Prayer for Open Doors and Open Mouths

Prayer for Open Doors and Open Mouths

By Richard Smith

2-23-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how last week’s WORD and discussion strengthened your praying this week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Colossians 4:3-4 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and reflections of the sermon.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. How can we reconcile the idea of the gospel as a ‘mystery’ with its seemingly straightforward message?

4. How might our understanding of prayer change if we viewed it as ‘boring holes’ into spiritual rock, as described by O. Hallensby?

5. Pastor Richard mentioned that “prayer becomes meaningful when you understand the purpose of prayer is to engage in the impossible.” How does this perspective change the way you think about prayer?

6. Paul asks for prayer to proclaim the gospel clearly, despite being a gifted communicator. What does this teach us about humility and dependence on God in our own ministries?

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

7. What specific ‘open doors’ might God be calling us to pray for in our own lives, communities, or on a global scale?

8. Examine your own participation in praying with and for the ministries of our church to have open doors and open mouths. What is one way you can get more involved?