Prayers We Don’t Mean | Week 5

Prayers We Don’t Mean | Steve DeFrain | “God I’m Available”

“GOD I’M AVAILABLE

Your most important ABILITY to God is your AVAILABILITY 

Luke 6… 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Luke 5…One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

STEPS THAT HINDER YOUR AVAILABILITY…

(POINT ONE) YOU ALWAYS FIND JUSTIFIABLE THEORIES 

Luke 5…When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.

Luke 14… 15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

(POINT TWO) YOU BELIEVE TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Ecclesiastes 11…Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

(POINT THREE) YOU SEE SOME TASKS AS BENEATH YOU

1 Samuel 17… 17 Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah[d] of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance[e] from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”

(POINT FOUR) YOU GET TIED DOWN IN THE DETAILS

Luke 5…5…But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Key Points:

  • Summarize the main points or key messages of the sermon.
  • Highlight any memorable quotes or phrases from the sermon.

Scriptural Foundation:

  • Discuss the Bible passage(s) that were the basis of the sermon.
  • Explore the context and significance of the chosen scripture.

Personal Reflection:

  • Share your personal thoughts and feelings about the sermon.
  • How did the sermon impact you? What resonated with you?
  • Were there any moments of conviction, inspiration, or clarity?

Discussion Questions:

List a set of open-ended questions to facilitate discussion. These questions can help attendees engage with the sermon’s content on a deeper level.

Example questions:

1. What do you think the main message or takeaway was from the sermon?

2. How does the scripture relate to the sermon’s message?

3. Were there any practical applications or actionable insights that stood out to you?

4. Did the sermon challenge any of your beliefs or perspectives?

5. How can we apply the sermon’s teachings in our daily lives?

Group Sharing:

  • Encourage participants to share their thoughts, questions, or personal experiences related to the sermon.
  • Create an open and respectful environment for discussion.

Additional Resources:

  • Provide information about any recommended books, articles, or further readings related to the sermon’s topic.
  • Mention upcoming events or opportunities for Group members to explore the sermon’s theme further.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the key takeaways from the discussion.
  • Emphasize the importance of applying the sermon’s teachings in daily life.
  • Announce any follow-up actions or future discussions related to the sermon.

Closing Prayer:

  • Take the time to ask members of the Group if they have any prayer requests.
  • Conclude the discussion with a brief prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in applying the sermon’s message to be on mission.

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