Here's a small group guide based on the sermon from 10/19/2025:
Small Group Guide: The Power of Forgiveness
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus taught us how to pray, not what to recite.
2. The Lord's Prayer is a model for connecting with God, not a ritual to be memorized.
3. Forgiveness is crucial in our relationship with God and others.
4. Harboring unforgiveness can have serious spiritual consequences.
Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. The pastor mentioned that Jesus never instructed us to recite the Lord's Prayer verbatim. How does this change your perspective on prayer?
3. Discuss the concept of "praying like this" versus "praying this prayer." How might this affect your personal prayer life?
4. The sermon highlighted that we are forgiven by God in the same measure that we forgive others. How does this challenge you?
5. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a forgiving heart, even when it's difficult?
6. The pastor shared a personal story about praying for someone he initially harbored unforgiveness towards. Have you ever had a similar experience? Share if comfortable.
7. How does unforgiveness create separation between us and God? Can you think of examples from your own life or from Scripture?
8. Discuss the statement: "You either believe all of what this [Bible] says or you believe none of it." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, try praying the Lord's Prayer slowly and thoughtfully, focusing on each phrase's meaning.
2. Identify someone you may be harboring unforgiveness towards. Commit to praying for them daily this week.
3. Write down any areas where you struggle with forgiveness. Bring these to God in prayer, asking for His help to forgive.
4. Practice "praying like this" by using the Lord's Prayer as a model for your own heartfelt prayers.
5. Share with a trusted friend or group member about your journey in forgiveness and ask them to hold you accountable.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His forgiveness and ask for His help in extending that same forgiveness to others.
Small Group Guide: The Power of Forgiveness
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus taught us how to pray, not what to recite.
2. The Lord's Prayer is a model for connecting with God, not a ritual to be memorized.
3. Forgiveness is crucial in our relationship with God and others.
4. Harboring unforgiveness can have serious spiritual consequences.
Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. The pastor mentioned that Jesus never instructed us to recite the Lord's Prayer verbatim. How does this change your perspective on prayer?
3. Discuss the concept of "praying like this" versus "praying this prayer." How might this affect your personal prayer life?
4. The sermon highlighted that we are forgiven by God in the same measure that we forgive others. How does this challenge you?
5. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a forgiving heart, even when it's difficult?
6. The pastor shared a personal story about praying for someone he initially harbored unforgiveness towards. Have you ever had a similar experience? Share if comfortable.
7. How does unforgiveness create separation between us and God? Can you think of examples from your own life or from Scripture?
8. Discuss the statement: "You either believe all of what this [Bible] says or you believe none of it." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, try praying the Lord's Prayer slowly and thoughtfully, focusing on each phrase's meaning.
2. Identify someone you may be harboring unforgiveness towards. Commit to praying for them daily this week.
3. Write down any areas where you struggle with forgiveness. Bring these to God in prayer, asking for His help to forgive.
4. Practice "praying like this" by using the Lord's Prayer as a model for your own heartfelt prayers.
5. Share with a trusted friend or group member about your journey in forgiveness and ask them to hold you accountable.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His forgiveness and ask for His help in extending that same forgiveness to others.