Pastor Chris reminded us about the power of prayer, especially for those who are in leadership, can have a profound effect on lowering our anxiety levels.
MY STORY
Name someone in power for whom it is easy to pray. Does this person tend to cause you more or less anxiety than others in power? Explain.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:1- 4)
Read Luke 12:49-53. Jesus says He comes to bring division on earth. How do we reconcile this with living peaceful and quiet lives? What does it mean to live peacefully, or at least with internal peace, when we're facing the anxiety caused by the division in our culture?
What does it mean to include the Holy Spirit in the decision-making process?
Why do we need to follow this directive about praying for those in authority regardless of the ruler in power? (If you need a hint, see 1 Peter 2:13-14.)
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Chris said, "Today is an opportunity to reject all other gospels, the gospel of your political party, the gospel of your favorite politician, the gospel of the American dream, the gospel of your financial security. "
How does the placement of trust in a false Gospel only increase our worry and anxiety?
What does it look like to pray for someone who has authority over you, with whom you fundamentally disagree? How can doing this help our anxiety levels?
List out all the leaders (you're aware of) who currently have some degree of authority over your life. Spend some time as a group praying for these people.
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
How would you grade your life on the "peaceful and quiet" scale?
What would it take for your life to get to the next level of peaceful and quiet? How could praying impact this movement?
What are currently do, consistently, that is pleasing to God? What's needed to keep this up, or perhaps do it even more frequently?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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