THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Take the next step at Ada Bible Church by prayerfully considering a MEMBERSHIP CLASS! Our next opportunity is Sunday, August 17th. In this one-hour class, you will become acquainted with our story—the past, present and future. You will learn about what we believe, the process for becoming a member, and other ways to get involved. This class is a great opportunity for both new and old to Ada.
GROUP VALUES. This month, our focus is on the necessity of PRAYER. Developing a rhythm of prayer is vital to the spiritual life of a believer. This is one reason why praying is one of the most important things we can do as a small group. Sometimes, groups face challenges with prayer, both in praying together and gathering requests. Check out these tips to strengthen prayer in your group.
GROW AS A LEADER. This week, Pastor Jeff teaches us how prayer and praise are essential to the life of the church. The early church understood that rhythms of prayer and praise need to be embedded in our daily lives. We need a daily connection with God to flourish. However, prayer can be a difficult topic to unpack. We need faithful guides to teach us about prayer. Check out this sermon on prayer from Pastor Tim Keller to grow your understanding.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of our series, COURAGEOUS CHURCH. This week, we explore the early church’s commitment to prayer and praise and consider how we can commit to the same.
ICEBREAKER
Share about a time when someone spontaneously prayed for you, or with you, outside of a church setting. What made that moment stand out?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Acts 2:42-47 aloud.
What phrases or words stand out to you from this passage?
What four things were the early believers devoted to?
What was the result of their devotion to these practices?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff continued our series by exploring how the early church was devoted to prayer and praise. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Prayer and praise were vital signs of spiritual life for the early church that we can easily neglect. What does our culture tell us we need to be devoted to in order to have the good life?
What are some other signs that indicate spiritual vitality in a person’s life? In a church community?
The early church took something old (temple worship, psalms) and infused it with something new (the Holy Spirit). How have you experienced familiar Scripture or worship becoming “new” to you through spiritual growth?
The early church practiced prayer and praise in both large gatherings (temple) and small gatherings (house to house). Why are both settings important for spiritual growth?
Devotion to prayer and praise isn’t just about individual growth but community transformation. How does praying together change a group of people?
Getting comfortable with prayer in everyday moments can be challenging. What makes spontaneous prayer feel awkward or natural to you?
What would it look like for prayer and praise to become more normal and natural in your daily relationships and conversations?
What action do you need to take this week to prioritize these spiritual rhythms?
WRAP UP
As we finish discussing the early church’s devotion to prayer and praise, name one thing you need prayer for right now, and another that you can praise God for. Consider writing these down as a group and checking in throughout the week.