Small Groups Weekly Bible Study – January 27

Small Group Weekly Bible Study

Prayer – 4 – “We do not know how we should pray… but he who searches our hearts knows
according to God’s will.”

Theme: 21 Days of Prayer – Week 3 – Seemingly Unanswered Prayer

“Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. Prayer is an expression of
faith in God’s power, fueled by a desire for more of Him.”

Warm-Up Questions:  What is one of your prayers that appeared not to get answered?

Why do you think that most people do not take time to pray?
Observation and Interpretation Questions:

Read Acts 12: 1-5, 11-15

  1. What did you notice about how the early church in Jerusalem was treated (verse 1)?
  2. What did King Herod do to James the brother of John (verse 2)?
  3. What was the effect of what he did on Herod and the Jews (verses 3-4)?
  4. How did the members of the church respond with regard to Peter (verse 5)?
  5. How did Peter react when he knew he had been freed (verses 11-12)?
  6. How did the praying church respond to Rhoda’s announcement (verse 13-15)?

Read 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

  1. What did you notice about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7)?
  2. How often had Paul asked that this be removed from him (verse 8)?
  3. What was God’s reply to his prayers to have it removed (verse 9a)?
  4. How then did Paul say he would consider this answer from the LORD (verses 9b-10)?

 Read James 1: 2-8

  1. Which of the things we are called to do is most difficult for you (verses 2-4)?
  2. What are you called to do if you are uncertain as to how you should proceed (verse 5)?
  3. Why is it that you find it so difficult to do what is asked for here (verses 6-8)?

Application Questions

  1. How can you learn to trust in God’s wisdom rather than think you have the answer?
  2. What can you do in your daily life to make praying for such trust part of your lifestyle?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give us the ability to trust You so that we learn to walk and not
grow wary as we wait on Your answer to our specific prayers.




Going Deeper


Read Isaiah 40: 25-31.

How does God describe Himself in this passage of Scripture (Isaiah 40: 25-26)?




What does God call on Jacob (Israel) and us to consider when we pray (Isaiah 40: 27)?




What else does God say about Himself that should prove helpful for us (Isaiah 40: 28)?




What is one thing that God promises He will do that you appreciate (Isaiah 40: 29-31)?




Share an experience from your life that reflects your impatience with one of your prayers.




Prayer: Father, give us the confidence in Your ability to hear our prayers and trust in Your
willingness to provide for us in Your timing as we are persistent in prayer.