INTRO:

Our current ministry pillars series is centered on the following four ministry pillars that support all the ministries of our church:

The first ministry pillar supports Praising God with Passion (Psalms 96, 98, 148). The second ministry pillar supports Preaching the Word with Precision (2 Timothy 4:2-3; Acts 17:11). The third ministry pillar supports Praying with Fervency (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; James 5:16c). The fourth ministry pillar supports Progressing with Evangelism & Discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20).

Our recent sermon focused on Praying with Fervency and James Chapter 5 provides a foundation for praying with fervency. Read James 5:13-18. Our passage provides “Three reasons why praying with fervency should be a pillar for your life and for our church.” Reason #1: Praying with Fervency Reveals Our Dependency (vv. 13-14), Reason #2: Praying with Fervency Reveals God’s Provisions (15-16ab), Reason #3: Praying with Fervency Reveals God’s Power (vv. 16c-18)

Someone once said that "Seven days without prayer makes one weak." Would you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Read all three questions asked in James 5:13-14. These three questions are followed by three commands which test a believer’s dependency upon God in prayer. What type of suffering is the first question referring to? According to James 5:13…How are believers to respond to spiritual suffering? Why do you believe praying expresses our dependency upon God when we are suffering spiritually? How has praying fervently blessed you when you have been persecuted for the truth?

The second question asked is “Is anyone cheerful?” How is praising God in prayer an expression of our dependency upon Him? Is praise and thanksgiving regularly woven into the fabric of your prayers?
The third question asked is this, “Is anyone among you sick?” Here God encourages the blessing of intercessory prayer. The Greek word translated “sick” literally means “without strength.” In what ways can seeking others to pray for you express your dependency upon God?

TRANSPARENCY QUESTION:

What changes do you believe the Lord would have you make to your prayer life?

CARE GROUP QUOTE TO SHARE:

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." Oswald Chambers.