Live It Out - Unleashed Through Prayer
Acts 4:13-31
The resurrection of Jesus begins a revolution, defeating the forces of corruption, decay, and death. From the moment of His resurrection, Jesus takes command, driving back darkness to manifest heaven on earth. He accomplishes this through you and me. This week, we will discuss how His power is unleashed when we pray.
1. As pastor James unpacked how we are Unleashed Through Prayer, what stood out to you?
2. Read Acts 4:13-18. How would you have responded if you were in this position? Why?
3. Read Acts 4:24-28. According to these verses, how did the disciples respond to the threats? The apostles begin their prayer by acknowledging God as “Sovereign Lord.” How does starting prayer with acknowledging God’s sovereignty affect how we approach difficult situations?
4. Why was it important for the early church to remind themselves of God’s past actions and His word during prayer?
5. Acts 4:29-30 shows the apostles asking for boldness, not safety. What does this teach us about aligning our prayers with God’s mission rather than personal comfort?
6. In moments of uncertainty, the apostles gathered with their community to pray. How can we build or strengthen a community that supports bold and collective prayer during challenges?
7. Pastor James said: “Prayer positions you to be unleashed.” What practical steps can we take to make prayer more central in our lives and help us live “unleashed”?
Pastor James discussed four key points that describe how we can be unleashed through prayer:
- Start with Praise, Not Problems
- Acknowledge God’s greatness. Praise God’s sovereignty.
- Align Your Heart with God’s Purpose
- Pray for boldness. Make His mission our priority.
- Ask Boldly for What Only God Can Do
- Invite God to do the impossible. Our prayers should reflect God’s limitless power.
- Live Confidently That God Will Move Through You
- Confidence comes from knowing God is already working. God will use us to make a difference in the world.
8. The apostles’ prayer was followed by action that continued to spread the message of Jesus (Acts 4:31). What does this indicate about the relationship between prayer and action?
9. There is a real danger in seeking to protect what we have instead of positioning ourselves to pursue what God wants us to overcome. If God had answered all the prayers you have prayed this past year, who would have benefited from it?
10. It’s a mistake to think the Holy Spirit only wants to heal you, comfort you, and encourage you. God wants to do MORE. He wants to unleash you through prayer. The Spirit is upon you to make Possible the IMPOSSIBLE. People don’t need to just hear about God’s LOVE; they need to see the POWER OF GOD THROUGH YOU!!!!! Have you stopped praying, seeking, or taking steps of faith because things seem too far gone? Will you start expecting big things from God again? Would you start praying bold, audacious prayers, believing that God can do the extraordinary through you?
As a group, take some time to pray for the expansion offering. Pray for the people whose lives will be changed by our location in Deland, our new location in Daytona, and the 100 churches around the world. Ask God to give you the eyes to see how our world will change as we partner with Him to bring Heaven to earth. Finally, ask God to show you how He wants you to participate in the expansion offering in December.