Introduction and Ice Breaker
Share stories of God answering impossible prayer request.
Themes to Consider
Triumphalism & Cynicism as obstacles to faith filled prayer
God works in the impossibilities through prayer
Expectation of God to work powerfully
Pray with your full heart
Continuous prayer
Discussion Questions
Do you lean toward triumphalism or cynicism when praying for the impossible?
What is a need that you could ask God for that no human could give you?
How regularly do you get to pray with other people?
Guided Prayer
Silence / Remove distractions as much as you can and spend two minutes (time it, if helpful) in silence, noticing your body, your emotions and thoughts. Perhaps use a simple phrase to pray silently so that you stay focused.
Adoration / Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV): 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Confession / "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. Confess any cynicism or skepticism you may have regarding Gods ability or willingness.
Thanksgiving / Thank God for all he has done for you regarding answered prayer. Thank Him that he listens and cares for all our needs, and that he is omnipotent and thus able to meet the most impossible situations.
Supplication / Karl Barth: “To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” Spend some time praying for the impossibilities you need God to break in on:
personally
For our church
In our nation right now
Supplemental Content
“Just as we never leave the presence of the Spirit in Luke’s narrative, we never leave sight of the prison. It is always with us, always offering the antithesis to the good news.” —Williams James Jennings
“Though God can do whatever He wants, He repeatedly shows how committed He is to working through relational pathways and through the prayers of His people.” —Caleb Clardy
“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” —Karl Barth
