- Prayer for those you love.

- Prayer for those you loath.

- Prayer for those that lead.

- Prayer for those that are lost.

“We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but Jesus wants it to be our first line of defense. We tend to pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but Jesus wants us to pray before we do anything at all.”
-Oswald Chambers

Take some time to think about and discuss the following questions:

• What have sensed God’s personal invitation for you this season in the way of joyfulness, patience and prayer?

• Who have been your prayer teachers or mentors? Have you had the experience of mentoring someone in the practice of prayer? What was that like for you?

• What does it mean for you to “pray continually?” Do you have any questions or challenges with this phrase?

• Why is listening (and learning to listen) an important piece to a person’s prayer life?

• In the sermon, there were 4 focuses of prayer. What were those? (hint: pray for those you love, loath, lead, who are lost.) Take time to compile a list of who you will pray for this week in each of those areas. Share with your group if you would like.

• If you are alone, spend a few minutes listening to the Lord. You may have something to say, but spend the bulk of your time listening and just being with God. If you are in a group, turn off the TV now and pray. Go around the room and pray for others. Listen to yourself, to others, and to the Holy Spirit during your prayer time.