Focusing on the book of Nehemiah, Brad Jones challenges us to change our order of thinking when faced with adversity. Instead of seeking counsel from everyone around us or trying to deal with things on our own and then pleading with God when that fails us, Brad empowers us to pray and fast as the prophet Nehemiah did, prayer being his first response.
Key Takeaway
Prayer and fasting have the power to change your life and the lives of those around you.
1.) Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.
Through the book of Nehemiah, we see Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king, immediately turn to God in prayer. He started praying, and did not stop praying.
2.) Prayer and fasting doesn't just move the heart of God, but it moves us.
Nehemiah prayed for help and opportunity. Have we asked God to send us? We can shift our thinking from noticing what we would be giving up and instead, we can think of everything we would gain from following Jesus. God wants to answer your prayers, but He also wants to put an assignment on your life.
3.) Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
We are called to call on heaven on the behalf of those who hurt us. We don't have the power to change others, but God does, and our enemies could become kingdom-builders.
4.) When we face opposition, we don't stop praying.
There are moments and trials that make us want to give up, but we need people devoted to prayer. (Colossians 4:2) Be willing to get vulnerable with someone else and ask for prayer when faced with opposition.
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Through prayer, we can fight and contend for ourselves and others, but we must remember that the unrivaled, victorious God of all creation is fighting for us.
Discussion Questions
Do you ever struggle with prayer because you feel as if your words aren't impressive or eloquent? How can you shift this thinking?
How does prayer play a part in your response to crisis? Do you pray first or pray later?
How has prayer and fasting moved your heart?
How has God used you to answer the prayer of another?
Have you asked God to use you recently? How can you add this into your daily routine of prayer?
Is there someone in your life that you perceive to be your enemy? How can you work toward praying for them?
How have you seen God change the life of someone that you used to have animosity toward?
When we faced with opposition, have you ever responded with continuous prayer?
Do you pray continually for those around you? How can you improve this practice?
Do you find it hard to be vulnerable with the people around you? Who can you trust with your prayer requests?