CTK North Bay
As in Heaven, Week 4: Asking with Petition
October 1, 2023
Main Scripture Reference(s)
Luke 11:5-13
As in Heaven, Week 4: Asking with Petition
October 1, 2023 / Luke 11:5-13
John 14:10–14 (NIV)
1 John 5:14 (NIV)
⇒ God wants us to ask specifically because He wants us to His activity.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
⇒ Prayer beyond just making requests is all about preserving towards a relationship with Jesus.
Luke 11:9–13 (NIV)
John 16:33 (NIV)
Romans 5:3b–5 (NIV)
⇒ Jesus’ accomplishment on the cross and then conquering death became THE to our every prayer.
Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)
Communion Reflection
Lord, if it’s possible, take this ____________________ from me, but may your will be done in and through me to fulfill your Kingdom.
Theme: Knocking On Heaven’s Door
Share Together
What is your first or greatest memory of a prayer being answered? How was it?
Reflect Together
What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message? What action steps you have taken or will take along with the “As in Heaven Prayer Guide?”
Read and Discuss Together Luke 11:5-13
- What do you think Jesus is trying to convey through the parable of the persistent friend? Why did he keep knocking on the door at midnight?
- What is Jesus’ meaning of the nuance of the man who owned the house answers the door not because it was his friend, but because of his “shameless audacity” by affirming the persistence of man to get what he needed?
- How does this parable relate to the concept of persistence and desperation in our petition to God? Why is persistence important in our prayer life?
- Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. What are some practical ways we can apply these principles in our own prayer life and in seeking God’s guidance and prayer through situations? How does persistence mature us?
- How does this passage reveal God’s character as a loving and generous Father? How does it impact the way we approach God in prayer for what we feel are good gifts over God’s good gifts?
- Why is prayer important in the life of a believer? Share a personal experience where prayer had a significant impact on your life.
- In v.13, Jesus says, “how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” What do you think this means, and how does the Holy Spirit play a role in our prayer life as we grow in Christlikeness?
- What are some common barriers or obstacles that people face when it comes to prayer, and how can we overcome them especially when we don’t feel like our prayers are being answered in a way we want?
Pray Together
Share how God might answer prayer but also be challenged by the persistence in requests still remaining unanswered and how we can pray for those situations.