Praying on Purpose - Praising Intentionally

Introduction:

How can we intentionally praise the Lord? (Ps 96)

1. Praise the Lord Freshness . (Ps 96:1-3)
2. Praise the Lord Assurance . (Ps 96:4-6)

   Psalm 149:3-4 - Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

3. Praise the Lord Community . (Ps 96:7-10)
4. Praise the Lord Expectation . (Ps 96:11-13)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Psalm 96

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think praise is unintentionally left out of prayers? How can you be sure to include praise before petitions?
   

3. Of the four ways to help us intentionally praise (freshness, assurance, community and expectation) which one do you need to focus on?
   

4. What idol in your life has stolen/is stealing praise from God? Why do people praise idols and why is it ultimately foolish?
   

5. Do you have an example where someone else’s praise of the Lord helped you?
   

6. Bonus: On a scale of 1 – 10, how satisfied are you with your ability to praise God?

Breakout
Pray for one another!

Praying on Purpose - Praying for Perspective

Introduction:

(Psalm 73)

Wicked arrogant people seem to Prosper, and that really bothers me. (Ps 73:1-12)

How God's Presence Makes Things OK that Aren't OK (Ps 73:16-28)

1. God's presence makes me see the Big Picture . (Ps 73:17b-20)
2. God's Presence Exposes My Foolish Thinking . (Ps 73:21-22)
3. God's presence reminds me that He is what I Want . (Ps 73:23-26)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Psalm 73

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever been bothered by arrogant and wicked people prospering? How did that affect you?
   

3. Read Psalm 73:15 again. Why is it important that you are careful to not just air all of your theological frustrations? Is it ever appropriate to share your frustrations? If so, how?
   

4. How can you turn your envy of the wicked into pity (and prayer) for the wicked?

Breakout
Pray for one another!
Pray for a constant prayer habit that keeps your perspective where it needs to be.

Why Jesus? Getting Ready for Work

Introduction:

Three Questions to Ask Yourself When You Are Out of Energy (Hebrews 13:18-25)

1. Do I have people Praying for me? (Heb 13:18-19)

   Three Lifehacks to Get People to Pray for You:

   1. Be worth praying for. (Heb 13:18bc)
   2. Give a Request worth praying for. (Heb 13:19)
   3. Ask with Confidence in the power of prayer. (Heb 13:19)
2. Am I trying to do everything in my Own Strength ? (Heb 13:20-21)
3. Have I Isolated myself? (Heb 13:22-25)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 13:18-25

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Feeling spiritually gassed? Which of these 3 things (prayers from others, walking in the Spirit, and fellowship in the body) do you feel most lacking in your life right now? How are you going to go after it?
   

3. Why is in-person worship and fellowship so vital to your walk? How can “only going to church online” rob you of blessing?
   

4. Have you ever been asked to pray for something you felt you shouldn’t pray for? How did you respond? Why is it important to give people good reasons to pray for you (Heb 13:18-19)?

Breakout
Pray for one another!

Why Jesus? Follow the Leaders

Introduction:

5 Habits of Highly Victorious Christians (Hebrews 13:7-17)

1. They Imitate the faith of the faithful. (Heb 13:7-8)
2. They Fact-check all bible teaching. (Heb 13:9)
3. They manage their Expectations . (Heb 13:10-14)
4. They view worship as Sacrifice . (Heb 13:15-16)
5. They Obey their leaders. (Heb 13:17a)

   John 13:20 - Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 13:7-17

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Name someone that you see as living a victorious Christian life. What about their faith should you imitate (Heb 13:7-8)?
   

3. Why do you think discernment is such a weakness in the church today? How can you grow in discernment (Heb 13:9)?
   

4. If you disagree with a decision made by church leadership, what’s the best way to address that (Heb 13:17)?

Breakout
Pray for one another!

Why Jesus? Love Right.

Introduction:

Three Things Jesus-Followers Should Be Known For (Hebrews 13:1-6)

1. Compassion : We look for people to Love . (Heb 13:1-3)

   Five Reasons to Not Show Compassion:

   1. Maybe it's their own fault.
   2. Maybe they should suffer to teach them a lesson.
   3. Maybe they won't appreciate my help. (I've helped before and got burned!)
   4. Maybe they'll waste what I give them.
   5. Maybe I got my own problems to deal with.

   One Reason to Show Compassion:

   1. Jesus
2. Covenant : We believe Marriage is a great thing. (Heb 13:4)
3. Contentment : We have all we Need . (Heb 13:5-6)

   Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 13:1-6

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What do you think HBC is known for?
   

3. What are some practical ways that you can show hospitality to strangers?
   

4. How would you answer this question: why is sex only for married people (Heb 13:4)?
   

5. In what areas do you struggle with contentment (Heb 13:5)?

Breakout
Pray for one another, and pray for HBC to be a church known for compassion, covenant, and contentment.