Gospel DNA - Bold and Courageous Prayer: Acts 4: 32-37 (Small Group Study)
Small Group Study, week commencing 24th August
Click here for a PDF version of these questions.
Read Acts 4: 32-37.
1. A common phrase we hear about faith is that it could be spelled ‘RISK’. The great man of faith Hudson Taylor wrote, “Unless there’s an element of risk in our exploits for God, there’s no need for faith.” What do you make of that?
2. What are your initial thoughts about the kind of prayers prayed here on reading the passage?
Note: The context is worth establishing here. Peter and John were preaching to the people after a crippled man had been miraculously healed. And then they are arrested. But the Sanhedrin can see the man has been healed and have nothing to say so they are set free. They go back to their people and pray.
3. The church prays corporately here (verse 24). Why is there extra value in praying together when we’re in situations needing courage and boldness?
4. The believers tell God things about himself in prayer V24(b). Ellen said that reflecting back to God things we know to be true about Him can help our praying. Why and how does that help?
5. The believers use the Bible in prayer.
They quote from an OT psalm (psalm 2) which talks about how no one can plot against God; their plots are in vain because of God’s power. Again this is a reflecting back thing, reminding themselves of who God is and what he has done in the past.
There is power as we pray God’s word back. Any practical thoughts on how you could use the Bible more in your praying?
6. Rather than protection or resolution, their prayers are for boldness and for God to work powerfully. Ellen said we naturally want to pray for our own wellbeing more than for courage!
There’s a challenge here to us about the focus of our prayers. Discuss that together as group and then encourage each other to pray some bold and courageous prayers.
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