Pray, Part 3: Ask
March 16, 2025

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Message Review

People have different experiences and comfort levels with prayer, but many are drawn to it when they need to ask for something. Yet, this raises questions—why doesn’t God always answer? Are some requests off-limits? Is there a right way to ask? Jesus teaches prayer is about dependence on God, not just getting what we want. He encourages bold, persistent prayer, reminding us that God, as a loving Father, provides what we truly need—especially Himself. Through prayer, we present our requests to God and deepen our trust in Him.

 Main Point | Asking is more about getting the Giver than the gift.

Scripture References | Luke 11:1-13; James 4:3; 2 Corinthians 8:-9a; Proverbs 15:29; James 5:16; Mark 11:23-24; James 1:6-8; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Luke 11:1-13. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

·      Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the original intent in this passage? What are this passage's main point(s), and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon, and why?

  • What is something you have asked for in prayer that was answered in a surprising way? How did that experience shape your view of prayer?

  • Have you ever hesitated to ask for help from God or others? What usually stops you from asking?

  • Jesus teaches that God is a good Father who desires to give good gifts. How does this compare to your experiences of asking for things from people in your life?

  • Read Luke 11:5-8, the parable of the persistent friend. What stands out to you about this story? Why do you think Jesus emphasizes “shameless audacity” (or persistence) in asking? Have you ever been persistent in prayer? What was the outcome?

  • Read James 4:3 – What do you think it means to ask with the right motives? How can we align our requests with God’s will?

  • Read Philippians 4:6-7 –How does asking God for things help relieve anxiety? What role does thanksgiving play in our prayer life?

  • How have you responded when God’s answer to a prayer wasn’t what you expected?

  • What is something you need from God right now? How can you boldly and persistently bring it to Him in prayer?

  • Are you missing the Giver because you're focused on the gift?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.