080 | What kind of prayer fits?

For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this Anchor Group study with you.

⌘ Space to Belong | 5-10 minutes

Connect with one another with an ice-breaker.

🧊 If there was a 'prayer app' that could instantly deliver prayers to Heaven, what would its coolest feature be?"

(Think about all the wild features we see in apps today but applied to prayer – it could be fun imagining!)

⌘ Space to Believe | 10-15 minutes

Read and reflect on the scripture.

1 Timothy 2:1–6 (NIV) 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people…

What stands out to you? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?

⌘ Space to Become | 10-15 minutes

A. Familiarize yourself with the sermon.

In this message, Paul Durbin walks us through a portion of 1 Timothy 2, examining how Apostle Paul instructs Christians to pray. Drawing from his own experiences as a first-generation Christian, the Apostle Paul models four types of prayer: petitions (specific requests), prayers (general requests), intercession (humbly approaching the king), and thanksgiving (gratitude before the answer). The focus is not just praying for ourselves, but praying for others, including leaders. Prayer is about confidently approaching God, trusting Him with the big and small things, and giving thanks, knowing God has already overcome all.

B. Discuss one or more of the following questions.

Why do you think it's important to pray specifically (petitions) rather than vaguely?
- In the message, Paul encourages us to be bold in our petitions, making clear and specific requests like Jesus did for Peter.
- What’s the most specific prayer you’ve ever prayed, and how did God answer?
In your life right now, which situation requires a more general prayer approach?
- Sometimes, like King Jehoshaphat, we don’t know exactly what to ask for, but we lift our needs to God with open hands and trust Him.
- What areas of life or people are you holding before God in a “Lord, I trust you" kind of way?
How does recognizing God as King of Kings change how we approach Him in prayer?
- We learned that intercession is like approaching a king—but with God, we can approach with confidence, remembering that Jesus has opened the way for us.
- How does knowing God is both King and Father affect how you pray?
Why is it so hard to give thanks before we receive the answer?
- Thanksgiving reminds us that we’re praying to a God who has already overcome all challenges through the cross, and we’re called to offer thanks before seeing the outcome, like in communion.
- What’s something you can thank God for before you see the results?
How can today’s understanding of prayer help change the way you pray for others?
- Paul emphasizes that our prayers shouldn’t just be for ourselves but should include people in our lives, even leaders and those with authority over us.
- Who are some specific people or leaders you feel called to pray for this week?