The Lord's Prayer, Part 2 Group Guide

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. Then, let’s take a few deep breaths and open in prayer.
• Announcement: Let’s jump into the Prayer Challenge together. We’ll aim to pray for 5 minutes (or more) each day for 40 days. You can find more resources at www.chaseoaks.org/prayer to incorporate prayer in your daily practices.
• For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
• What tends to disorient you most in life? How do you typically respond when things feel out of control?

Reflect on God’s Word

• Read Matthew 6:7–8. If God already knows what we need, why do you think he still wants us to pray?
• Read Matthew 6:11 and Exodus 16:4–5. What makes it difficult to depend on God one day at a time instead of trying to secure everything for the future?
• Read Matthew 6:12 and 1 John 1:9. How does asking and receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins help us move beyond guilt and shame?

• Eric described prayer as a way of drawing closer to God rather than pulling God toward our agenda. How does that change the way you think about prayer?
• Reread Matthew 6:11. What is one area where you need God's provision right now? It might be wisdom, patience, strength, finances, support, or something else.
• Reread Matthew 6:12. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What might it look like to release what you feel they owe you, even if reconciliation isn't possible?
• Read Matthew 6:13. What temptations, habits, or blind spots are most likely to pull you away from God? How can prayer help you recognize and resist them?
• What would change in your life if you spent five intentional minutes with God every day? What might help you stay consistent with the 40-day Prayer Challenge?

• What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
• The message introduces three simple prayers: Help! Thanks! Wow! Take turns each sharing about one of these three things and spend some time praying for one another.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEE

“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:11-13, NIV)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)

• Read Matthew 6:11 and Exodus 16:4–5. Identify one need you are carrying today. It could be wisdom, strength, patience, financial provision, or emotional support. Bring it honestly to God instead of trying to handle everything on your own.
• Reflect: Where am I relying on myself instead of depending on God?
• Pray, “God, I need you today. Give me what I need for this day and help me trust you one step at a time.”

• Read Psalm 23:1 and Philippians 4:19. Think about the ways God has provided for you recently. Write down three things you are grateful for, including something ordinary that you might normally take for granted.
• Reflect: What blessings have I overlooked because I am focused on what I don't have?
• Pray, “God, thank you for the ways you provide for me. Help me notice your goodness and trust you with what I still need.”

• Read Matthew 6:12 and 1 John 1:9. Ask God to show you where you need to confess a specific attitude, word, or action. Receive his forgiveness, then consider whether there is someone you need to forgive. Remember, forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation or restoring trust.
• Reflect: What guilt or resentment do I need to bring to God?
• Pray, “God, forgive me where I have fallen short. Help me receive your grace and extend that same grace to others.”

• Read Matthew 6:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:13. Identify a temptation, unhealthy pattern, or situation where you are vulnerable. Ask God to help you recognize it before it leads you in the wrong direction. Consider one practical step you can take to avoid it.
• Reflect: What is one situation where I need God's guidance and protection?
• Pray, “God, guide my steps today. Protect me from what will harm me and give me strength to choose what is right.”

Day 5 – Daily Prayer: Make prayer a regular rhythm

• Read Matthew 6:9–13 and Philippians 4:6–7. Set aside five minutes to pray through the entire Lord's Prayer. Bring God your needs, confess where you have fallen short, ask for protection, and thank him for his faithfulness. Choose a consistent time and place to continue this practice.
• Reflect: What would help me make prayer a consistent part of my everyday life?
• Pray “HELP! THANKS! WOW!” Tell God where you need help, what you are thankful for, and what amazes you about him.