THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Take the next step at Ada Bible Church by prayerfully considering a MEMBERSHIP CLASS! 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 of becoming a member and other ways to get involved. This class is a great opportunity for those both new and old to Ada. To register, click HERE.
MONTHLY THEME. This January, we are focusing on the value of providing a SAFE ENVIRONMENT. We want group members to feel welcome and open to talk about life, faith and struggles. One way to foster a safe environment is to encourage members to open up. Take time this week to affirm any member (especially those who usually struggle) when they share.
GROW AS A LEADER. One of our core small group values is SHARE LIFE. God created us with a desire for community. Small Groups help build life-giving relationships by cultivating loving environments where people can share life’s joys and struggles. These environments are made as we value and respect each person through consistent opportunities to encourage, challenge and care for one another. This January, consider returning to your Small Group Covenant to see how your group is accomplishing this core value. Reach out to your Small Groups staff member if you need a new copy.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to this week’s message, “Hope through Honest Prayer.” This week, we explore how David’s raw and honest prayer in Psalm 142 teaches us to bring our complaints, requests and trust to God during difficult seasons.
ICEBREAKER
What’s the most complicated thing you’ve ever tried to assemble? How did it turn out?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Psalm 142:1-7 aloud.
What stands out to you about the passage?
What specific requests does David make of God?
How does David’s perspective shift from the beginning to the end of the psalm?
What does this psalm reveal about the character of God?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Brad Holmes showed us how David’s prayer in Psalm 142 provides a roadmap for bringing our honest emotions to God. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
How do people in our culture typically handle their complaints and frustrations during difficult circumstances?
Why do you think many Christians hesitate to bring their complaints to God? How does David’s example challenge these hesitations?
What’s the difference between complaining about God and complaining to God? How can we maintain a posture of respect while being honest about our struggles?
David asks God to “look and see” his situation. Why is it significant to ask God to see us in our difficulties, even though he already knows everything?
David chose to lean on God rather than withdraw when things got difficult. What tempts us to pull away from God and others during hard times?
How has God proven himself trustworthy in your past circumstances? How might remembering these experiences help during current struggles?
One of the greatest pieces of evidence for trusting God is found in Jesus’s death on the cross. How does Jesus’s death and resurrection encourage us to trust in God, no matter the circumstances?
What current situation do you need to “pour out” completely before God instead of holding back? Take time as a group to pray about each other’s current struggles, following David’s pattern of honest prayer combined with declaring trust in God.
WRAP UP
Which of David’s three responses (complain, ask or trust) do you find most challenging to practice? What’s one practical way you can grow in that response this week?