We Need To Pray Just To Make It Today

In the words of one of my favorite early 90's rappers MC Hammer, "We need to pray just to make it today." Prayer is a powerful way to encounter God and give space for the Holy Spirit to work in people's lives.  Deep down we know that having a culture of prayer in our Life Groups is a determining factor of God's transforming work in group member's lives.  But we've probably all had group times that group fills up with so many other great things that the we end before we've had time to pray together. Or (if you're like me), we realize that the group is ending so we rush trough prayer requests with promises to pray for people throughout the week. Let's talk for a few minutes about some reasons to pray, and some tips for guiding the prayer request time.

WHY PRAY?

•  Prayer brings the issues before God and opens the door for Him to work in our lives.
• Prayer let's the Life Group members know what is going on in each others life and gives a chance share the load.
• Prayer gives the opportunity for vulnerability which draws the group closer to God and to each other.

3 Tips For Guiding Prayer Requests In Your Group... 

 When you enter into prayer time in your Life Group I would suggest trying this model for gathering the prayer requests:

• PRAISE: 

 We often come to God with a laundry list of requests. This has at least two unwanted effects

1.  We begin to view God as a vending machine (we put in our requests and He spits out an answer).
2. When we're constantly asking for more we forget about the prayers that He has answered and we begin to wonder if He's really working.

Starting with praises reminds the group of God's continued work in our midst and encourages us to give God the praise that He deserves.

•  PROBLEM (i.e. prayer request): 

Once the group is encouraged by the work that God is doing in their lives (because of the praises shared), try moving into requests. Ask people if there are things going on in their lives where they need God's help, His guidance, or His miraculous touch in their lives.

• PRAY: 

I'm not saying that you have to prayer for each group member every week (in some groups that I lead we prayer for each member each week, in other groups we prayer for certain people based on their prayer requests). What I am suggesting is that regular time of prayer is essential for the spiritual growth that God wants to bring to the members of your Life Group. 


How can you incorporate prayer into your group's DNA this week?

To watch the MC Hammer "PRAY" music video click here. WARNING: video may cause increased desire to pray, and a strong longing to wear parachute pants and tank tops!