DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"The Lord’s Prayer, Part 1"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. We’ll put something in the middle of our circle (a candle, plant, or small cross) to remind us that God is right here with us. Let’s take a few deep breaths and open in prayer.
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- Announcement: We’re having a Prayer and Worship Night on November 8, 5-6:30PM, at the Legacy Campus. Childcare is free (need to register). Want to go together as a Group?
- What is your biggest challenge when it comes to prayer? Do you tend to focus on your requests, struggle to know what to say, find it difficult to slow down, or something else?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Matthew 6:9–10. Why do you think Jesus teaches us to begin with God's name, Kingdom, and will before asking for our daily needs?
- Read Genesis 11:4 and Genesis 12:2. What’s the difference between trying to make a name for ourselves and trusting God with our significance?
- Read Matthew 26:39. Jesus surrendered to the Father's will even when it was costly. How can his example help us trust God when his direction differs from our desires?
Go Deeper
- Whose opinion has the greatest influence on you? How can caring too much about your reputation affect your peace, relationships, or decisions?
- The message contrasts Empire (accumulation, power, and self-preservation) with Shalom (wholeness, restoration, and peace). Where do you see these competing values in your life or our culture?
- Reread Matthew 6:10. Where might you be asking God to bless your plans without first asking what he wants?
- What does it look like to invite God's Kingdom into your everyday life, where God is King? Consider your workplace, family, friendships, finances, or community.
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- What is one specific situation you will surrender to God this week? How can our group pray for you and help you live out that surrender? Take turns praying for one another.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Matthew 6:9-10, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 - His Name - Remember who God is
- Read Matthew 6:9. Before asking God for anything, name three things that are true about him (e.g. he is faithful, good, powerful, patient, or loving). Choose one characteristic and ask God to help you reflect it to others today.
- Pray: “God, remind me who you are before I focus on what I need. Let others see your goodness through me.”
- Reflect: What changes when I focus on God's character before my circumstances?
Day 2 - My Name - Release your need for recognition
- Read Genesis 11:4 and Genesis 12:2. Notice where you seek approval, recognition, or validation. Ask yourself whether you are trying to build your reputation or help others see God's goodness. Choose one action today that serves someone without seeking credit.
- Pray: “God, free me from needing everyone to know my name. Help me make your name known instead.”
- Reflect: Where am I letting other people's opinions determine my worth?
Day 3 - His Kingdom - Invite God to lead your day
- Read Matthew 6:10. Mentally walk through your day (meetings, family time, decisions, and conversations). At each step, ask, “What would it look like if God were King here?” Choose one way to serve, restore, or contribute rather than simply protect your own interests.
- Pray: “God, your Kingdom come. Show me how to serve others and bring your goodness into each situation today.”
- Reflect: Where am I insisting on having things my way?
Day 4 - His Will - Surrender your plans and timeline
- Read Matthew 26:39. Identify a plan, decision, relationship, or outcome you are trying to control. Tell God honestly what you want, then ask him to guide your next step. Practice being faithful without demanding a particular outcome or timeline.
- Pray: “God, I know what I want, but what do you want? Help me trust your direction and timing.”
- Reflect: Can I trust God even when I don't know how things will turn out?
Day 5 - All Three - Put the first half of the Lord's Prayer together
- Read Matthew 6:9–10. Spend five minutes praying through these three prompts.
- His Name: What is true about God that I need to remember?
- His Kingdom: Where do I need to welcome his leadership today?
- His Will: What do I need to release or trust him with?
- Open your hands as a physical reminder that your life belongs to God.
- Reflect: How is prayer changing not just what I ask God for, but the person who is asking?