Kingdom Tension Part 5 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Tension Part 5 Discussion Guide

Summary

The sermon focuses on the importance of prayer in the church, both corporately and individually. The pastor emphasizes that prayer was the first recorded activity of the early church and remains fundamental to church life today. He shares personal experiences about how prayer led to divine encounters during a mission trip to Cuba in 1995, demonstrating how prayer helps align believers with God’s agenda rather than their own.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the power and importance of prayer, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about our prayer lives and receptive to Your guidance on how we can grow closer to You through prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s the most memorable answer to prayer you’ve experienced in your life?

Key Verses

Acts 2:42
Acts 1:14
Acts 4:24-31
Philippians 4:6-7

Questions

Why do you think prayer was the first recorded activity of the early church?
What are some common barriers that prevent us from maintaining a consistent prayer life?
How do you typically respond to worry – with more worry or with prayer?
What’s the difference between praying to get God to do what we want versus aligning ourselves with His will?
How can we practically shift our worry time into prayer time?
What role does corporate prayer play in strengthening the church community?
How has prayer changed you personally over time?
What steps can you take this week to make prayer more central in your daily life?

Life Application

This week, whenever you catch yourself worrying, make a conscious effort to transform that worry into prayer. Start with a simple ‘Help’ prayer if needed, but work to redirect your mental energy from anxiety to conversation with God.

Key Takeaways

Prayer is foundational to church life and should be prioritized both corporately and individually
The enemy actively works to prevent us from praying because prayer aligns us with God’s will
Worry often steals the time we could be using for prayer
Prayer doesn’t change God, it changes us
Simple prayers like ‘Help’ can be effective in shifting from worry to trust

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of communicating with You. Help us to recognize when worry is stealing our peace and give us the strength to turn those moments into opportunities for prayer. Transform our anxious thoughts into conversations with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.