement
We’re praying for:
Spiritual growth
Faithful obedience
Disciple-making
Gospel clarity
Courage to advance together
OUT-LOUD PRAYERS
OUT-LOUD PRAYERS
“Lord, lead Cedar Bay forward.”
“Lord, grow us deeper, not just bigger.”
“Lord, help us press on together.”
[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]
Close:
“Lord, let us advance for Your glory and Your Kingdom.”
THANKSGIVING — Ending in Praise
THANKSGIVING — Ending in Praise
We end with gratitude, because advancement is only possible by grace.
OUT-LOUD THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
OUT-LOUD THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
One sentence:
“Lord, thank You for leading me forward…”
“Lord, thank You for Your patience with me…”
“Lord, thank You for calling us upward in Christ…”
[ALLOW 6–8 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]
Final Prayer:
“Father, thank You for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Thank You that You do not leave us where we are, but by grace You call us forward. As we step into this new year, help us forget what lies behind, fix our eyes on Christ, and press on together for Your glory. Make us a people who advance in faith, obedience, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
