Dangerous Prayers

1. The sermon started by describing feeling like we’re “spinning our spiritual wheels.” Have you ever felt stuck or felt like you weren’t growing spiritually? What have been the most significant roadblocks to your spiritual growth?

2. Read Matthew 5:48 (“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”). The sermon explained “perfect” as becoming complete or mature. What are characteristics of being spiritually complete? Read Galatians 5:22-23.

3. The sermon talked about the “Christian lite lifestyle” — fitting God into only the comfortable areas of our lives. In what areas of your life do you find it easiest to include God, and in what areas do you tend to leave Him out? Why?

4. Read Luke 17:21 (“The kingdom of God is in your midst”). Why should it matter that God’s Kingdom is already here? Do you think your daily life reflects that reality?

5. The sermon described the Lord’s Prayer as “dangerous” because it shifts our hearts away from ourselves and toward God’s. Why do you think praying “your will be done” can feel risky or dangerous? What keeps you from wanting God’s will to be done? Anxiety? Fear? Trust issues?

6. Read Matthew 26:36-39 (Jesus in Gethsemane). How does Jesus’ prayer in the garden model true surrender? What area of your life needs surrender right now?  

7. In asking God for “daily bread,” the sermon taught that it’s about daily dependence rather than long-term comfort. What makes it hard to truly depend on God daily in our culture? What would change if you trusted God as your daily provider?

8. Read Matthew 18:21–35 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant). Why do you think Jesus links our willingness to forgive others to receiving forgiveness ourselves? Is there anyone you struggle to forgive? What keeps you from giving forgiveness to someone?

9. The sermon talked about forgiveness not meaning “forgive and forget,” but rather releasing the grip of another’s sin on your heart. How might your own spiritual growth be affected if you chose to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply?

10. The Lord’s Prayer ends with “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” What kinds of spiritual testing or temptation do you find yourself most vulnerable to? How can your group pray for each other in those areas? How have you seen spiritual growth by going through a time of testing?